The Master of Science in Educational Studies offers a research-oriented programme providing broad expertise related to the field of education. The faculty offers a challenging and dynamic study environment with research-based education of high academic quality.

About the programme:

Great education is much more than effective teaching. The Master of Educational Studies (MESE) is a research-based programme that presents multiple methodological and theoretical approaches around educational issues. The MESE is not a teacher training programme, but aims to offer educational professionals academic insights in contemporary educational issues such as school reforms, intercultural diversity, international policies, etc. 

• You acquire a thorough understanding of educational approaches and methodologies.

• You develop the necessary competencies and skills to conduct educational research, design instruments, develop training modules, guide and evaluate innovation processes.

• You gain insight into instructional psychology, school development, professional and continuing education and educational policies.

There is a separate one-year preparatory programme and one-year master’s programme. Students perform educational research, design instruments, develop training modules and curricula, guide and evaluate innovation processes, and engage with the historical and global aspects of education.

Master's thesis:

The culmination of the Master of Educational Studies is the Master’s Thesis. This is a research study in which you demonstrate your ability to compile a state-of-the-art literature review, apply the discipline-specific research method and formulate relevant and research-based conclusions. You get the opportunity to work with KU Leuven professors and PhD students on their research.

Admission requirements:

You must have obtained an academic bachelor’s degree in educational science, pedagogical science or social welfare science. Most students enter the master’s programme via the preparatory programme. Holders of a bachelor's degree in the humanities or social sciences, any other bachelor’s degree in combination with a teaching qualification or any master's or doctoral degree will be admitted to the master after successful completion of the preparatory programme.

You should have a good command of both spoken and written English.

Student profile:

• You want to develop a research-based understanding of educational processes, taking into account the various factors that play a role at the level of day-to-day practice, organisation, educational policy and society.

• You are driven by a will to learn how to optimise education through more advanced, evidence-based practices and policies.

• You have a sound methodological competence, a good basic knowledge of theoretical frameworks and basic insights in the historical, philosophical, socio-economical and socio-cultural embeddedness of educational processes and dynamics.

Studying is considered a full time job. A student is expected to spend about 50 hours a week on their studies (going to classes, preparing courses, reading texts, studying etc.).

Career perspectives:

Graduates pursue careers as educational advisors, coordinators or managers in schools or in other educational settings. They are also qualified to play a role in the design and implementation of educational policies, in labour organisations and organisations concerned with vocational and professional education, as well as in community education and lifelong learning. Successful graduates may go on to undertake a PhD and embark on an academic career.