Master of Philosophy in Higher Education

The Master of Philosophy in Higher Education is a programme focused on changing functions, policies, and operations of Higher Education using a comparative perspective. In cooperation with the Hedda partners, the Faculty of Education at the University of Oslo offers a two-year Master Programme in Higher Education, leading to the degree, Master of Philosophy in Higher Education.

Institutionalised higher education dates back at least to the early Middle Ages and has survived many fundamental changes in its socio-economic and politics contexts. However, this traditional pillar of society is today facing major challenges. This programme provides students with a solid basis for analysing and critically assessing change processes at all relevant levels in higher education. Through the eyes of various disciplinary perspectives and the introduction of general disciplinary concepts and theories, this programme discusses and analyses change processes in higher education originating both inside and outside the traditional institutional and national frames.

Examples of such change processes are:

  • The recent (re-)discovery by international bodies and agencies, such as UNESCO, the OECD, the World Bank and development aid organisations, of higher education as a crucial sector with respect to creating sustainable socio-economic development and strengthening cultural consciousness.

  • The growing impact of globalisation and trade liberalisation (e.g. WTO) on higher education.

  • The growing attention for the quality of teaching, research and services, both nationally as well as internationally.

  • The intensifying use of ICT in higher education.

Different to the joint European Master in Higher Education, this degree is awarded and taught as a complete programme at the Institute for Educational Research , the University of Oslo.

Participating Universities and Research Institutes

  • University of Oslo, Norway

  • University of Aveiro, Portugal

  • Univeristy of Burgundy, France

  • University of Lancaster, The United Kingdom

  • University of Tampere, Finland

  • University of Twente, The Netherlands

  • Norwegian Institute for Studies in Research and Higher Education, Norway

 

The lecturers come from various European universities and research institutes in Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. They represent the cutting edge of higher education research in Europe.

The student target group is all those currently involved in or aspiring to become involved in higher education, be it as administrators, higher education researchers, policy-makers, research or teaching coordinators, curriculum managers, or consultants. Students are recruited internationally creating a study environment relevant for comparative studies and the global labour market.

Entry to the programme is dependent on:

  • A University degree equivalent to a bachelor degree.

  • Knowledge of English (Minimum TOEFL:550, IELTS:6.0)

The language of instruction is English. 120 ECTS credits are awarded. For regular students no tuition fee will be charged.

The application deadline for international students is December 1, 2007. Applications are available here.
The application deadline for Nordic citizens is June 1, 2007. Application for Nordic citizens is available here.

For more information on the University of Oslo, please see the University of Oslo web page .

 

Master in Higher Education Study Plan

This is a two-year programme divided into four semesters. The first semester begins with a reflection on the history and philosophy of higher education. In addition the main theories, concepts, and disciplinary perspectives for the study of higher education are introduced. In the second and third semester students take 3 modules focusing on the following issues:

  • History and Philosophy of Higher Education; including higher education systems, institutional profiles and mission

  • Students and Staff in Higher Education; including teaching and learning, research, quality and ICT issues

  • Governance, Management, Administration, and Leadership of Higher Education Institutions

  • Policy, Resources, and Organisation of Higher Education

  • Higher Education Economics

  • Globalisation, Internationalisation, and the Knowledge Society

In the fourth semester the students concentrate on their Master's thesis. A major attraction of the programme is that students can do their thesis work at any of the involved universities. In addition to the University of Oslo the other universities are the following: Universities of Aveiro (Portugal), Burgundy/Dijon (France), Lancaster (UK), Tampere (Finland), and Twente/ Enschede (the Netherlands).