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Onderwijs Master en PhD opleidingen Learning in Interaction (deeltijd)
Header image Learning in Interaction

Learning in Interaction

How do students learn in schools? What role do individual differences play in learning? How can you improve learning environments to optimally help students learn and develop?

Many processes in learning take place through interaction. It is the motor of learning and development, and therefore key to improving education. While we all recognize these interactions in learning, specific skills and knowledge are needed to drive insights and improvements in the educational field.

During this master, you will:
  • learn to take a scientific, evidence-based approach to better examine day-to-day interactions between students, their teachers and learning materials
  • zoom in on the complex processes through which we
    - learn academic subjects
    - develop cognitive and meta-cognitive skills and
    - acquire social competencies
  • combine different theoretical perspectives and didactical problems
  • understand learning processes in context
  • examine the challenges that arise in optimizing learning environments to learners' needs.
Interested? Visit the master's week from 17 - 28 March 2025 !
You can also follow this programme full-time.
Feiten & Cijfers
Titel/Graad
MSc in Onderwijswetenschappen
Type opleiding
Master
Duur
24 maanden (60 ECTS)
Croho code
60099
Voertaal
Engels
Start
September
Faculteit
Gedrags- en maatschappijwetenschappen

Waarom dit programma in Groningen?

The Master Learning & Interaction in Groningen offers

  • solid, research-based insights into what works—and what doesn’t—in learning and education
  • a deep theoretical understanding of how learning occurs—through interaction with others, with artefacts like books, apps, and virtual reality, and through self-reflection
  • working in small groups on your research project guided by a committed staff member
  • close collaboration with staff in their research project
  • the opportunity to apply your academic training in a hands-on internship, where you'll tackle a real-world challenge as an educational scientist.

Programma

The track is designed to provide you with a blend of skills, theoretical background and practical experience required to understand learning processes and to (re)design learning environments.

During the first year Courses cover diverse evidence-based perspectives on learning processes and key characteristics of learners and context. This will enable you to apply design principles for optimal learning environments.
Semesters
VakkenVakkencatalogus >1a1b2a2b
Elective course (for example Educational Organization and Management (5 EC, facultatief)
*Methods and Techniques for Evaluation research (5 EC)
Learning in Human Interaction (5 EC)
Learning in Interaction with artefacts (5 EC)
Student Diversity in the Inclusive Classroom (5 EC)
Reflection in & on Learning (5 EC)

The second year will consist of an internship and a research project.

  • In your research project (research proposal and thesis) you will work in small groups, guided by a staff member. Your research will be embedded in the research currently conducted by our researchers, so you can profit from our updated expertise and academic experience.
  • Connecting your academic training to practice is the focus of the internship. Here you will work within an organization (a school, university, publisher of educational materials, etc.) in trying to address a real issue where your expertise as an educational scientist is needed.
! The courses offered in the first year of this track are scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays. Students are expected to be available on these two days.
Semesters
VakkenVakkencatalogus >1a1b2a2b
*Internship (10 EC)
*Master thesis (20 EC)

Curriculum

Courses marked * are general courses

Studeren in het buitenland

  • Studeren in het buitenland is niet voorzien

Toelatingseisen

Toelatingseisen

Specifieke eisenExtra informatie
vooropleiding

To be considered for admission to the MSc in Educational Sciences/Learning in Interaction, you would need an academic Bachelor's degree which is comparable, in level, to the Dutch (research) university Bachelor. This degree should be in the field of Educational Sciences or in one of the other Social Sciences (Psychology or Sociology).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Our programme deals with the academic study of educational processes, and it is therefore not aimed at directly developing teaching (pedagogical or didactical) skills.

minimum kennis

The transcripts show evidence of sufficient courses on:

  • General research methods (preferably quantitative AND qualitative)
  • Statistics for the social sciences (basic and inferential)
  • Academic disciplinary knowledge on education, developmental psychology, educational psychology, sociology of education, and adjacent fields.

Previous experience with academic writing (e.g., Bachelor thesis), is desirable, but not an entry requirement.

taaltoets cijfer

The official language of the programme is English. Non-native English speakers must provide evidence of satisfactory results for one of the standard tests mentioned below. Official test results must be supplied. Please note, we do not accept Institutional TOEFL results as evidence of English proficiency.

IELTS: overall 6.5; writing 6.5; speaking 6.5 | TOEFL internet-based: overall 90; speaking 22; writing 24 | CAE / CPE: C, B or A | Dutch pre-University diploma (VWO) including English: 5.5 for English |

overige toelatingseisen

If the Board of Admissions doubts whether an applicant possesses content knowledge that matches our entry requirements, the Board of Admissions might request the applicant to submit an assignment and to hold a digital interview to discuss the submitted assignment.

IMPORTANT: International students who need unconditional admission to apply for a scholarship need to apply to the programme at least 2 months previous to the scholarship application deadline.

Doorstroommogelijkheden

Doorstromen vanaf..

VooropleidingOrganisatieInstroom
Alle HBO instellingen

Via een pre-master van maximaal 60 EC

Extra informatie:
  • Students with a related higher professional education (ALO, PABO/PA, hbo-pedagogiek, HKP, HPO, 4-jarige tweedegraads lerarenopleidingen en hbo-psychologie): see https://spo-groningen.nl/
  • For unrelated hbo: see 'written request'
Social WorkAlle HBO instellingen

Via een pre-master

Extra informatie:

Here is the associated exit profile: Youth

VooropleidingOrganisatieInstroom
Academische opleiding leraar basisonderwijsAlle WO instellingen

Toelating onder voorwaarden

Aanvullende eisen:
  • (motivatie-)brief
Extra informatie:

NOT ONLY 'Academic training primary school teacher'. PLEASE NOTE: transferring with additional requirements **applies to students with a bachelor's degree in Educational Sciences from a university other than the RUG**

VooropleidingOrganisatieInstroom
Pedagogische WetenschappenRijksuniversiteit GroningenDrempelloze toelating
PsychologieRijksuniversiteit Groningen

Toelating onder voorwaarden

Extra informatie:

The admissions committee assesses whether you are eligible.

SociologieRijksuniversiteit Groningen

Toelating onder voorwaarden

Extra informatie:

The admissions committee assesses whether you are eligible.

Aanmeldingsprocedure

For the registration procedure please have a look at this page.
For more information about the tracks, please contact the study advisor: studyadvice.peduc rug.nl.

To apply for this programme, first go to Studielink. After you have submitted your details in Studielink, you will receive an e-mail with the information necessary to activate your user account for The Progress Portal.
See the application procedure for some guidance in Progress Portal.

Then, please upload the following documents in The Progress Portal:

  • a copy of the (Bachelor) diploma on the basis of which you ask admission to our programme (both original language and translated in English)
  • a copy of your transcript of courses (both original language and translated in English)
  • a copy of your results for one of the mentioned English tests (except for native speakers)
  • a copy of your passport or ID card

    If you have any doubts about your application, please contact us at: admissionsoffice rug.nl

Inschrijvingsdeadlines

Type studentDeadlineStart opleiding
Nederlandse studenten01 juni 202501 september 2025
01 juni 202601 september 2026
EU/EEA studenten01 juni 202501 september 2025
01 juni 202601 september 2026
non-EU/EEA studenten01 mei 202501 september 2025
01 mei 202601 september 2026

Toelatingseisen

Specifieke eisenExtra informatie
vooropleiding

To be considered for admission to the MSc in Educational Sciences/Learning in Interaction, you would need an academic Bachelor's degree which is comparable, in level, to the Dutch (research) university Bachelor. This degree should be in the field of Educational Sciences or in one of the other Social Sciences (Psychology or Sociology).

IMPORTANT NOTE: Our programme deals with the academic study of educational processes, and it is therefore not aimed at directly developing teaching (pedagogical or didactical) skills.

minimum kennis

The transcripts show evidence of sufficient courses on:

General research methods (preferably quantitative AND qualitative) Statistics for the social sciences (basic and inferential) Academic disciplinary knowledge on education, developmental psychology, educational psychology, sociology of education, and adjacent fields. Previous experience with academic writing (e.g., Bachelor thesis), is desirable, but not an entry requirement.

taaltoets cijfer

The official language of the programme is English. Non-native English speakers must provide evidence of satisfactory results for one of the standard tests mentioned below. Official test results must be supplied. Please note, we do not accept Institutional TOEFL results as evidence of English proficiency.

IELTS: overall 6.5; writing 6.5; speaking 6.5 | TOEFL internet-based: overall 90; speaking 22; writing 24 | CAE / CPE: C, B or A | Dutch pre-University diploma (VWO) including English: 5.5 for English |

overige toelatingseisen
If the Board of Admissions doubts whether an applicant possesses content knowledge that matches our entry requirements, the Board of Admissions might request the applicant to submit an assignment and to hold a digital interview to discuss the submitted assignment.

IMPORTANT: International students who need unconditional admission to apply for a scholarship need to apply to the programme at least 2 months previous to the scholarship application deadline.

Aanmeldingsprocedure


For the registration procedure please have a look at this page.
For more information about the tracks, please contact the study advisor: studyadvice.peduc rug.nl.

To apply for this programme, first go to Studielink. After you have submitted your details in Studielink, you will receive an e-mail with the information necessary to activate your user account for The Progress Portal.
See the application procedure for some guidance in Progress Portal.

Then, please upload the following documents in The Progress Portal:

  • a copy of the (Bachelor) diploma on the basis of which you ask admission to our programme (both original language and translated in English)
  • a copy of your transcript of courses (both original language and translated in English)
  • a copy of your results for one of the mentioned English tests (except for native speakers)
  • a copy of your passport or ID card

    If you have any doubts about your application, please contact us at: admissionsoffice rug.nl

Inschrijvingsdeadlines

Type studentDeadlineStart opleiding
Nederlandse studenten01 juni 202501 september 2025
01 juni 202601 september 2026
EU/EEA studenten01 juni 202501 september 2025
01 juni 202601 september 2026
non-EU/EEA studenten01 mei 202501 september 2025
01 mei 202601 september 2026

Collegegeld

NationaliteitJaarKostenVorm
EU/EER2024-2025€ 1863deeltijd
EU/EER2025-2026€ 1914deeltijd

Praktische informatie voor:

Na je studie

Arbeidsmarkt

In today's rapidly evolving job market, there is a growing demand for experts who understand learning processes and can optimize educational and professional learning environments.

As a Learning in Interaction graduate, you will be well-equipped to work across various sectors, including education, corporate training, and research, in roles that focus on analyzing learning processes and improving learning experiences. With your expertise in learning and interaction, you’ll be prepared for a career where you can make a real impact on how people learn and grow.

Career services BSS
Where do you want to work after your studies? You can contact
Career Services already during your studies. They will help you orientate on your career, develop your skills, apply for jobs and find an internship.

Potentiële beroepen

  • Educational consultant

    advising schools and institutions on curriculum design, teaching strategies, and learning interventions in all sectors of public and private education, as well as in public and private training.

  • Instructional designer

    Developing educational materials, apps, virtual reality environments and e-learning solutions based on learning sciences for any level of education, from primary- to higher education.

  • Learning & Development Specialist

    Designing and implementing training programs in companies and organizations.

  • Teacher Trainer or Coach

    Supporting educators in improving teaching methods and student engagement for any level of education, from primary- to higher education.

  • Academic or applied researcher

    Conducting studies on learning and development in universities, research institutes, teacher training centres, government education departments, school advisory services, and knowledge and innovation centres in education.

  • PhD student

    at a university

  • Teacher Trainer or Coach

    Supporting educators in improving teaching methods and student engagement for any level of education, from primary- to higher education.

Onderzoek

Thesis project
Your master’s thesis projects will be supervised by researchers active in the field: your project will be closely connected to a larger research initiative.


Some examples of thesis topics:
  • Support of beginning teachers
  • Student engagement in Chinese elementary schools
  • Beginning teacher's fulfilment of psychological needs and well-being
  • Student engagement in learning modalities during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Addressing ethic-cultural diversity in Dutch classrooms
  • Growth mindset for the environment
  • Effect of a Virtual Reality on Classroom Management Strategies
  • Effectiveness of career orientation and guidance activities in secondary education
  • Differences in need-supportive teaching between students with and without special educational needs
  • Culturally responsive teaching self-efficacy of teachers that educate newcomers in the Netherlands

Research

Our research is conducted within the Groningen Institute for Educational Research (GION). See more examples of current research .

Staff members Learning in Interaction

prof dr Jan-Willem Strijbos
expertise: technology-enhanced learning; collaborative learning; peer assessment and feedback.
prof dr Alexander Minnaert
expertise: motivational social-emotional, neurological, and (meta)cognitive aspects in development and (gifted) student learning, implementation of educational innovations aiming at development, self-regulated, collaborative learning and inclusion.
dr Jasperina Brouwer
expertise: higher education; workplace learning.
dr Marjolein Deunk
expertise: teacher-child interactions; language and literacy development; early childhood education and care; discourse analysis; cultural diversity in education; differentiation.
dr Danny Kostons
expertise: self-regulated learning, executive functioning, eye-tracking.
dr Mayra Mascareño Lara
expertise: classroom interactions; instructional quality; development in early childhood.
dr Alma Spijkerboer
expertise: developmental psychology, neuropsychology, executive functioning, digital learning environments, self-regulating learning and reading comprehension in secondary education.
Nu aanmeldenBrochureEvenementenContact

Contact

  • Admissions Office Bss (for students with a non-Dutch diploma)
    Email: admission rug.nl
  • Dr. Mayra Mascareño (staff member)
    Email: m.n.mascareno.lara rug.nl
    Telefoon: +31 (0)50 363 6912
  • Study Advisor Educational Sciences
    Email: studyadvice.peduc rug.nl

For the master's track Learning in Interaction

Studieverenigingen

ODIOM

Als student van de opleidingen Pedagogische Wetenschappen, Onderwijswetenschappen, de AOLB en de schakelopleiding van Pedagogiek (SPO), kun je lid worden van ODIOM, een gezellige en actieve studievereniging.
Als lid profiteer je van korting op alle benodigde studieboeken en ontvang je tweewekelijks de nieuwsbrief. ODIOM telt ruim 800 leden en organiseert jaarlijks een breed scala aan leerzame, sportieve en sociale activiteiten, zoals gastcolleges, excursies naar pedagogische en onderwijskundige instellingen, het introductiekamp voor eerstejaars, buitenlandse reizen, borrels en feesten.
https://www.odiom.nl/
Studentprofiel
You
  • are an educational professional
  • are interested in the analysis and improvement of practices aimed at the promotion of student learning
  • would like to update your academic knowledge and academic and professional skills
Studiebegeleiding

In the programmes of Pedagogical and Educational Sciences, there is a strong focus on study advice. There are several study advisors are available. You can contact them as a prospective student, current student, or former student of programmes within the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences.

Study advisors can assist you with questions regarding:
• the content of the programme
• planning and organising your studies
• choices during your study
• registrations
• programme regulations
• taking courses outside your programme
• studying abroad

They are also available for personal support.
Don't hesitate to get in touch or make an appointment with one of the study advisors.

For brief questions, please email: studieadvies.pedok rug.nl
You can make an appointment via the online scheduling system: https://fbss.as.me/schedule/9de94536 ,
or by phone through the Student Service Desk: +31 50 3636301