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2025-2026 / YTRA9002-1

Preparatory work on research into adult learning

Duration

30h Pr

Number of credits

 Master in education, professional focus in adult training (Réinscription uniquement, pas de nouvelle inscription)6 crédits 

Lecturer

Collégialité, Annick Fagnant

Coordinator

Krystel Ciura

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

All year long

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The Preparatory Research Work (TPR) constitutes the first stage of the thesis and has as its main objective preparing the student for the concrete realization of this project. Within the framework of the TPR, the student develops their thesis project under the supervision of a supervisor. Depending on the case, the student may contribute to research conducted by the supervisor or develop a personal research project with supervisory guidance. The TPR is a mandatory prerequisite for the Master's thesis.


 

 

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

  • Formulate a research problem with sufficient precision and assess its relevance.
  • Review and synthesize the literature related to the topic.
  • Formulate hypotheses and/or sub-questions.
  • Propose a draft methodology.
  • Identify the types of data to be collected and the intended methods of analysis.
  • Assess the feasibility of the research, including ethical considerations.

 

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Teaching arrangements take several forms:

  • Online course modules, including video presentations, individual activities, and exchanges (via forums).
  • In-person course sessions.
  • Individual meetings tailored to the specific needs of each student.
  • Preparation of a pre-thesis, intended to integrate the concepts studied.
Meetings with the supervisor and/or co-supervisor will support the student in defining the research problem, formulating hypotheses, and designing the methodology.

Students must also take part in modules and sessions addressing elements common to all Master's theses in the Faculty, such as the scientific approach, documentary research, critical reading of articles, academic and scientific writing, the formulation of objectives, hypotheses, and a research question, key methodological principles, and the submission of an ethics application. Organizational details will be provided during the first session.

Note: Participation in the full program is mandatory. However, students may request an exemption from the thesis support program from their supervisor, with appropriate justification. Important: The formulation of the research question and the specific methodology of the thesis, as well as the definition of the work plan and deadlines, remain the student's responsibility under the supervisor's guidance.

Five sessions, including a mandatory mentoring meeting with the supervisor/co-supervisor:

  • Presentation of the program and research methods in educational sciences (3/10/2025)

  • Exploration and selection of thesis topics (17/10/2025). Choice to be made by 31/10/2025. Topic assignment by the department on 10/11/2025

  • Literature review (14/11/2025)

  • Project mentoring and support (12/12/2025)

  • Research ethics and preparation of the ethics vigilance file (6/03/2026)

  • Mentoring meeting with the supervisor/co-supervisor (date to be arranged in February)

Mandatory online course modules, including video presentations, individual activities, and exchanges (via forums).

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

The teaching unit consists of a hybrid training device combining online sessions and face-to-face sessions.
 

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

Various readings will be given in some modules. The documents will be published online. The videos used in the online sessions and the Powerpoint files used in the face-to-face sessions will also be published online.

Written work / report


Further information:

Submission to the supervisor of a written work (pre-thesis) meeting the criteria communicated at the beginning of the academic year. Submission of this work in the first session is conditional upon:

  • The student's participation in online sessions, including completion of the proposed activities.

  • The student's participation in in-person sessions, including completion of the proposed activities.

  • The timely submission of two intermediate forms (the "department" form and the "faculty" form) as well as the integrative assignment.

Failure to meet any of these requirements automatically results in the pre-thesis being deferred to the second session.

Evaluation is based on the written work as specified in the Preparatory Research Work (TPR) regulations. The TPR is graded by the supervisor in either the first or second session. A grade of 10/20 or higher is automatically credited, and the corresponding ECTS credits are awarded.

The supervisor may, at their discretion, hold an interview with the student to discuss specific aspects of the work. If conducted, this exchange forms an integral part of the evaluation, alongside the written work.




 

 

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

First session : June 8, 2026

Second session: August 17, 2026

The choice of topic for the Preparatory Research Work (TPR) is made following a presentation of available themes during a dedicated session, using a specific questionnaire and according to a procedure explained at the beginning of the academic year by the designated coordinator, Krystel Ciura.
 

 

Contacts

Scientific supervision: the thesis supervisor and, where applicable, an appointed co-supervisor.

Allocation of thesis topics and monitoring of the program: Krystel Ciura - krystel.ciura@uliege.be

Administrative follow-up: Magda Thunus, Master Program Officer (04/366.20.26 or Magda.Thunus@uliege.be).

Association of one or more MOOCs