Program Overview

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University of Fribourg Master of Science in Special Education

Abstract

The Master of Science in Special Education at the University of Fribourg is designed to equip students with strong research skills and a broad, diversified knowledge of special education. The program explores alterity, difference, disability, normality, life trajectories, and the creation of environments that promote the development of personal qualities.

Profile of the Study Programme

This master program is intended for students who have experience in special education or related disciplines and wish to develop, enrich, and diversify their perception of the field. It is distinct from the Specialised Master of Arts in Special Needs Education, focusing on special teaching in the school environment. The program's generalist nature allows students to explore special education beyond the classroom, studying its deployment in pre-, para-, and post-school periods and contexts.

Fribourg Profile

The program is based on a solid scientific tradition established at the University of Fribourg for nearly three-quarters of a century. It benefits from a dual humanist and scientific tradition, with ongoing collaborations with the Departments of Education Sciences and Psychology.

Learning Outcomes and Career Openings

Upon completing the program, students will:

• Know the challenges and changes affecting special education and their implications at national and international levels.
• Have a solid knowledge of theoretical fields relating to special education.
• Be able to carry out conceptual analysis and summarize theoretical knowledge.
• Assess, select, and create tools for assessment and intervention.
• Develop research scenarios using qualitative and/or quantitative methods.

The training is suitable for careers in teaching and research, including positions in universities, higher education establishments, research centers, and specialized educational institutions.

Option Speech-Language Therapy

The Option Speech-Language Therapy is intended for candidates with a degree in speech-language therapy who wish to deepen their knowledge and gain advanced qualifications. The program includes a dissertation on speech-language therapy issues and can be taken part-time.

Studies Organisation

• Structure of Studies: 90 ECTS credits + 30 ECTS credits as an option in a minor study program, 3-4 semesters.
• Curriculum: Details are provided in the program's curriculum section.
• Admission: Master's degree programs are built on the knowledge and abilities acquired when obtaining a bachelor's degree. Holders of a bachelor's degree awarded by a Swiss university are admitted without preconditions if they have earned 60 or 90 ECTS credits within the corresponding discipline.

Minor Study Programs to be Chosen

A list of minor study programs is available, including:

• Art History
• Business Informatics
• Chemistry
• Communication and Society
• Comparative Literature
• Computer Science
• Contemporary History
• Culture, Politics, and Religion in Pluralist Societies
• Eastern European Studies
• Economics
• Education Sciences
• English Language and Literature
• Environmental Biology
• Environmental Sciences and Humanities
• Ethics and Economics
• European Studies
• French as a Foreign Language / French as a Second Language
• French: Foundational Curriculum
• Gender, Society, Social Policy
• Geography
• German
• German as a Foreign Language / German as a Second Language
• Greek Studies
• History
• Interreligious Studies
• Islam and Society
• Italian
• Latin Studies
• Management
• Mathematics
• Medieval Studies
• Multilingualism Studies
• Musicology and History of Opera
• Pedagogy / Psychology
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Politics and Society
• Psychology
• Rhaeto-Romance
• Slavic Studies
• Social Policy and Social Work
• Social Problems, Social Policy, and Risk Prevention
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Sport Sciences
• Theology

Key Points

• Degree Conferred: Master of Science in Special Education
• Languages of Study: Possibility to study in French or German
• Options: An Option Speech-Language Therapy is proposed within this master program (study in German only)
• Commencement of Studies: Autumn Semester (September) or Spring Semester (February)
• Access to Further Studies: Ph.D. programs

Organisation of Studies

• Beginning of Studies: Information on the beginning of studies is provided.
• During Studies: Details on the study process are available.
• Administrative Services for Unifr Students: Support services for students are offered.
• Glossary: A glossary of terms related to the program is provided.

Choose Fribourg

• Life in Fribourg: Information on living in Fribourg is available.
• Living in Fribourg: Details on accommodation and living costs are provided.
• Fribourg and its Region: Information on the region and its attractions is offered.

Admission

• Bachelor: Admission criteria for bachelor's programs are provided.
• Master: Admission criteria for master's programs are detailed.
• DEEM: Information on the DEEM program is available.
• Doctorate & Post-Doctorate: Admission criteria for doctorate and post-doctorate programs are provided.
• Visiting Student: Information for visiting students is offered.
• Listener: Details for listeners are available.
• Refugees: Support for refugees is provided.
• Welcome Center: Information on the Welcome Center is available.
• Contact & Team: Contact details for the admission team are provided.
• Administrative Services for Unifr Students: Support services for students are offered.

Mobility

• Incoming: Information for incoming students is available.
• Outgoing: Details for outgoing students are provided.
• Contact: Contact information for mobility services is offered.

Diploma

• University Diploma: Information on the university diploma is provided.
• Diploma Supplement: Details on the diploma supplement are available.
• Verification: Verification processes are explained.
• Duplicate: Information on obtaining a duplicate diploma is offered.
• Equivalence Licentiate / Master: Equivalence criteria are provided.
• Certified Copy, Legalisation (of the Original): Information on certified copies and legalisation is available.

Support & Resources

• Financial Support & Insurance: Financial support options are provided.
• Wellbeing & Health: Wellbeing and health services are available.
• Learning & Success: Learning support services are offered.
• Equality & Parenthood: Equality and parenthood support is provided.
• Conflits & Discrimination Duplicata: Conflict resolution and discrimination support services are available.
• Administrative & Legal Support: Administrative and legal support services are offered.
• Contacts: Contact information for support services is provided.
• Emergency Numbers: Emergency contact numbers are available.