The Faculty of Education has a brand new structured Master’s degree on offer. The structured Master’s degree in Higher Education Studies offers an opportunity to further the profile of individuals interested in teaching and learning in the higher education environment.
Why enrol for this degree?
Academics at institutions of higher education will benefit from this degree in their capacities as professionals and experts in higher education. Graduates will be equipped with advanced knowledge and relevant skills towards being more competent as modern day educators. Of additional value is the degree to which graduates will further their analytical and critical competence in the focused understanding of the scholarship of teaching and learning. This contributes to the academic profile of lecturers regardless of their primary discipline focus.
The degree is focused on the application of theories and specialised tools and techniques in identifying and analysing complex real-world problems in a higher education context. The graduate will be able to select or develop an appropriate mix of learning strategies and to apply it in the higher education context, while also focusing on effective interaction with peers and other role players in the higher education environment as a means of enhancing learning.
The second year of study rounds off the work and progression of the student with its strong research component, empowering the student with advanced, systematic and specialist knowledge, understanding and skills to conduct research by applying appropriate research methods and techniques to identify, analyse and formulate complex real-world research problems in the domain of higher education.
Admission criteria
This degree will have a biennial, limited intake of students. Students are subjected to a selection process. A person may be considered for admission as a candidate for this postgraduate degree in Higher Education Studies if:
- in possession of an applicable NQF level 8 OR any other qualification deemed equal and suitable by the NWU Senate for admission to this qualification; and
- having obtained an average of 65% for the exit level modules of the previous qualification; and
- Having gained proven experience as an academic employee in the higher education environment of a higher education provider for a minimum of two years.
Duration and presentation structure
The minimum duration of study is two years.
Compulsory contact sessions (two-week residential period) are scheduled at the beginning of each year and presented at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University. The contact sessions are two weeks in duration. Apart from the contact sessions, students are guided through an electronic learning management system and one-on-one contact with facilitators in order to submit assignments and complete projects following a self-directed learning approach.
The language of instruction for this degree is English.
Supervisors and lecturers
The NWU’s Faculty of Education is now the largest provider of contact and open distance learning in South Africa. Still, the faculty prides itself in the attention given to students by the staff and has strategic intent to create a nurturing research environment for researchers. Through experience and expertise, supervisors and lecturers make a concerted, scholarly effort to support postgraduate students.
Articulation possibilities
After successful completion of this Master’s degree in Higher Education Studies, the graduate will be eligible for admission to a PhD.
Application procedure
To apply for admission to the North-West University, please visit http://www.nwu.ac.za/postgrad-home.
Contact details
If you require more information on this degree, please contact:
Ms Sonia Turkstra
Higher Degrees Administrator
MEd & PhD Programmes
Faculty of Education
North-West University
Tel: 018 299 4781
Click here to view the curriculum
