Program Name: Educational leadership and policy

The Institute of International and Comparative Education, Beijing Normal University

in collaboration with the Institute of International Education, Stockholm University

INTRODUCTION

The Institute of International and Comparative Education at BNU, founded in 1961, is the oldest and most influential institute for the study of comparative education in China, and is the only nationally recognized center for comparative education. The institute is staffed by senior faculty members and has a strong profile of national and international research. It has a proven track record of effectiveness in postgraduate training of over 30 years. Aiming to train high-level education professional and carry out international and comparative education research, the Institute of International and Comparative Education creates a stimulating and challenging environment which welcomes ambitious students in the field of comparative education. This program strives to contribute to educational management, leadership, and policy worldwide.

The International PhD Program in Educational Leadership and Policy (Comparative Education) for International Students is a unique program offered by the Institute of International and Comparative Education at Beijing Normal University with support from the Institute of International Education at Stockholm University. This program, with generous financial support from the Chinese Government, is designed to train talented individuals who can contribute to globalization and internationalization in the fields of educational management, leadership and policy worldwide, and enhance educational and cultural exchange between China and other countries.

The program is focused on a series of contemporary issues of educational management, leadership and policy that are relevant to all countries, especially developing nations, as well as international organization. Based on the rich international resources of the Institute of International and Comparative Education at Beijing Normal University and the Institute of International Education at Stockholm University, it has a strong team of professors and faculty members, and aims to become a high quality and world-class international program.

The program aims to train talented individuals from all over the world so that they will develop a deep understanding of educational theories and acquire a wide knowledge of fundamental policy trends in educational reform and development worldwide. The program aims to meet the demands of the international labor market by training individuals who have independent educational research capabilities, highly developed international communication and educational management and leadership skills, and will go on to work in international organizations, governmental authorities, NGOs, research institutions, higher education institutions, and related areas.

We sincerely welcome students from countries across the world to apply for this international program, co-creating multiple and proactive cultural atmosphere, and contributing our modest means to promote development of educational management, leadership, and policy worldwide.

CREDITS & COURSES

Credits: At least 13 core course credits are required (1 credit equals 16 class hours), including 2 general compulsory course and 3 professional compulsory courses. In addition, at least 6 credits from the elective courses are required. If the relevant courses have been studied previously at the master level, these credits for core courses can be exempted upon application and attainment of written approval.

Courses

Program Requirements Credits:

Total 19 credits. At least 13 core course credits are required, including 2 general compulsory course and 3 professional compulsory courses. In addition, at least 6 credits from the elective courses are required. If the relevant courses have been studied previously at the master level, these credits for core courses can be exempted upon application and attainment of written approval.

Mid-Course Examination:

PhD degree candidates must first pass the mid-course examination by the end of the third semester, and may then proceed to the PhD dissertation-writing period. Candidates should complete the courses and credits required and submit a dissertation proposal to be examined and approved by their supervisors. An examining group is responsible for the examination of the dissertation proposals. Those who fail to pass the examination will have the opportunity to apply for a second-round examination if they have the support of the examining group and their supervisors. If the proposal fails to pass the second-round examination, the candidate will not be permitted to continue the program.

PhD Dissertation:

The candidate should select a theme for dissertation study under the direction of his/her supervisor. We encourage candidates to pursue topics relevant to their own professional backgrounds and interests. A final version of the PhD dissertation should be submitted for assessment and dissertation defense in March of the sixth semester. The final PhD dissertation should be written in English and the length of the dissertation should be 160-200 pages (Times New Roman 12 point font and 1.5 line spacing). A final dissertation defense is required.

Degree Award:

Candidates who complete their studies within the set time period by completing the required learning and research tasks, passing the required examinations and the dissertation (including defense) shall be allowed to graduate. The University’s Degree Evaluation Committee will finally decide whether to bestow degrees upon the students.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

         A Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification) from a recognized university.

         Since the program is offered in English, a good mastery of English is required for program admission. IELTS with Minimum overall band score of 6 or TOEFL with Minimum overall score of 100 is required for international student whose first language is not English. Applicants who have received an original degree from an English-medium program in previous institutions can be exempted.

         In good health with a health certificate issued by the local public hospitals; without diseases with which entry to China is disallowed by China’s laws and regulations; without severe chronic diseases such as serious high blood pressure, cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases and diabetes; without metal diseases or epidemic diseases that are likely to cause a serious threat to public health; not in the process of recovering after a major operation or in the process of acute diseases; not seriously disabled or pregnant.

         Work experience in the educational field is preferable.

DURATION& TUITION

         Study Duration: 3 years

         Tuition Fee: RMB 98,000 (for 3 years)

CONTACT INFORMATION

        Institute of international and comparative education

E-mail: intlmaedu@bnu.edu.cn

Tel: +86 (10) 5880 5294

Fax: +86 (10) 5880 0597

For more information about the Institute of International and Comparative Education, Beijing Normal University, please visit: www.compe.cn