Master of Education Students at FNU Natabua Campus, Lautoka.

The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the global education landscape. More than ever, teachers now need to research more in subject areas, explore and prepare interactive and informative lessons and deliver via online mode while ensuring students understand and can cope with the transformed teaching methods.

To provide a pathway for education professionals to develop and strengthen career progression prospects, the Fiji National University (FNU) is offering a Master of Education via coursework programme commencing in Semester 2 this year.

Offered through FNU’s College of Humanities and Education (CHE), the programme is specifically designed for educators who want to develop and extend their proficiency in education, study contemporary education issues and learn about new developments in the education sector.

According to Dr Victor Alasa, Head of School Education, the programme enhances teachers’ insight into theoretical and practical backgrounds of evolving education sphere.

“This course enables graduates to gain advanced knowledge, experience, skills, attitudes, appropriate dispositions and values for further education and professional work in education or training,” said Dr Alasa.

“The programme is relevant for experienced educators, leaders, and future leaders of education. to boost their teachers’ knowledge and practice and foster their understanding of educational theory and research.”

The Master of Education is a stair-cased programme aimed to prepare the candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme.

Dr Victor Alasa.

Dr Alasa believes that it is important for teachers to understand the challenges of meeting the needs of contemporary students.

“To keep up with the transforming education landscape, FNU’s master of education qualifications trains teachers to meet the needs of their students better. It also gives teachers the tools needed to reach students, better engage and manage classroom while improving educational outcomes of students.”

Dr Alasa stated that the programme drives graduates towards success in the teaching industry.

“With the current pandemic, educators must understand the real classroom experience as well as leadership, curriculum development, and how to best engage with students and parents,” he said.

The programme can be completed over a minimum of two years (full-time study equivalent).

Interested students can apply online by visiting the FNU website www.fnu.ac.fj or text via 857 or email admission@fnu.ac.fj if they face difficulties completing the process online or need further information regarding enrolment for Semester II.