Program Overview

Introduction to the Educatieve Master Primair Onderwijs (EMPO)

The Educatieve Master Primair Onderwijs (EMPO) is a two-year university master's program designed for individuals who wish to become academic teachers in primary education. This program is a joint degree between the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the Universiteit Leiden, offering students the best of both universities.

Program Description

The EMPO program aims to address the shortage of teachers in primary education in the Netherlands by providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become academic teachers. The program is designed for students who have completed a university bachelor's or master's degree in the field of Behavioral and Social Sciences.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the EMPO program, students must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a university bachelor's or master's degree in the field of Behavioral and Social Sciences.
• Demonstrate a good command of the Dutch language, both written and spoken.
• Complete a premaster program if their previous degree is not in the field of Behavioral and Social Sciences.

Premaster Programs

For students with a higher professional education (HBO) bachelor's degree, the following premaster programs are available:

• Premaster Pedagogische Wetenschappen at the VU (33 EC)
• Premaster Pedagogische Wetenschappen – Onderwijswetenschappen at Universiteit Leiden (60 EC)

Admission Procedure

The admission procedure for the EMPO program involves the following steps:

1. Registration in Studielink: Students must register for the EMPO program in Studielink by July 15th.
2. Submission of a request for admission: Students must submit a request for admission, including a form, course descriptions, and a certified copy of their diploma.
3. Completion of the admission process: The admission committee will review the request and inform the student of the decision within 4-6 weeks.

Program Structure

The EMPO program consists of two years of study, with a combination of theoretical and practical courses. Students will attend classes at both the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the Universiteit Leiden. The program includes:

• Theoretical courses on education and child development
• Practical courses on teaching and learning
• A research project
• A thesis

Stage

During the program, students will participate in a two-year internship at a primary school in the Amsterdam or Leiden/Den Haag region. The internship will provide students with hands-on experience in teaching and learning.

Begeleiding

Students will be supervised by three different mentors: a school mentor, an academic school supervisor, and an institute supervisor. The school mentor will provide daily guidance, while the academic school supervisor and institute supervisor will provide support and evaluation.

Collegegeld

The tuition fees for the EMPO program can be found on the university's website. Students who have already completed a master's degree may be eligible for a different tuition fee.

Career Prospects

After completing the EMPO program, students will be qualified to work as academic teachers in primary education. The program also provides a solid foundation for further education or research in the field of education.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between the EMPO and a university of applied sciences (HBO) teacher training program?: The EMPO is a two-year university master's program, while a HBO teacher training program is a four-year bachelor's program.
• Can I follow the EMPO program part-time?: No, the EMPO program is a full-time program.
• Can I choose my own internship school?: No, the internship schools are selected by the program.
• Do I need to have a background in education to be eligible for the EMPO program?: No, the EMPO program is designed for students with a background in Behavioral and Social Sciences. However, students with a different background may be eligible if they complete a premaster program.