The MSc program “Research and Practice in Changing Learning Environments” of the Department of Early Childhood Education and Care (SECEd, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki), which offers two specializations:

A) Creative Designs for Educational Research and Practice and

B) Arts in Education

It is scheduled to admit graduate students for the winter semester of the 2026–2027 academic year (meeting no. 22/30-4-2026 of the Departmental Council of the School of Economics and Political Science). The Program awards a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree with the title:

a. For Specialization A, “Educational Sciences: Research and Practice in Contemporary Changing Learning Environments: Creative Designs for Educational Research and Practice”

b. For Specialization B, “Educational Sciences: Research and Practice in Contemporary Changing Learning Environments: Arts in Education”

Description 

The objective of the MSc program is to promote scientific knowledge and advance research in the field of Educational Sciences by training specialized scholars capable of addressing contemporary educational needs arising from rapid changes (scientific, political, technological, socio-economic, and cultural) and make it imperative to continually redefine education as a whole (formal and non-formal).

Specialization A. Creative Designs for Educational Research and Practice

The focus of Specialization A is to provide high-quality expertise on issues related to the design of innovative learning and teaching environments. With a transformative and exploratory perspective on education in the modern and ever-changing world, alternative models are examined for research, learning, and instructional design (in both non-formal and formal educational settings), creativity and quality play, with respect for the diversity, rights, and needs of all children in early and middle childhood.

Specialization B: Arts in Education

The focus of Specialization B is the systematic study and research in the field of the arts in education. Both contemporary social developments and advances in the field of research necessitate the updating of methods of mediation and experiential interaction with children, with an emphasis on a child-centered approach. A dialogue is developing regarding the epistemological content of arts research in education and the processes and methods employed to understand and explore aspects of the various arts and their combinations.

The duration of the MSc Program is set at three (3) semesters (90 ECTS). The first two semesters involve mandatory attendance of core courses (1st semester) and specialization courses (2nd semester), while the third (3rd) semester is dedicated to the completion of the master’s thesis. Courses are held in the afternoon, usually on two weekdays, while in exceptional cases or for make-up classes, they may be held on Saturdays and Sundays.

For more information regarding the core and specialization course curriculum, as well as the requirements for successful completion of the MSc program, please visit the website:

https://msc-researchpraxis.nured.auth.gr/