Programme Overview

The Master of Education (MEd) in Chemistry is a postgraduate degree programme designed to enhance the knowledge, pedagogical expertise, research competency, and professional practice of in-service secondary school Chemistry teachers. The programme provides an advanced understanding of Chemistry concepts, contemporary issues, innovative pedagogies, digital technologies, and inquiry-based laboratory practices to enable graduates to enhance effective teaching, learning, and assessment that address learners’ diverse needs and misconceptions. The programme equips graduates with the competencies to conduct educational research, apply appropriate research methodologies and statistical tools, analyse and communicate research findings, and develop evidence-based solutions to emerging challenges in Chemistry education. Furthermore, the programme cultivates reflective practice, effective communication, ethical professionalism, leadership, collaboration, creativity, and lifelong learning, preparing graduates to contribute to the continuous improvement of Chemistry teaching and learning while upholding the Code of Conduct for Teachers and Bhutanese values in national and global educational contexts.

The duration of the programme

It is an 18-month full-time programme leading to MEd in Chemistry of Royal University of Bhutan (RUB).

Programme outcomes

On completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply research-informed innovative learning, teaching, and assessment strategies to enhance Chemistry learning in diverse classroom contexts.
  2. Integrate digital technologies and other appropriate teaching resources to improve learning outcomes in Chemistry.
  3. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of Chemistry concepts, principles, and practical applications.
  4. Design Chemistry experiments to explain scientific concepts and promote inquiry-based learning.
  5. Identify learners’ misconceptions in Chemistry and implement appropriate interventions to improve conceptual understanding.
  6. Apply appropriate research methodologies and statistical tools to investigate and address issues in Chemistry education.
  7. Disseminate research findings through oral presentations, academic writing, and a research dissertation.
  8. Evaluate the effectiveness of learning, teaching, and assessment practices to improve student learning and professional practice.
  9. Develop innovative and evidence-based solutions to address emerging issues and challenges in Chemistry education.
  10. Demonstrate professionalism, ethical practice, leadership, and collaboration in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Teachers and Bhutanese values and etiquette.
  11. Communicate effectively with diverse audiences using appropriate academic, professional, and digital platforms.
  12. Engage in reflective practice, self-directed learning, and continuous professional development to promote lifelong learning and the advancement of Chemistry education.

 

Why should they enrol in the programme?

The MEd in Chemistry programme prepares in-service teachers to teach Chemistry effectively in secondary schools through enhanced content knowledge, pedagogical expertise, laboratory skills, and research competency. In addition, it provides opportunities to diversify their careers within the education system in areas such as professional and instructional leadership, educational research, curriculum innovation and development, teacher education, assessment, and consultancy. Graduates will be well positioned to guide and support fellow teachers in their schools through the application of innovative teaching practices, educational research, and the integration of digital technologies. For some graduates, this qualification will also serve as a pathway to higher academic qualifications, including doctoral (PhD) studies.

Programme delivery and support

The Master of Education (MEd) in Chemistry programme adopts inquiry-based, constructivist, and research-informed approaches to develop reflective, innovative, and competent Chemistry educators. The programme is delivered through interactive lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory practicals, project-based and place-based learning, collaborative discussions, team-teaching, independent study, and blended learning supported by the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Students engage in academic reading, scholarly writing, critical analysis of research, and supervised research leading to a dissertation. Continuous academic support is provided through formative feedback, tutorials, and research supervision to foster professional growth, lifelong learning, and excellence in Chemistry education.

Programme Structure

Year I Semester I

  1. PDY507 Technology for Learning, Teaching, and Assessment (15 credits)
  2. ASC501 Advanced Studies I in Chemistry (15 credits)
  3. RES503 Educational Research Methods (15 credits)
  4. RES504 Introduction to Educational Statistics (15 credits)

 Year I Semester II

  1. PDY508 Learning, Teaching and Assessment (15 credits)
  2. CUS504 Curriculum and Instructional Design (15 credits)
  3. CHC501 Chemistry of Contemporary Issues (15 credits)
  4. ASC502 Advanced Studies II in Chemistry (15 credits)

 Year II Semester I

  1. ASC603 Advanced Studies III in Chemistry (15 credits)
  2. RES605 Dissertation (45 credits)

HOW TO APPLY?

The announcement for admission to the programme will be made through the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD), Samtse College of Education (SCE), and Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) websites well before the commencement of the academic year. Interested applicants are required to submit their applications through the online admission system by following the prescribed application procedures. Detailed information on eligibility criteria, admission requirements, application deadlines, and selection procedures will be available on the official RUB and SCE websites.

 SELECTION CRITERIA

The selection criteria will be announced through the MoESD and SCE websites. Applicants will be selected based on the prescribed eligibility requirements and admission criteria approved by the University.

 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for enrolment in the MEd in Chemistry programme, a candidate should:

  • hold a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education or a Bachelor of Education in Primary Education with Chemistry as a subject of specialisation, or a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PgDE)/Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PgCE) in Chemistry from a University or institution recognised by the Bhutan Qualifications and Professional Certification Authority (BQPCA);
  • have scored a minimum of 50% in the English Language Proficiency Test, which includes a written examination and a viva voce. The test emphasises analytical reasoning and language proficiency to ensure candidates can effectively meet the linguistic demands of the programme;
  • Possess a minimum of two years of teaching experience in secondary schools.

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

Dr. Reeta Rai
Programme Leader
Email: medchemistrypl.sce@rub.edu.bt