Part I - Program Description

Zhejiang Normal University (ZJNU), founded in 1956, is a key provincial university in China with distinguished programs in Education and African Studies.

From 2015 spring semester, ZJNU had initiated a two-year Master on Comparative Education Program, approved by the Ministry of Education, the People’s Republic of China. This program is financially supported by the Chinese government. Its mission is to provide academic and professional training in comparative education, to pursue academic excellence as well as the practical application of education policy and innovative education research. The program is specially designed for participants from Africa, Asia and other developing countries and shared interest in improved equity and quality in education for all, vitally important to sustainable national development.

Part II - Program Objectives

1.Students will accumulate basic knowledge about international education development, comparative education research, education policy analysis and African education research, develop problem identifying and problem solving capacity, master the elementary method and procedure of scientific research;

2. Students will understand the current situation and focused issues in education research, which will help them to get their own research interests and focus;

3. Students will have opportunity to practice the knowledge and skills. They will learn how to conduct education research independently.

Part III - Program Duration

Students are required to finish the full time course-work, thesis writing and thesis defense by the end of the academic year. Students are expected to complete the program within 2 years from Sept.2015 to Aug. 2017. For confirmed date, please refer to the admission letter.

Part IV - Program Mode/Structure

1. Curriculum: It’s mainly about lectures or presentations, with a mix of seminars, group discussions, tutorials, case studies and so on.

2. Educational Practice: Students will start a half-year educational practice in the 3rd semester, such as education internship, education investigation or education survey.

3. Graduation Thesis: Students are required to finish a graduation thesis in English up to the master standard. Graduation thesis should be submitted and defended in the middle of the 4th semester.

Part V - Program Courses

Note: If there are fewer than six students, a course will not be delivered. Students need to revise the choice.

Part VI - Graduation and Degree Requirements

1.Credit: No less than 34 credits are required, including 2 general courses（8 credits), 5 core courses (13 credits), 2 compulsory items (8 credits), and no less than 5 credits for optional courses. 1 credit equals 18 class hours.

2. Graduation Thesis: Students should select a topic for the thesis under the direction of his/here supervisor, usually in the 2nd semester. The thesis should be written in English, at least 20 thousand words. The thesis should be submitted for oral defense in the middle of the 4th semester.

3. Certificate: Students completing the credits, graduation thesis and oral defense will be awarded a master degree by the academic degree evaluation committee in the university.