Theories concerning the early years of human life have undergone  paradigmatic changes in recent decades. The latest national and international research trends stress childhood as a key factor in personal and societal development. Educating children is crucial for the progress of any nation since only happy, well-balanced, and talented children can build a prosperous and sustainable society.

Our faculty has a solid reputation and is highly respected in the domestic and international labour market. Degrees issued by the Benedek Elek Faculty of Pedagogy serve as excellent letters of recommendation. The faculty endeavours to provide an educational portfolio that is practice-oriented, substantial and adequate for the expectations of current and future professions. We offer mentored internships in Hungary and throughout Europe through which our students acquire the skills and competencies needed in their future professions.

The faculty is the best known and most respected early childhood education institution in Hungary. We maintain our competitiveness by strengthening and extending the ability to enter international circulation in alignment with the concept of higher education’s development. Our faculty has established partnerships with 55 European and non-European institutions. Lecturers and students can participate in mobility and exchange programmes. Guest lecturers, researchers and students from all over the world are also most welcome to visit the Benedek Elek Faculty of Pedagogy.

“A high level of knowledge, practice-oriented training, and individual care in an inspiring, student-friendly environment”

Dr. habil László Varga PhD dean

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

The aim of the program is to train perfect professionals in the theoretical foundations and basic methods of educational sciences. Students will obtain an integrated knowledge of educational sciences and pedagogical practice, and neighbouring disciplines (philosophy, psychology, sociology, economy and law).

Fields of the program:

• Theoretical and conceptual system of educational science 15-20 credits;
• Psychological, social, political and legal background of education, teaching and training and their Hungarian and international aspects, trends 15-20 credits;
• Main fields of education, teaching and civilization research and their research methodology 15-20 credits;
• Educational and other institutions of education and training, as well as organisational and socialising forms of pedagogical innovation and support of organisational development 25-30 credits;
• Specialization: 40-45 credits.

Specializations: Early Childhood Studies / Sustainability and Society

MAIN SUBJECTS: Pedagogical research, International education systems, Education models and paradigms, Pedagogical antropology, Neuropedagogical research in education, Innovation in pedagogy, Children’s culture, Environmental education, Sustainable communities - pedagogical aspects, Chapters in Evolutionary Psychology

JOB OPORTUNITIES: This program offers students in-depth knowledge for working at governmental authorities and companies, research institutions as well as for private companies, public administration, international organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like Educational Manager, Educational Administrator, Analyst, Educational Scholar and Researcher in schools and universities.

PREREQUISITES:
Undergraduate / Bachelor diploma (or higher) is required.

Full acknowledgement is given for the following degrees:

• BA degree of Andragogy
• BA degree of Teacher education
• BA degree of Primary School Teacher Training
• BA degree of Pre-School Teacher Training
• BA degree of Infant and Early Childhood Education
• Bachelor Degree in Psychology, Education, Special Education, Social Pedagogy

Further bachelor’s or master’s degree programs are accepted in case the applicant possesses 50 credits in the following fields: pedagogical, psychological, philosophical and ethical studies; adult education studies; communicational science; health science; sociology, anthropology, political sciences; economic and legal studies.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Applicants must be 18 years or older to enroll.
• The language of instruction for the entire programme is English, so a very good command of English is required during the oral entrance exam and throughout the whole programme.
• The language knowledge is assessed and evaluated during the interview, the Faculty of Education doesn’t require an official language certificate.
• A motivation letter must be added to your application.
• The letter should contain approximately 2000 characters. You should explain your experiences and ideas, how you met pedagogy and why you thought this profession would be suitable for you, what your aim is with the MA degree, how you would imagine your career, which area you are interested in, what further studies you are planning and which specialisation you would like to apply for.