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Who is the Master's in Educational Science with a focus on Digital Media or Adult/Educational Training suitable for?
The Master's programme in Educational Science at FernUniversität Hagen is aimed at individuals who have already completed at least a six-semester undergraduate degree in Educational Science or related disciplines and wish to deepen their expertise in digital learning formats or adult/educational training. The target group particularly includes professionals from educational institutions, learning and continuing education organisations, as well as those interested in scientifically based concept and media development in the field of education. The programme is designed to be completed alongside work or at an individual study pace.
What formal requirements must you meet?
- Completion of at least a six-semester Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (at least 180 ECTS) in Educational Science, Educational Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Literary Studies, Information Technology or related subjects.
- Alternatively: Degree in a related field and proof of educational science fundamentals (usually by means of four foundation courses). These can, if necessary, be made up in the Bachelor’s in Educational Science at FernUni Hagen.
- Enrollment is possible each summer or winter semester (registration deadlines: 1 December to 31 January or 1 June to 31 July).
Personally, you should enjoy academic work, have an interest in digital education or further training, and possess a basic understanding of pedagogical concepts. Self-motivation, independent time management, willingness for self-organised learning in distance education, and communication skills – also in the digital space – are important. Some practical experience in the education sector is advantageous but not mandatory.
What content is taught in the Master’s in Educational Science with a focus on Digital Media or Adult/Education and Training?
In the Master’s programme in Educational Science at FernUniversität in Hagen, you will engage intensively with the challenges and potentials of modern education. The curriculum is interdisciplinary and combines approaches from educational science, psychology, sociology, literary studies, and information technology. The focus is on the scientific analysis, conception, and evaluation of media-supported teaching and learning processes as well as the development of target-group-specific educational programmes for adults.
The core content includes:
- Foundations of educational sciences, including theories of teaching and learning in the knowledge society
- Scientific methods for empirical educational research
- Design, development, and evaluation of digital media in the educational context
- Communication theory – especially in relation to mediated communication
- Analysis of societal framework conditions of educational processes
- Specialisation in one of the two focal areas: Digital Media (e.g. development of digital educational offers, media pedagogy) or Adult/Education and Training (e.g. lifelong learning, conception of continuing education measures)
- Independent planning and implementation of educational science research projects
After completing the course, you will be able to scientifically design and evaluate digital and analogue learning environments, and transfer research results into professional practice.
How is the procedure and structure of the distance learning programme designed?
The Master’s programme in Educational Science is designed as a four-semester distance learning programme (full-time) with a total of 120 ECTS credits. An individual and therefore extended part-time study path is possible. The start of studies is possible in both the summer and winter semesters; the respective enrolment periods are 1 December to 31 January (summer semester) and 1 June to 31 July (winter semester).
The study course is divided into two phases:
- Basic phase (1st semester): Acquisition of subject-specific and methodological basic competencies, simultaneous enrolment in two core modules on educational science and media-technical foundations as well as conditions of new teaching and learning forms.
- Specialisation phase (from 2nd semester): Choice of study focus (Digital Media or Adult/Education and Training) and specialisation through advanced modules, for example on the development and design of new media or application-oriented educational research.
The course is predominantly self-study with written study materials, digital scripts, and multimedia online offers. In addition, there are compulsory face-to-face or online seminars, usually designed as two-day events.
You provide proof of achievement through various examination formats, including written examinations, term papers, open-book exams, and oral exams. The degree is completed with a scientific Master’s thesis accompanied by a media product, which is usually completed in the fourth semester. In the full-time programme, a processing time of four months is planned; in the part-time programme, six months.
What career paths does the Master’s in Educational Science open up in the chosen specialisations?
With successful completion of the Master’s in Educational Science, a wide range of professional perspectives open up for you in education, further education, and consulting. The choice of your study focus enables targeted profiling:
- Focus on Digital Media: Development, design, and evaluation of digital learning and educational offers in public and private educational institutions, design of media-didactic concepts, collaboration in e-learning teams, consulting on digitalisation in education.
- Focus on Adult/Education and Training: Conception and organisation of educational offers for adults (e.g. in adult education centres, family education centres, vocational training centres), specialist and leadership positions in educational organisations, company-based further education or in consultancy.
- Research and teaching in the field of educational sciences at universities and non-university research institutions, for example by pursuing a doctorate.
- Activities in companies and organisations in personnel development, corporate learning, and learning process consultancy.
Typical employers include educational institutions, further education institutes, research institutions, companies with their own personnel development, as well as non-profit organisations. The degree qualifies both for scientific engagement with educational processes and for the practical implementation of educational projects in various social contexts.
What costs are incurred, and how can you finance the distance learning programme?
The Master’s programme in Educational Science at FernUniversität in Hagen incurs costs of around €1,400 for the entire standard period of study in full-time mode (four semesters). The fees consist of a basic fee of €60 per semester and enrolment fees of €11 per ECTS credit. For 120 ECTS, this results in total costs of approximately €1,431. Additional basic fees are incurred for part-time study or a longer study period per additional semester.
Additionally, you should expect minor incidental costs for optional face-to-face events (travel and accommodation costs) as well as individual learning materials. FernUni Hagen does not charge any hidden fees.
Financing is usually possible through personal funds, employer support, or tax deductibility as work-related expenses. Students are exempt from regular semester fees such as semester tickets or administrative costs. Fee reductions on an application basis are available for those in need and in specific special cases (e.g. family phase, disability). Examination fees are included in the contribution except for the final thesis.
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