During the programme
During your time in HU's Teacher Education in English Master programme, you grow as both an educator and an English language specialist. Not only will you master English at a very high level, you are also taught a critical approach to education quality and innovation.
The programme is both practical and meant to strengthen your teaching know-how. You are able to adapt the programme to your situation and determine your own pace. You will be teaching from day one, preferably in the higher classes of the school you already teach at.
Content of the Master Teacher Education in English programme
Year 1 is focused on deepening and broadening your knowledge, with courses on literature, linguistics and didactics. You also work on your language skills. Course like Highlights of English Literature, Writing Skills and Linguistics 1 help you improve your knowledge of the English language, bringing it to 'near native' level (CEFR level C2) by the time you graduate. Together with your fellow students, you reflect on your studies using learning questions and your Learning Plan.
This course focuses on bolstering your knowledge of educational research.
This course builds your research skills.
In this course you will expand your basic literary analysis skills.
During this course you'll study English literature around the theme 'Heroes and Villains'.
This course aims to further improve your English writing skills. You'll also learn about teaching English writing skills to your students.
Emphasis on teaching methodology and testing English language skills.
This course focuses on didactics surrounding English language and literature.
In this course we focus on practical matters around linguistics in education. You also undertake a research project.
In both the first and second year of the programme, there is a strong emphasis on your oral English skills and academic writing skills. In this year, you will further increase your knowledge about English literature and linguistics. Further, you will undertake a research project in the field of teaching methodology, with your own students as your focus group. An example of a recent study is: "Student motivation for literature: A thematic approach to teaching literature to upper form students with the aim to increase student motivation for literature."
This course takes you on a journey into minority literature. You are challenged to face your preconceived notions on this subject.
With a vast body of work to choose from, drama has an important place in the English curriculum, and you will discover how and when you can use it.
This course provides you with an overview of American literature and common themes therein.
How do historical and societal changes influence and change language? In this course you will find out more.
For this course you will be reading award-winning recent literature. You learn how to form your own criteria by which to assess literary works.
In this course you learn how to teach Cultural and Artistic Education (CKV in Dutch) to high school students. We work on a range of stories from various cultures.
Throughout the Teacher Education in English Master programme you work and teach in the higher years of Dutch higher secondary and tertiary education (HAVO, VWO and HBO in Dutch), learning as you go.
Thesis
Your thesis should focus on a subject you encounter in your day-to-day teaching practice. Your final thesis will demonstrate you are ready to bring your teaching career to full bloom.
Want to apply for a single module?
Are you a teacher in the lower years of secondary (vocational) school and are you looking to further your professional skills, but are you unsure whether you want to do a complete master? You are welcome to join us for one or more cross-curricular or subject-specific modules. After each module, you may decide to continue and stack modules to complete your master programme.
Meet the Teacher Education lecturers
Our team is comprised of seven passionate teachers hailing from the US, Ireland, South-Africa and The Netherlands. Three of them have done a dissertation in their field, and our two Dutch lecturers have had international careers before joining the team at HU. Some of our teaching staff have joined from secondary education, some have a background at other universities.
Dr. Nicole Reith (Netherlands - also a US passport holder)
University lecturer and curriculum supervisor
Former university lecturer at Utrecht University and Radboud University; specialises in literature, with an emphasis on American literature.
Dr. Tobey Nelson (United States)
University lecturer
Former Research Coordinator for the University of Washington’s Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences; specialises in linguistics and research.
Stephanie Edwards MA, MEd (Ireland)
University lecturer
Former secondary school teacher, with over ten years' experience at our faculty. She specialises in teaching methodology and Cultural and Artistic Education (CKV).
Dr. Tomas Pollard (United States)
University lecturer
Over ten years with our faculty, regularly teaches at Utrecht University as well. Specialises in writing and literature.
Kristina Goodnight MA (United States)
University lecturer
Former secondary school teacher; specialised in using drama as an educational tool.
Nanda van der Stap MA (Netherlands)
University lecturer
Former secondary school teacher; has been working at HU for ten years. Specialises in philosophy and multiculturalism in literature.
Jenny du Plessis BMus (hons), HDipEd, MEd (South Africa)
University lecturer
Previously 25 years' experience in secondary education. Specialises in literature, teaching methodology and international programmes.
Want to know more about this programme?
You can expect to spend around 30 hours per week on the programme, six of which you'll spend at HU. During the programme you are expected to work 80 hours in a so-called first-grade environment (the higher years of secondary education or at a college/university).
At HU you don't just learn in the classroom, but also in practice, in learning teams, individually and online. We call this 'blended learning': the right mix of learning in different locations and in a variety of ways. The best thing about this for you? It will keep your education varied and your focus sharp.
As stated above, during the programme you are expected to work 80 hours per year in a so-called first-grade environment (the higher years of secondary education or at a college/ university). Perhaps this is possible at the school you already work at, if not, please contact us as we might be able to help you find a placement.
All of the programmes at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht are tested and approved by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO).
Check your tuition fees here. Additionally, you can expect to pay around € 300 annually for books, materials and excursions.
"I have learned to create activating 21st century materials which was a learning experience and was fun to do! "
Miklós Rétei (29) 1st year student
"I have learned to create activating 21st century materials which was a learning experience and was fun to do! "
Miklós Rétei (29)1st year student
After teaching lower higher secondary education students for five years I decided that I wanted to extend my knowledge. Some of my bachelor lecturers advised me to join the Master English programme and it has helped me improve my teaching and research skills. Firstly, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht provided excellent online lectures during the lockdown.
They have inspired me to critically reflect on my own teaching as well. If you love creating new lesson materials this study is a perfect fit. During most courses we created materials that we could use in our day to day teaching. I have learned to create activating 21st century materials which was a learning experience and was fun to do!
