Introduction

The Master’s degree programme in Pedagogy with an Emphasis on Didactics and Leadership is a post-graduate and research-based course of study in the field of educational science/pedagogy. The study programme, anchored in national and international practices and research, analyses pedagogical activities in education and training at various levels, including nurseries, primary and secondary schools, adult education, and training and instruction in the public and private sectors.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

Applicants must have teaching qualifications or a Bachelor’s degree with relevant specialisation of at least 80 ECTS, which is based on the eligibility requirements set out in the Telemark University College Regulations Concerning Master’s Degrees § 3. In order to apply for the Master’s degree study programme, applicants must meet one of the following admission requirements:

- General Teacher Education; Pre-School Teacher Education; or equivalent

- A Bachelor’s degree

- Norwegian Cand. Mag. degree

- Other degrees or vocational qualifications of minimum 3 years’ duration

- Educational qualifications which must be in accordance with § 3-4 of the Act relating to Universities and Colleges and approved as equivalent to the above degrees

- Grade C or 2.7 in pedagogy/relevant specialisation

Aim of the Programme

The aim of the study programme is to provide expertise in pedagogy and in the core areas of didactics and leadership for organisations in the areas of education, training and research, where insight and reflection upon didactic learning processes are central. The study programme is practice-related in that it has pedagogical practice both as a starting point and aim.

At the same time, the study programme has its foundation in the science of education, educational theory and fundamental ideas; topics such as general didactics, subject didactics, vocational education, leadership, scientific theory and research methods constitute significant core material. In addition, students will pursue theoretical specialisation in selected areas.

Working with subject literature and on the thesis should provide students with a foundation for understanding and analysing educational practices; they will also be able to reflect on teaching and leadership of learning processes, and in relation to the positions they will hold in the future.

Learning outcome

After successfully completing the study programme, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The candidate has knowledge:

- Within the discipline of pedagogy, with special insight into leadership and didactics

- Of the education concept and its relevance today in the context of the history of the discipline pedagogy and its traditions, uniqueness and role in society

- Scientific theories and research methods relevant to the discipline of pedagogy

Skills

The candidate can:

- Analyse and think critically about various sources of information and apply them in order to structure and formulate ideas on the subject

- Analyse theories, methods and interpretations relevant to research in the field of pedagogy and work independently on problem-solving

- Explain the origin of didactics, its development and scientific foundation in an educational-theoretical and cultural-scientific tradition

- Assess the relationship between leadership, quality and learning processes

- Complete an independent research project in accordance with current research-ethical norms

General competence

The candidate can:

- Analyse research-ethical issues relevant to the field of didactics and leadership

- Apply research-based knowledge and skills and contribute to innovation in the leadership of knowledge organisations

- Communicate comprehensive independent work; master pedagogical expressions and communicate issues related to the subject in the context of pedagogy, didactics and leadership

Curriculum and structure

The Master’s study programme is structured as follows:

The general component is implemented in the first and second semesters and prepares the student (and is a prerequisite) for writing his/her Master’s thesis. A pilot project and field study is an integral part of the general component.

The specialisation component includes professionally oriented subject choices that will be studied in the third semester, together with the Master’s thesis (written in the fourth semester).

The language of instruction is Norwegian, but guest lecturers may lecture in English.

Internationalization

Parts of the study programme and the Master’s thesis may be pursued abroad, dependent on agreement.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Lectures, seminars, group work, field work.

Assessment Methods

Term papers, field work, professional articles, Master’s thesis.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean