MSc in Education for Sustainable Development and Social Change

The Postgraduate Programme “MSc in Education for Sustainable Development and Social Change” focuses on theories and practices of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) as a means of transforming thinking, influencing behaviour patterns and developing competences in order to empower individuals of various professions and backgrounds to enable through their professional positions and roles, the social change needed for achieving Sustainable Development.

The Program embraces a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that promotes the infusion of ESD through different disciplines being, therefore, appealing to a broad spectrum of different professions and social groups. It aims to help students of various backgrounds to become reflective practitioners and agents of change, locally as well as globally through their own professional practice. More specific objectives focus on developing students’ critical understanding of Sustainable Development (SD) issues, developing competences and pedagogical skills required for critical reflection, action-oriented transformative pedagogy and helping learners promote active and responsible citizenship for addressing sustainability. Objectives also seek to promote critical pedagogies for addressing SD issues through innovative approaches that encourage life-long authentic learning and social participation: values education for SD; the use of new technologies as sources and transformative tools; and alternative means of learning through the arts.

The Program’s structure ensures a balance between the academic dimension, research and practice based on pedagogical activities that can be applied in various educational contexts. Research in ESD is promoted through a research methods course, research-oriented assessment methods in the program courses, the compulsory Masters’ Thesis and through a well-established collaboration network between the university and other academic and social partners with common areas of research interests, on a local, regional (Mediterranean) and international level. Such collaborations build valuable experiences and can promote Education for Sustainable Development and Social Change as an issue of national and regional educational priority.

By the end of their studies, students are expected to acquire a comprehensive set of knowledge, important skills and a mindset (values and attitudes) necessary for delivering ESD through formal, informal and non-formal educational settings. In particular, students should:

1.  Recognise sustainable development as a political, ideological, highly complex and contested concept.
2.  Analyse critically contemporary, global, regional and local SD issues, understand their universality and indivisibility and acknowledge that these are major development challenges for humanity.
3.  Explore Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as universal, transformational and inclusive goals that can be achieved through social engagement and responsibility.
4.  Reflect critically on one’s own theories, values, beliefs, learning and practice about SD issues.
5.  Acknowledge and deliver ESD as a transformative, critical pedagogy responsive to the systemic, holistic, and values-oriented nature of SD.
6.  Embrace ESD as a lifelong learning process and realise that beyond formal education it draws experiences, skills and action opportunities from non-formal and informal educational settings.
7.  Develop competences for ESD, be able to transfer these competences to learners in their professional environments and operate as multiplier agents for SD.
8.  Be able to apply basic principles and strategies of ESD and understand how these can foster the values and skills that will lead to sustainable, just and inclusive growth and peaceful living together.
9.  Analyse and critically discuss on the social – transformative impact of arts (visual arts, drama, literature).
10. Be able to use and develop ICT-enabled instructional materials and programs which will foster sustainability justice and the formation of positive values, attitudes and ethical behavior towards sustainable human development.
11. Demonstrate leadership for implementing whole institution approaches to ESD
12. Deconstruct and reconstruct the conventional discourse οn ESD curriculum, teaching, learning and research methodology; embracing principles of empowerment, change agency, active participation and critical reflection.

The design of the postgraduate program aims at providing students with the appropriate theoretical background based on the latest research findings, practical knowledge and skills, in order to become efficient scientists able to cope with the increasing education challenges in formal, informal and non-formal settings.

It prepares graduates for employment in NGOs, non-formal education (e.g. environmental education centers), local authorities and agencies of the public or private domain, active in areas of Sustainable Development. Educators already employed at any level and discipline of formal education can find the qualification useful for professional development and progress purposes.

Moreover, they can pursue further postgraduate studies at doctoral level.

Frederick University academic year consists of the fall and spring semesters. The calendar is arranged so that students may start classes either during the last week of September or the first week of February. Candidates may submit an application for admission in any of the semesters. Due to the fact that formalities for the issue of an entry visa take at least 6 weeks, candidates are urged to file an application at least 8 weeks prior to the expected date of enrolment. Students are expected to be on campus prior to the beginning of the intended semester/session. In response to arising need, courses could be provided within the summer period.

Admission Requirements

As part of the application form you will need to submit the following supporting documents online and/or by post:

1. Certified copy/copies of university transcript(s) and/or degree certificate(s).
2. Certified copy/copies of English language competence (compulsory only if you are attending in English. Not compulsory if you are attending in Greek)
3. Evidence of an acceptable level of computer literacy/ skills which have been achieved through relevant ICT courses/experience and preferably recognised by international bodies such as  ECDL/ MOUS, etc.
4. Certified copy/copies of statutory identification document/s such as ID, passport, or birth certificate.
5. A 600-word personal statement justifying the reasons for wanting to study the MSc. programme.
6. A CV including academic and employment history and any additional relevant skills.
7. Two recommendation letters from former professors and/or immediate work supervisors attesting to the applicant’s intellectual and interpersonal capacity to undertake advanced studies.
8. Payment of application fees (non-refundable).
9. A signed and dated declaration form stating that all information provided is accurate, up to date and pertains solely to the applicant.

General Criteria

Candidates applying for a Postgraduate Degree must submit an accredited Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification, along with official documents with detailed undergraduate coursework – grades.

Special Criteria

The admission requirements are specified in the General Student Regulations as well as in the Frederick University Studies Regulation.

An undergraduate degree from a recognized university or the equivalent international qualification is considered a main academic requirement.

Additionally, very good knowledge of Greek and English is extremely important. The demonstration of satisfactory knowledge of English language (suitable qualifications may include TOEFL, IELTS, GCSE, IGCSE, and Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or equivalent) is compulsory for attendance in English and an advantage for attendance in Greek.

Prospective students are expected to submit their application and all related documents, such as copies of their degrees, transcripts, two letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors in the workplace and a personal statement. Where the Program Committee deems necessary, the candidates may be invited to an interview.

By the expiry of the application deadline for admission to the program, the Program Committee will evaluate prospective students based on specific criteria, such as academic records, recommendation letters, digital literacy, research interests, interview, work experience, knowledge of Greek and / or English etc. The committee decisions are announced by electronic mail or otherwise to all candidates.

Transfer of credits from other academic institutions complies with the regulations of the University for transfer students and recognition of previous studies.

A. Nationals of EU countries
Candidates who are nationals of EU countries can enter Cyprus as visitors. On arrival at Frederick University they must submit to the Admission Office the following:

• A fully completed application form.
• An application fee of Euro 25 (non-refundable).
• Attested (certified true) copies of their academic qualifications.
• Evidence of proficiency in English, (if available).
• A photocopy of their passport. The passport should be valid for at least one year from the date of their arrival to Cyprus.
• A recent certificate of good conduct issued by the police of the candidate’s country of origin or residence, if necessary translated in Greek or English. The good conduct certificate should be original and issued less than 6 months prior to the beginning of the semester for which the student is applying. The names and titles of the persons issuing and certifying the document should be clearly stated therein.

Furthermore, they must pay the registration fee, the semester tuition fees, and register for subjects. Next they must apply to the Migration Department for a temporary residence permit. The application to the Migration Department must be supported by evidence that they have paid their tuition fees for the semester, have enough funds for their initial living expenses and have obtained local health insurance coverage.

B. Applicants from non EU countries
International Students from non EU countries need to have a valid student visa in order to be allowed to enter Cyprus. The issue of an entry visa takes about 6 weeks from the date of the submission of the application. It is therefore recommended that candidates submit their application at least 8 weeks before the beginning of the semester. Cyprus Migration Department requirements in respect of the issue of a student visa, which from time to time may be modified, are available to candidates in a separate document.

Once the Conditional Acceptance Letter is issued by the University, the prospective student is directed
by an Admissions Officer to send to the University several documents by email and then by courier.
The documents are as follows:
1. Original attested passport copy must be valid for 2 years
2. Original attested copy of High School Leaving Certificate and mark sheets
3. Original attested Police Clearance Certificate must be valid for 6 months
4. Original attested bank letter showing that the student’s sponsor has the financial ability to
support tuition fees and leaving expenses must be valid for 6 months
5. Original attested bank statement which clearly shows the minimum amount of €7,000 in the
sponsor’s account must be valid for 1 month
6. Original attested chest X-ray report for Tuberculosis must be valid for 4 months
7. Original attested blood test results for HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C must be valid for 4
months
8. Attested document of parental consent for the student’s proposed stay in Cyprus and its
official translation in Greek or English– only for applicants below the age of 18 years
(minors).
9. Attested reports of medical tests showing that they are not suffering from Hepatitis B,
Hepatitis C, HIV, Syphilis and a chest X-ray report.
10. A recent certificate of good conduct issued by the police of the candidate’s country of
origin or residence, if necessary translated in Greek or English. The good conduct
certificate should be original and issued less than 6 months prior to the beginning of the
semester for which the student is applying. The names and titles of the persons issuing
and certifying the document should be clearly stated therein.
11. Attested letter from a bank in the country of origin or residence stating that the student or
his/her parent (s) – full names to be mentioned – have the financial capability to cover the
cost of living and studying in Cyprus, and the student’s repatriation cost, as well as recent
bank statement showing a balance of at least €7000 (seven thousand Euro).

It is estimated that, on average, a student spends about 600 Euro per month for private accommodation, utilities, food and transportation. Of course, a budget is a very personal thing, depending on one’s preferences.

Full time students from non EU countries are entitled to seek employment of 20 hours per week during the study period, provided that the employment hours will not coincide with their study hours at the University, or 38 hours per week during their holidays. The right to employment starts after the completion of six months study and residence in Cyprus. 

Scholarships aim is to support young people with capabilities to distinguish and to contribute to the development and social progress.

The university offers full and partial scholarships to incoming students based on the academic merit of the high school performance. The University also has in place a scholarship scheme for continuing students which reduces tuition fees based on the GPA achieved by the student. The percentage of reduction is related to the GPA achieved.

Additionally, Frederick University has a broad range of scholarships to athletes.