Master's in Teaching Physics — Didactics of the Physical Sciences

The IPA's Master's in Physics Teaching trains expert educators in physics didactics and the physical sciences, able to transform physics teaching in contexts where understanding forces, energy and motion is fundamental. The programme rests on four inseparable pillars that structure every semester and every academic project.

The first pillar concerns in-depth mastery of physics in its theoretical, experimental and applied dimensions. Students develop excellent scientific expertise in mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and optics, while gaining a critical understanding of fundamental physical principles and contemporary research methods in physics.

The second pillar concerns the didactics of physics as an experimental and observational science of natural phenomena. Students master modern teaching approaches based on direct observation of phenomena, controlled experiments and mathematical modelling of physical processes, critically assess their relative effectiveness, and develop the ability to design innovative learning sequences rooted in the Burundian and African context.

The third pillar concerns the in-depth study of the applications of physics to technology, energy and the environment. The IPA emphasises physics as a lever for understanding real-world phenomena: how the study of forces and energy develops scientific thinking, strengthens energy and environmental awareness, and prepares citizens for Africa's technological and energy challenges.

The fourth pillar emphasises continuing professional development and the ability to innovate in teaching practice. Graduates are not trained to reproduce existing practices, but to question them, adapt them and create innovative solutions to the real educational problems of Burundian and African schools.

• Deepen knowledge of mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and optics;
• Master physics didactics based on observation, experimentation and modelling;
• Study the applications of physics to technology, energy and the environment;
• Design and conduct research in physics didactics.

This programme rests on three principles that shape every course, project and academic interaction.

Principle 1: From observing phenomena to theoretical modelling

Recognising that physics is studied by connecting direct observation of natural phenomena with mathematical and theoretical models. Students learn to teach physics by creating environments in which learners observe phenomena, ask questions, test hypotheses and gradually develop theoretical understanding. This approach roots physics teaching in direct experimentation and gradual modelling.

Principle 2: Supporting change in teaching practice

Training not only qualified teachers, but also professionals able to develop scientific and educational practice in their institutions. Our graduates develop the skills to motivate colleagues, implement educational change and contribute to debates on the quality of physics teaching at institutional and national level.

Principle 3: Contextual roots and African relevance

Effective physics teaching in Africa must respect the technological, energy and environmental realities of the continent. Students develop a teaching practice that addresses real applications of physics in Burundi and Africa, uses local phenomena and technologies as teaching resources, and prepares citizens to take part in debates on access to energy and sustainable technological development.

This Master's programme spans two academic years, i.e. four semesters. It totals 120 ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer System), corresponding to about 1,800 hours of academic work combining theoretical courses, seminars, supervised practical work, research projects and classroom placements. Each semester is worth 30 ECTS credits.

The balance between theoretical teaching, laboratory practicals, experimental demonstrations, research projects and professional placements ensures well-rounded and genuinely professional training. To complete the Master's, students must pass all modules, submit an original research thesis on a question of physics didactics or the physical sciences, and defend this work publicly before an academic panel.

The Master's in Physics Teaching is aimed at experienced physics teachers and science professionals who wish to deepen their subject and teaching expertise.

Admission to the IPA's Master's in Physics Teaching is based on the three official conditions set by the University of Burundi:

1. Hold a first-cycle degree. Applicants must hold one of the following qualifications: a Licence or Bachelor's degree awarded by the University of Burundi, or a university degree recognised as equivalent by the National Commission for the Equivalence of Diplomas.
2. Hold a degree compatible with the chosen specialisation. The degree submitted must correspond to the field of the Master's in Physics Teaching applied for, demonstrating adequate prior training in teaching the physical sciences or related fields (physics, natural sciences).
3. Pass the entrance examination or admission selection. The University of Burundi generally organises a Master's entrance examination according to an academic calendar published each year. The admissions committee assesses applicants on the basis of their academic record, their examination results and their fit with the objectives of the Master's programme.