Master of Education (MEd) in History
Programme Overview
The Master of Education (MEd) in History is designed for in-service secondary school teachers who aspire to deepen their disciplinary expertise and transform their professional practice. The programme is grounded in the belief that the study of History plays a central role in shaping informed, critical, and responsible citizens in Bhutan’s evolving democratic and global context. History education in the 21st century requires teachers who are not only content experts but also reflective practitioners capable of engaging learners in historical inquiry, critical analysis, and civic reasoning. This programme therefore integrates advanced historiography, Bhutanese and global historical perspectives, contemporary pedagogies, educational research, and civic education.
A distinctive feature of the programme is its strong emphasis on historical thinking, oral history, place-based education, and research-informed practice. Students are immersed in critical engagement with schools of historiography, socio-cultural transformations, citizenship constructs, and curriculum reform. Through structured fieldwork and dissertation research, graduates develop the competence to investigate real classroom challenges and contribute to the improvement of History education in Bhutan. The programme prepares graduates to become academic leaders, curriculum innovators, and reflective professionals who uphold Bhutanese values, ethical standards, and the Code of Conduct for Teachers.
The duration of the programme
The programme is an eighteen-month full-time course of study leading to the award of Master of Education in History by the Royal University of Bhutan.
Programme Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:
- apply contemporary educational theories and philosophies to enhance the teaching and learning of History;
- integrate advanced historiographical knowledge and pedagogical expertise in History classrooms;
- critically analyse historical schools of thought and interpret historical narratives within local and global contexts;
- design inclusive and contextually relevant assessment strategies that promote historical thinking and civic understanding;
- leverage ICT and digital tools to enrich historical inquiry and classroom engagement;
- conduct oral history and place-based research projects that connect learners with community knowledge and heritage;
- examine constructs of citizenship within Bhutanese historical development and integrate civic education into the curriculum;
- apply educational research methods and statistical techniques to analyse classroom-based issues;
- undertake independent research culminating in a scholarly dissertation that contributes to History education;
- demonstrate professional ethics, leadership qualities, and commitment to lifelong learning.
Why Enrol in the Programme?
The Master of Education in History equips teachers with advanced disciplinary knowledge, research competence, and pedagogical leadership skills necessary for professional growth and academic excellence. Graduates are prepared to serve as subject leaders and mentors in schools, contribute meaningfully to curriculum innovation and assessment reform, and actively engage in policy dialogue and educational consultancy. The programme also strengthens capacity to support civic and citizenship education initiatives in alignment with national educational priorities. Furthermore, it provides a strong academic foundation for those who wish to pursue higher studies, including doctoral research. Overall, the programme enhances professional mobility within Bhutan’s education system and expands opportunities for leadership in history education, teacher education, and scholarly research.
Programme Delivery and Support
The programme adopts an inquiry-based and constructivist approach to learning. Teaching strategies include:
- Interactive lectures and seminars
- Socratic dialogue and academic debates
- Case studies and project-based learning
- Fieldwork and place-based education
- Oral history projects
- Blended learning via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
- Flipped classroom strategies
- Reflective journals and peer assessment
Students are expected to engage deeply in academic reading, critical writing, research design, data analysis, and dissertation work under the supervision of experienced faculty. A three-week school-based data collection phase supports the development of practical research competence. Continuous academic mentoring and moderation systems ensure academic rigor and quality assurance.
Programme Structure
Year I Semester I
- PDY504 Technology for Teaching, Learning & Assessment
- HGY503 Historical Approaches and Interpretations
- RES504 Educational Research Methods
- RES505 Introduction to Educational Statistics
Year I Semester II
- PDY505 Learning, Teaching and Assessment
- CUS504 Curriculum and Instructional Design
- HOB503 Bhutanese Culture and Globalization
- HGY504 Teaching Local and Oral History
Year II Semester I
- CCE602 Civics & Citizenship Education
- RES606 Dissertation
HOW TO APPLY?
The announcement for the programme will be made through MoE and SCE websites well before the beginning of the academic year. The aspiring students must apply online. The RUB website will also contain the detailed procedures for the online application
SELECTION CRITERIA
The selection criteria will be announced through the MoE and SCE websites.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with History specialisation, or a relevant PgDE/PgCE qualification recognised by BQPCA;
- Score at least 50% in the English Language Proficiency Test (written and viva voce).
Selection is based on merit ranking combining degree performance, written test, and viva voce assessment.
For more information about the programme, please contact:
Mr. Kuenzang Gyeltshen
Dean of Academic Affairs
Email: daa.sce@rub.edu.bt
Phone: +975-05-365397
(or)
Mr. Thinley Wangchuk
Programme Leader
Email: twangchuk.sce@rub.edu.bt