Educational Science (MA)

About the programme

The programme is designed to provide students with an overview of how society and education work, and with an understanding of human and organisational behaviour. Students will gain a working knowledge of how to think and act as a social scientist. They will gain an overview of the current research trends and findings, and learn effective strategies, as well as methods of learning and instruction (e.g. collaboration, problem-based learning, using ICT for teaching and learning, and teaching with the understanding of student diversity). Their continuing professional development will be supported by the perspectives, methods, and tools, and the knowledge of the most important professional issues of the research and the processes of learning they acquire in the programme.

Level of the programme: Master programme

Duration of the programme: 4 semesters

Registered in: EU

Credits: 120

Who should apply?

Applications are accepted from college or university graduates. Both oral and written competence in the English language is required for entry into the programme. The programme is recommended for those who wish to gain a comprehensive overview of schooling as well as the individual and social processes of learning and instruction, and for those who would like to develop their research skills, and further their expertise by becoming familiar with the newest research methods and findings, and for those who wish to understand the nature of phenomena and the methods and instruments with which they are examined.

Application requirements: 

Former studies

National regulations define two alternative requirements regarding previous studies for eligibility to apply. Either (1) or (2) below must be fulfilled.

Validation of work experience is not possible in lieu of higher education studies.

The original diploma and diploma supplements (transcripts) must be submitted as well as their certified English translations when applying.

(1) A bachelor's degree in one of the following fields: Pedagogy (Education); Andragogy; Community Coordination; Social Pedagogy; Psychology; Conductive Education; Primary School Teaching; Pre-School Teaching; Special Needs Education; or Infant and Early Childhood Education. - Please note that teacher training for lower or upper secondary schooling is not included in this list.

(2) For holders of degrees other than those listed in (1): a bachelor's degree (or higher) and the completion of at least 50 credits (either 50 ECTS credits or equalling 1500 hours of study work in and outside the classroom) in higher education in the following disciplinary areas: Education and/or Psychology and/or Andragogy and/or Sociology and/or Law and/or Social Sciences and/or Economics and/or Health Science. 

A review of the prerequisite studies is part of the admission procedure. However, such a review can be requested before submitting the application. (Inquiries should be sent to Dr Edit Katalin Molnár via email at: molnar@edpsy.u-szeged.hu with the scans of the relevant diplomas and diploma supplements/transcripts attached or linked).

English proficiency

At least B2 (CEFR); 6.5 (IELTS) or equivalent; the proof of proficiency must be issued by an established, internationally recognised language examination body.  

If the medium of instruction was English in the higher education programme the applicant graduated from, it is possible to provide an official declaration of this by the Registrar’s Office of the college/university that issued the diploma in lieu of the language exam.

Entrance exam

An oral exam is given within an interview. The oral exam is the applicant's presentation of a topic in education in 15 minutes. Before the exam, the applicant should choose their topic, search and read academic/scientific literature, create a presentation complete with slides, and discuss their topic and presentation with the interviewer. The interview focuses on the applicant’s motivation, background, and plans related to education. It is guided by the questions of the interviewer. During the exam and the interview, the applicant should speak freely (not recite, not read). The interviewer assesses the applicant’s familiarity with the chosen topic of education, as well as the research, presentation, and English language skills demonstrated.

Programme structure

The 120 credits of the programme are divided as follows:

60 credits: core studies

20 credits: research and thesis writing

40 credits: specialisation – Possible streams include Early Childhood Education, Assessment and Evaluation, and Compensatory Education. Of these streams, one or two are run for each class. The streams to be run are chosen based on student preferences.

Career opportunities

This degree is useful in the management or research of learning and instruction, in positions that require educational expertise, deep understanding, and systemic thinking. Graduates often find work in research institutes, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, regional and local educational administration, and companies in the field of education

Start of the programme: September of each year

Tuition fee: 2200 EUR (Please kindly note that after being accepted, non-EU applicants will need to pay 2 semesters' tuition fee together for the first academic year. For further information you can contact us at: internationaloffice.btk@szte.hu)

Application fee: 79 EUR (non-refundable)

Entrance Exam fee: 250 EUR (non-refundable)

For more information please visit the programme website (https://www.edu.u-szeged.hu/nt/hu/?q=en/educational-science-MA) or contact Dr. Edit Katalin Molnár at molnar@edpsy.u-szeged.hu