Master of Educational Sciences

A MSc in Educational Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel is a scientist who specialises in guidance and support of change processes and the design of (digital) learning environments in educational settings. Educationalists investigate and provide support and coaching for teachers, trainers, educators, managers, and policy makers in education to ensure that ‘learning and development’ take place in the best possible conditions, in line with predefined educational goals. Based on this expertise, the educationalist contributes to (1) improving the educational practices of individual teachers or trainers, (2) improving individual and collective learning for educational staff and their students, (3) improving the pedagogical approach of schools and educational organisations, and (4) strengthening (dimensions of) an educational system.

Within an international and multicultural learning environment, the educationalist at the VUB specialises in research, design and support of change and innovation processes involving the initiation, implementation and continuation of educational practices and policies. In the field, they often act as change agents and facilitators, operating in close collaboration with professionals and relevant stakeholders. The principles applied by educationalists endorse the principles of Free Inquiry on a humanistic basis of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and, moreover, include an emancipatory vision of human development within a dynamic society.

Within the full complexity of authentic educational settings, the educationalist can:
1. show an in-depth understanding of theories, models, and practices in the educational field, as well as in supporting scientific disciplines, and apply them into concrete educational practices.
2. analyse complex problems in the domain of educational change and innovation and formulate a justified, evidence-informed approach to provide sustainable solutions.
3. design, initiate, implement, and evaluate evidence-informed educational interventions.
4. independently formulate an educational problem statement and scientific questions considering ethical-deontological aspects, using appropriate scientific research methods, analyse and critically interpret the results to make their own contribution to the academic and professional field.
5. analyse complex educational topics within the broader socio-economic, cultural and global context by considering multiple perspectives to take up a reasoned position (openminded and without prejudice) in societal debates.
6. engage in continuous personal and professional development and develop an attitude to take action in seeking out opportunities for growth and lifelong learning to broaden insights in the evolving field of educational sciences.
7. communicate evidence-informed insights as well as facilitate effective interaction and foster collaborative understanding among relevant stakeholders.
8. work together or independently in a multidisciplinary team as well as a diverse and international context and take on a leading role as a change agent and educational expert.
9. reflect critically on one’s own interventions and those of others and is aware of the limitations of (one’s own) scientific contributions.