Master's Degree in "Lifelong Learning & Special Education". Department of Educational and Social Policy. Faculty of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts. University of Macedonia.

Description

Knowledge: The graduates of the Postgraduate Studies Programme with the Direction of Lifelong Learning acquire knowledge in the fields of Lifelong Learning and Adult Education. Specifically, they acquire specialized knowledge on the following cognitive domains:
- concept of Lifelong Learning (LLL), of psychology, and of adult learning; - teaching methodology for adult education;
- design, implementation, and evaluation of micro-teaching, as well as of programmes of vocational education, training, and further learning;
- education and development of human resources and organization, administration, and financial management of organisations or bodies of adult education and LLL;
- consulting and vocational orientation in LLL;
- policy of the European Union for LLL and the linking of adult education with the labour market;
- ICTs in adult education and LLL.

Skills: The graduates of the Postgraduate Studies Programme with the direction of Lifelong Learning are capable of:
- designing, implementing, and evaluating programmes of vocational education, training, and further learning;
- participating in human resource development programmes;
- managing issues of consulting and vocational orientation.
In addition, they acquire research skills about the above cognitive domains.

Competences: Upon completing the Postgraduate Studies Programme with the Direction of Lifelong Learning, the graduates acquire specialized competences in the domain of non-formal, post-school education (adult education, lifelong learning, professional training, further learning) and are capable of the following:
- participating in the administration of organisations and structures for adult education;
- contributing to the study, design, application, and evaluation of adult education and training programmes;
- teaching in programmes for the education of adult educators about the subjects of adult education and learning and of lifelong learning;
- managing issues for the development of human resources in organisations and businesses;
- exercising professional orientation for adults.

Knowledge: The graduates of the Postgraduate Studies Programme with the Direction of Special Education acquire knowledge on the fields of special education and rehabilitation. Specifically, they acquire specialised knowledge on the cognitive subjects referring to the categories of special educational needs and/or disabilities:
- special learning difficulties;
- intellectual disability;
- speech and communication problems;
- vision and hearing problems;
- autism / pervasive developmental disorder;
- behavioural problems and emotional disorders.
In addition, they acquire knowledge on neurosciences, diversified teaching, and consulting for persons with disabilities and their families.

Skills: The graduates of the Postgraduate Studies Programme with the Direction of Special Education are capable of:
- identifying, diagnosing, and forecasting special educational needs;
- evaluating and treating special needs and disabilities;
- organising educational framework for the special education - rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities;
- teaching and provide for the inclusion of individuals with non-formal learning methods.
In addition, they acquire research skills about the above cognitive domains.

Competences: Upon completing the PSP with the Direction of Special Education, the graduates shall be capable of providing to individuals with special needs / disability:
- teaching and treatment;
- support and consulting;
- education and rehabilitation.
In addition, they shall be capable of preparing research studies on the above subjects.

Further Information

The Programme of Studies is formulated through a decision of the General Assembly of Special Composition (GASC) at the end of each academic year for the following academic year, after taking into consideration the educational needs.
The GASC of the Department of Educational and Social Policy is entitled to specify and update the Curriculum for both Directions, at an annual basis, at the end of each academic year. Within this context, the GASC shall approve the redistribution of courses, the introduction of new courses, the designation of courses (Compulsory - Compulsory Elective) and generally any amendment suggested to the Postgraduate Studies Programme. The above task is undertaken by the PSP Reformulation Committee, as such is appointed by the GASC.
According to Ministerial Decision 107360/Β7 (Government Gazette 1951/18.7.2014), the curriculum for the two directions of the Postgraduate Studies Programme has been specified as follows:
During the first three academic semesters in both directions, courses that are compulsory and compulsory elective are taught. In the fourth semester of the PSP, postgraduate students of both directions are obliged to commence the preparation of their Dissertation.
In total, for the award of the Master's Degree, each postgraduate student is obliged to complete 120 ECTS during the two years of study.

Relation To Employment

The postgraduate title of studies, Master of Arts in Lifelong Learning comprises an additional formal qualification for its holders - provide they hold the basic titles of studies (degree) provided by the law - in order to work in the public and private sector as specialists on:
- the administration of organisations and structures for adult education;
- the study, design, application, and evaluation of adult education and training programmes;
- the education of adult educators about the subjects of adult education and learning and of lifelong learning;
- management and development of human resources in organisations and businesses;
- professional orientation and professional - social integration of vulnerable social groups.

The postgraduate title of studies Master of Arts in Special Education comprises an additional formal qualification for its holders - provide they hold the basic titles of studies (degree) provided by the law - in order to work in public and private bodies of special education and rehabilitation and in School Units for Special Training and Education. The specialisation of "Special Education" covers the entire spectrum of education for individuals with special educational needs and aims to provide specialized education and training for researchers and executives specialized on the prognosis, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of these needs, as well as on teaching, rehabilitation, and on the educational, social, and professional integration of individuals with disabilities.
Relevant legislation framework: Law 3699/2008 (Government Gazette 199/02-10-2008), Ministerial Decision 20082/23-10-2012 (Government Gazette 2844/23-10-2012).

Transitions

Access to this type of qualification have those who hold a Bachelor Degree (level 6). The selection of graduate students is mainly based on the following criteria: the overall grade of the Bachelor Degree, the grades in undergraduate courses that are relevant with the subjects of the Master’s program, the performance in thesis, where is foreseen at the undergraduate level and any research activity of the candidate. The detailed application of the above mentioned criteria, the definition of additional criteria or the conducting of examinations and interviews, the results of which are taken into account in the selection, are determined by decision of the relevant Department.
Holders of such qualifications gain access to study programmes at the same level or at level 8.

Ways To Aquire

Qualifications of this type are acquired via formal education.