Evidence-based Education

Program description:
The MSc in Evidence-based Education at the University of Groningen is an innovative and rigorous program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to improve educational practice through the application of scientific evidence. This program emphasizes the importance of rigorous research methods, critical appraisal of educational research, and the integration of empirical findings into educational decision-making processes. Throughout the program, students will explore a wide range of topics including educational psychology, research design, data analysis, and the dissemination of scientific evidence in educational settings. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, preparing graduates to work as researchers, policymakers, or practitioners committed to enhancing educational quality based on solid evidence. Students will engage in interdisciplinary coursework, collaborate on research projects, and develop competencies in evaluating and translating educational research into effective interventions and policies. The program also offers opportunities for internships and collaborations with educational institutions and organizations, providing real-world experience. Graduates of this program will be well-positioned to contribute to the development of evidence-based educational practices, influence policy decisions, and drive innovation in various educational contexts. The University of Groningen's commitment to academic excellence, research integrity, and societal impact ensures that graduates are prepared to meet the challenges of modern education with scientific rigor and ethical responsibility.

Program Content: Evidence-based Education at the University of Groningen

The Evidence-based Education master's program at the University of Groningen is designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to enhance educational practices through rigorous research and data analysis. The program emphasizes a scientific approach to understanding what works in education, encouraging students to critically evaluate educational interventions, policies, and practices based on empirical evidence.

Students will explore various research methodologies, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods, to conduct effective and ethical investigations into educational questions. The curriculum covers core topics such as research design, statistical analysis, data interpretation, and the critical appraisal of existing research literature. Throughout the program, students learn to apply these skills to real-world educational settings, working on projects that address current challenges in schools, universities, and other educational organizations.

A significant component of the program involves developing students’ ability to translate research findings into practical recommendations for educators and policymakers. This bridge between theory and practice ensures that graduates are prepared to contribute to evidence-based decision-making processes in diverse educational environments.

In addition to academic coursework, students engage in internships and collaborative projects with schools, education agencies, and research institutes. These practical experiences foster a deeper understanding of the complexities of implementing evidence-based practices in real-world contexts. The program also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in research and the responsible use of data.

Graduates of this program will be well-prepared for careers in educational research, policy analysis, program evaluation, and consultancy. They will have the skills to critically assess existing educational programs, design and conduct their own research projects, and effectively communicate findings to stakeholders. The Evidence-based Education master’s program at the University of Groningen offers a rigorous and comprehensive education that prepares students to contribute to the continuous improvement of educational quality through evidence.

Admission requirements

The applicants who meet all the requirements stated above will be invited to a Skype/Facetime interview with the admission board. In this interview the antecedents of the candidate will be discussed in depth. Note: the availability of a webcam is necessary for this interview. Also make sure to have your passport with you.

Other requirements

1. intake gesprek The applicants who meet all the requirements stated above will be invited to a Skype/Facetime interview with the admission board. In this interview the antecedents of the candidate will be discussed in depth. Note: the availability of a webcam is necessary for this interview. Also make sure to have your passport with you.
2. minimum kennis (ISPAC: overige vereisten) The official language of the programme is English. Non-native English speakers must provide evidence of satisfactory results for one of the following standard tests: TOEFL: ≥ 580 paper-based test, ≥ 237 computer-based test; ≥ 93 internet-based; IELTS (Academic): ≥ Band 6.5. Official test results must be supplied. Please note, we do not accept Institutional TOEFL results as evidence of English proficiency. Good basic knowledge on statistics must be proven by means of a mandatory statistics test. The link to an online diagnostic test will be made available on this website in December. Applications submitted before that will be conditional on the statistics test.
3. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) University BA- of BSc in the Educational Sciences or in one of the other Social Sciences. Good knowledge of research methodology, basic statistics and educational psychology.
4. schriftelijk verzoek Please register through StudieLink. After you have submitted your details in Studielink, you will receive an e-mail with the information necessary to activate your user account for OAS (the Online Application System). See the following website for some guidance in OAS: http://www.rug.nl/education/international-students/application-procedure/ Please upload the following documents in OAS: * a certified copy of the (Bachelor) diploma on the basis of which you ask admission to our programme (both original language and translated in English) * a certified copy of your transcript of records (both original language and translated in English) * a certified copy of your results for one of the mentioned English tests (exc. for native speakers) * a copy of your passport or ID card * a letter of motivation * two references Please send all documents to: Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Admissions Office, Faculteit Gedrags- en Maatschappijwetenschappen, Broerstraat 5, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands. If you have any doubts about your application, please contact us at: bss.msc.admission@rug.nl. Write (type) a letter (no larger than one A4 sheet) explaining your motivation to follow this programme. You should consider at least the following topics: * Your motivation to study education at a Master's level; * Relevant study and/or work experience; * Areas of particular interest in education; * Career perspectives and in what way completing this Master's programme would contribute to accomplish them.

Financing for the MSc in Evidence-based Education at the University of Groningen is primarily structured through a combination of government grants, student loans, and personal funding options. The Dutch government offers various bursaries and scholarship programs to support both Dutch and international students pursuing master's degrees. International students may also be eligible for student financial aid from their home countries or specific international scholarship programs facilitated by the university or external organizations. The university provides detailed guidance on application procedures for these funding sources on their official website, ensuring prospective students can identify suitable financial support options. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities such as Erasmus+ grants, which support mobility and study projects across Europe. The program fees are published annually and are subject to change; students typically pay tuition fees for the duration of their studies, with options to pay in installments. Part-time work during studies is a common way for students to supplement their income, and the university's location in Groningen offers many opportunities for employment in various sectors. The university also provides financial advice and support services to help students plan their finances effectively, including budgeting workshops and consultations. International students should note that they might incur additional costs such as health insurance, travel, and accommodation, which must be considered in their overall budget. The university's commitment to accessible education ensures that students are informed of all available financial options, enabling them to pursue the MSc in Evidence-based Education without unnecessary financial barriers.

Evidence-based Education at the University of Groningen is a specialized master's program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to improve educational practices through the rigorous application of scientific research. The program emphasizes understanding how educational interventions and policies can be refined by applying empirical evidence, thus promoting more effective and efficient learning environments. Students in this program explore various research methodologies, data analysis techniques, and critical appraisal skills to assess the quality and applicability of educational research.

The curriculum integrates theoretical foundations with practical application, enabling students to translate research findings into real-world educational settings. This involves analyzing current educational challenges, designing evidence-based solutions, and evaluating their impact. The program also focuses on fostering a critical mindset toward existing educational theories and practices, encouraging continuous learning and adaptation based on emerging evidence.

Participants have the opportunity to engage in research projects, internships, and collaborations with educational institutions and organizations. This hands-on approach helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, preparing graduates to become effective policymakers, educators, researchers, and consultants within the education sector. The program is tailored for those who aim to contribute to improving educational outcomes through scientific inquiry, and it prepares students for careers both within academia and in practical educational settings.

The University of Groningen’s Evidence-based Education program is characterized by interdisciplinary teaching, integrating insights from psychology, pedagogy, research methodology, and policy analysis. Students learn to critically evaluate educational research literature, understand various implementation contexts, and develop evidence-based strategies tailored to specific educational challenges. Graduates are well-equipped to advance evidence-informed decision-making processes in schools, educational agencies, and government bodies.

Overall, the master's program prepares students to become leadership figures in the movement toward more scientifically grounded education practices. It contributes to the broader goal of fostering lifelong learning and evidence-driven improvement of education systems worldwide. The program duration typically spans one or two years, depending on the chosen track and prior academic background. Students benefit from the university’s extensive research facilities, expert faculty, and a vibrant academic community that emphasizes innovation, critical thinking, and societal impact.