Testimonials

This was not only interesting, but also created a sense of building a scientific community together. The atmosphere was warm and personal, with space for fun games or talking about personal matters. Because the group of teachers and students was small and everyone knew each other well, it was easy to feel comfortable and included. 

What I liked most about the programme were the larger research projects. In the very first year, we already did a substantial study, where we could take the whole process into our own hands: from theory building to data collection, and finally writing a complete paper. We designed our own materials and even used eye-tracking for our study with participants. The resulting paper was later published in a peer-reviewed journal. For my Master’s thesis I chose a similar route, collecting data from 128 participants and writing my thesis on that basis. Other students chose this space in the programme for an internship or electives, so there is really something for everyone. 

I also appreciated that the programme not only helps you grow as an educational scientist, but also gives you the chance to position yourself within the field. For me this meant focusing on educational psychology, often with a practical link to digital innovation. Thanks to the freedom to choose assignments topics, and the support of teachers who guide you in finding your interests, you can really shape your own path within the programme. I think this holds for most students, and this often leads to interesting and diverse collaboration in research projects."

During my Bachelor’s, I developed a strong interest in research through my coursework, my thesis, and my role as a student assistant. I enjoyed conducting research and became particularly curious about education as a field of study. At the same time, my minor and my experience as a student representative strengthened my interest in educational policy.

When choosing a Master’s programme, I considered both an academic programme in educational policy and the Research Master’s in Educational Sciences (EdSci). I chose EdSci because I wanted to keep the option of a research career open. Although I was not yet certain about pursuing research long-term, the two-year programme gave me the opportunity to explore this path. I was also drawn to the small, international student group.

The programme met my expectations. We studied educational theories and advanced research methods, and worked closely with peers from diverse backgrounds. I valued the autonomy we had to shape our projects around our own interests. I also appreciated the supportive and collaborative study culture. Outside our studies, we spent a lot of time together socially. We have remained close friends, meeting regularly and even travelling abroad to visit one another.

For my elective, I completed an internship with a research group at HU. There, I gained experience in practice-oriented research and discovered my passion. After graduating, I was offered a position as a lecturer in HU’s teacher training programme, alongside a role as a junior researcher in the same research group. By then, I knew I wanted to pursue a PhD. In my first year, we collaborated with the University of Amsterdam to develop a PhD project. I will soon begin my PhD alongside my teaching role. Looking back, EdSci was the right choice for me."

What truly impressed me once I started the programme was the teaching staff and how invested they were in collaborating with students. These relationships felt genuinely open and supportive, with plenty of room for discussion and with lecturers valuing student feedback. As an international student, I also found it very interesting to explore how the topics we discussed might differ between the Netherlands and other countries.

Another aspect I really valued was that most coursework was not exam-based. Assessment was often carried out through assignments, which helped me develop my academic writing skills while also giving me the freedom to explore topics that interested me.

I would highly recommend this Master’s programme to international students, particularly those considering a career in academia. The degree provides excellent preparation and equips you with the skills needed to pursue this path. I will soon be starting my PhD at the Free University of Bozen, and I am very much looking forward to diving back into research."