Vocational Education and Innovation

The MSc degree Vocational Education and Innovation is a part-time, blended learning program for international professionals in the field of vocational education and training (VET). 
It is a robust, upskilling degree, providing state-of-the-art knowledge and skills in topics, such as digital transformation, research in VET, workplace learning and mentoring, among others. The program is aimed at a broad range of professionals, from various industry sectors and backgrounds in VET. The prospective international students must hold a Bachelor's degree in the broader field of VET or equivalent and should have at least one year of working experience in the field of VET. Graduates will be well-prepared for a wide range of professional contexts, leading transformation and introducing innovation.

Which further expertise and skills will I acquire?

Graduates of this program analyze and reflect on different VET organizations’ structures and work on best practices. Depending on their field of expertise and their job position they integrate state-of-the-art teaching and learning methodologies in their VET school systems. Additionally, they examine how different countries implement various vocational education systems, and from this critical comparison reform existing structures and, in a further step, co-create policies related to the VET system. Moreover, they are equipped to design and conduct qualitative and quantitative research using scientific methods, retrieve their own data, assess and present the research results. Graduates can analyze and integrate leadership strategies and change management processes suitable to their organizations and personality. They are competent in handling team dynamics in a wide range of professional contexts. Also, with new forms of learning and professional development being part of the curriculum, they facilitate and structure similar learning opportunities in their working environments (mentoring; workplace learning; job-shadowing). The program´s structure and assessment forms include peer mentoring sessions and project teamwork. Students obtain communication skills and conceptual knowledge through specific modules, that qualify them to manage, lead and be members of professional teams in companies and educational institutions as well as other organizations. Students of this program, meet international experts and stakeholders on the field and are able to involve and build rapport with companies, social partners, and international organizations. Finally, due to the multilevel mentoring sessions by the end of the program, participants have a high level of self-reflection skills. 

Which professional opportunities can I take up with this qualification?

Employment opportunities for students graduating from the MSc Vocational Education and Innovation will be found in vocational education institutions, in vocational organizations in the public sector on a national and international level, and, to a large extent, in companies involved in VET. Graduates with international experience are highly sought in the job market as the demand for qualified professionals increases.