Why MA(EfS)?
Choosing Master of Arts in Education for Sustainability:
At present, many workers and teachers who do not possess an undergraduate degree in an environmental / sustainability-related field are involved in sustainability practices. In a recent survey conducted by the SES and SSC departments, teachers, NGO staff and private consultancies expressed an interest in having the opportunity to formally learn about sustainability issues to enhance the effectiveness of environmental/sustainability teaching in the school curriculum and other school activities.
There is a need for Hong Kong teachers who do not possess a relevant degree to upgrade their qualifications to become teachers with solid environmental and sustainability backgrounds.
Programme Uniqueness:
In preparation for the launch of the Master of Arts in Education for Sustainability (MAEfS) in 2013, the programme has initiated collaborations with academics from other renowned overseas universities to provide or share a wealth of teaching and learning resources for this professional programme, with a view to creating a world-class programme with international appeal and reputation in the field of environmental education and education for sustainable development (EfS). Collaboration with professionals and academics from other renowned universities is expected to benefit both teaching and research. We will continue to examine the programme and invite different overseas professional institutions or scholars to share their expertise in order to create an international learning environment in the field of sustainability both locally and globally, and to provide students with a more holistic and international perspective on environmental education and sustainability.
The Master’s programme will have a dual emphasis on sustainability issues and pedagogy, enabling graduates to become teachers/practitioners in their specialised fields, thereby enhancing upward mobility in their careers. It will provide a professional/vocational qualification for those working beyond the school system to provide training in sustainable development and environmental issues. In addition, the MA will enable graduates to pursue further EfS studies in M.Phil, Ed.D and PhD programmes.
EdUHK's Market and Staffing Competitiveness:
- Its staff has experience in teaching relevant science/social science courses in the related areas of study.
- Its staff has contributed to developing key personal, social and humanities education learning areas and other inter-disciplinary curricula (e.g., general studies, liberal studies and integrated humanities).
- Its staff has conducted research in related areas that could inform and improve the MA programme’s development.
- Its staff has worked collaboratively with primary and secondary schools to provide training in environmentally related areas.