Master's Programme in Research and Innovation in Higher Education, 120 cr

Knowledge

The graduates of the MARIHE programme have a sound understanding of

- the theories, problem solving methods and results of education and management research as well as of their frontier sciences,

- the evolution of paradigms and theoretical models of HE,

- the cutting edge innovation areas of HE, and are able to critically assess them,

- the new contexts relevant for learning and teaching, research and innovation as well as for the third mission of higher education,

- the relation between implementing change processes and analyse how these relate to education systems, HEIs and labour market needs in general,

- the specificities of scientific institutions and the ability analyse how marketization and deregulation instruments could be adapted to the needs and to the culture of HEIs,

- the theories of learning sciences and curriculum design, and are able to apply this knowledge on how to create supportive and professional learning environments, also in the context of lifelong learning challenges for HEIs.

Skills

The graduates of the MARIHE programme will have the ability to

- link system change with institutional change and its implementation,

- analyse critically the relevant literature,

- use research and research management skills, design research projects in groups and individually, use research methods (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods) with the potential to move to PhD studies,

- apply management instruments, adequate to the ‘knowledge triangle’,

- think and plan strategically, especially in relation to problem-solving

- to integrate knowledge, handle uncertainty and complexity, formulate judgements and communicate them to a wider audience,

- present and publish research results,

- co-operate with stakeholders of learning and teaching, research and innovation, third mission activities including co-operation with the business sector,

- analyse and develop the knowledge and skills of knowledge professions, particularly in HE sector,

- design and lead the implementation of HE study programmes,

- systematically structure and apply the approaches of inter- and multicultural education,

- support both individual and group learning needs, responding to contextual variables,

- interpret and take part in discourses on HE, critically analyse a HEI and set proposals for improvement

- adequately and adaptively communicate, cooperate and coordinate in HEIs,

- build professional groups, become members of learning communities and are open to join new ones.

Generic competences

The graduates of the MARIHE programme are able to

- act as professionals, who are open to multiple perspectives of science areas and stakeholders’ groups,

- be open and sensitive in issues related to age, sex, ethnic, social, cultural and professional differences,

- act as professionally well established persons, who are critical, and committed to the knowledge based development of HE,

- be reflective and analytical, when implementing changes, and assessing results,

- be motivated innovators and promoters of the entrepreneurial spirit in HE,

- be open to apply new knowledge, and are responsible promoters of inventions and innovations,

- be self-confident, but realistically recognise alternative professional perspectives and opportunities for action,

- be autonomous in their work and in harmonising personal and organisational objectives,

- practice evidence based independent decision making,

- be reliable and effective team members and leaders of a group,

- apply effective argumentation, presentation and digital skills in their work

- be responsible supporters of the professional development of their professional communities

- be autonomous and responsible in advising and leading change processes in HE

MARIHE is a four semester Erasmus Mundus master programme of 120 ECTS credits with an intensive mobility scheme.

During the first academic year all MARIHE students study together in Austria (1^st semester) and then in Finland (2^nd semester). The first semester in Austria will start with an introduction phase and will then include modules that will build the foundation of studies in research, innovation and HE management.

A series of three modules over three semesters called “Systems in Transition” are dedicated to Analysis and Comparison of HE systems worldwide. It will start in first semester with “Systems in Transition 1”, which is dedicated to History of Higher Education and Regional Focus on Europe (current issues in EHEA and European Research Area/ERA).

Two modules “Research Methods” 1 and 2 during the first two semesters prepare students for conducting management and social scientific research, applying both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Building up on the knowledge and competences acquired in the first semester, the second semester in Finland will offer orientation to students in more specific and applied management topics: Theories of Organisation and Change in HEIs and Research Institutions, Research and Innovation Management, Financial Management and Funding in HE, Research and Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Education. This will help students in further shaping their learning path and deciding for a specialisation.

The module “System in Transition 2” in second semester is dedicated to globalization and internationalisation in HE, and has a regional Focus on Africa and North and South America. The module “Entrepreneurship, Education and Innovation” will foster entrepreneurship education in the programme, with a specialisation on the educational field. “Research Methods 2” will again prepare students for independent research in the field of research, innovation and HE management.

Between the second and the third semester, students will acquire work experience in the form of an internship at well-known organisations in higher education, research and innovation, providing them with the opportunity to gain experience in a real work setting.

After this, they will decide for either China or India for their destination of the field trip to Asia. This field trip will include the module Systems in Transition 3, which has a regional focus on Asia. The second module on this fieldtrip, “Insights from Practice in Chinese HE/in Indian HE” will give students the possibilities to meet and discuss with practitioners such as leaders and managers from HEIs or public authorities. In the case of India, this will be combined with addressing the sector of business school education as an additional focus.

After the fieldtrip to Asia, the last part of the third semester will form the start of students’ specialisation: “Research and Innovation” (Finland), “Leadership and Management” (Germany), “Institutional Research” (Austria) and “Learning and Teaching” (Hungary). All students will accomplish two modules in their chosen specialisation. For the fourth semester, they will stay at the same host institution to participate a master's thesis seminar and to write their master thesis in their field of specialisation.

Depending on the chosen specialisation, graduates will receive a joint degree or a double degree:

- Research and Innovation: joint degree awarded by Tampere University and Danube University Krems

- Institutional Research: joint degree awarded by Tampere University and Danube University Krems

- Learning and Teaching: double degree awarded by Tampere University and Eötvös Lorand University

- Leadership and Management: joint degree awarded by Danube University Krems and University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück