The Faculty of Pedagogy at Kamianets-Podilskyi Ivan Ohiienko National University has a distinguished history that dates back to 1918. For many decades, it has played a crucial role in training teaching professionals and shaping the systems of preschool and primary education, as well as in the development of music and fine arts education. Over the years, the faculty has continued to evolve by launching new specialities, expanding its scientific work, and improving its infrastructure and organizational structure.
Today, the Faculty of Pedagogy is a leading educational, scientific, and artistic hub that offers high-quality training at the first (bachelor’s), second (master’s), and third (educational and scientific) levels of higher education in the fields of education and the arts. The educational process is carried out by five departments:
- Department of Pedagogy and Management of Education
Head: Svitlana Viktorivna Polishchuk, PhD in Pedagogy, Associate Professor - Department of Theory and Methods of Preschool Education
Head: Lesia Liudvyhivna Halamanzhuk, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor - Department of Theory and Methods of Primary Education
Acting Head: Nataliia Vasylivna Mieliekiestseva, PhD in Philology, Associate Professor - Department of Fine Arts, Decorative Arts and Restoration
Head: Ivan Stanislavovych Pidhurnyi, PhD in Art Studies, Associate Professor - Department of Music
Head: Alona Myroslavivna Borshuliak, PhD in Art Studies, Associate Professor
In 2008, the joint academic journal Pedagogical Education: Theory and Practice was launched and is published three times a year. In 2010, the journal was included in the list of professional publications of Ukraine in the field of pedagogical sciences and is registered in the international scientometric database Index Copernicus.
The Faculty of Pedagogy is known for its close cooperation with preschool and general secondary education institutions and is actively developing international partnerships. Participation in Erasmus+ projects and cooperation with foreign universities promote academic mobility, internships for both faculty and students, and the organization of joint conferences and workshops such as The Artistic Heritage of Podillia, Current Issues in the Continuity of Preschool and Primary Education, Pedagogy of Higher Education, Franz Liszt and Ukraine, Mykola Leontovych in Contemporary Education and Culture, among others.
Special emphasis is placed on developing students’ creative potential, building soft skills, fostering national and patriotic values, promoting academic integrity, and encouraging innovation. The successful implementation of academic mobility programs, educational events, and cooperation with international partners (Poland, Germany, Moldova, Slovakia) strengthens the faculty’s integration into the global academic community.
Alongside professional training, the faculty pays great attention to the development of students’ creativity. Students actively participate in cultural and educational events, while the faculty’s artistic ensembles—the chamber choir Yasynets, the vocal group Melos, and the ensemble Charming Strings—have repeatedly won prestigious competitions.
The faculty also has an active student self-government, which contributes to enhancing students’ social engagement and professional identity. Academic training is integrated with a vibrant extracurricular life, and student creative groups regularly win awards at national and international competitions.
The Faculty of Pedagogy remains open to change, innovation, and cooperation, all aimed at shaping a new generation of highly qualified, creative, and patriotic educators.
Departments of the Faculty of Pedagogy
The Department of Theory and Methods of Preschool Education provides training at the first (bachelor’s) and second (master’s) levels of higher education in the specialties A2 Preschool Education and 012 Preschool Education.
Head of the Department: Dr. Lesia HALAMANZHUK, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor.
The Preschool Education specialty is the choice of those who dream of becoming a child’s first teacher—someone who inspires, supports, guides, and nurtures their development and exploration of the world. Our graduates are competent, creative, and in-demand professionals who successfully work as preschool teachers, speech therapy group educators, methodologists, heads of preschool institutions, teachers and tutors in child development centers and inclusive environments, and educational organizers in various institutions.
The department ensures the preparation of professionals capable of effectively implementing national education standards, innovative methods, and modern pedagogical technologies in preschool education. The academic process is closely integrated with scientific research in areas such as psycho-pedagogical support for child development, inclusive education, soft skills development, and art education.
Methodological work includes the development of recommendations, manuals, and teaching materials. Special attention is paid to practical training, including the organization and supervision of internships, partnerships with practice bases, and mentoring programs. The department actively promotes career guidance, cooperates with employers, and participates in training programs, conferences, and educational initiatives.
International cooperation focuses on participating in projects, experience exchange, and professional development of teaching staff. The department shapes specialists capable of fostering the harmonious development of preschool-aged children in the context of modern education.
By choosing specialty 012 Preschool Education or A2 Preschool Education, you choose a future that is bright, sincere, and creative—because childhood is the beginning of everything.
The Department of Theory and Methods of Primary Education offers training at the first (bachelor’s) and second (master’s) levels of higher education in the specialties 013 Primary Education and A3 Primary Education.
Head of the Department: Nataliia MIELIEKIESTSEVA, PhD in Philology, Associate Professor.
The department focuses on the professional preparation of future primary school teachers, the development of their pedagogical mastery, and the formation of professional competencies in line with the New Ukrainian School reform and European educational standards.
Key areas of activity include the implementation of modern teaching technologies, conducting scientific research, developing educational and methodological materials, and close collaboration with educational institutions to ensure the preparation of highly qualified, competitive specialists and to improve the quality of primary education.
The Department of Fine, Decorative, Applied Arts and Art Restoration provides training in the following specialties:
• B4 Fine Arts and Restoration / 023 Fine Arts, Decorative Arts, and Restoration
• A4.12 / 014.12 Secondary Education (Fine Arts) under the educational program Secondary Education – Fine Arts
Head of the Department: Ivan PIDHURNYI, PhD in Art Studies, Associate Professor.
The department boasts a friendly and professional team composed of Doctors and PhDs in Art History, Architecture, and History, as well as practicing artists, icon painters, graphic designers, masters of easel graphics, jewelry art, and fine art restoration. This rich expertise allows students to master a wide range of artistic techniques, acquire deep professional competencies, and choose the direction that best fits their individual career paths.
The Department of Music provides professional training at the bachelor’s and master’s levels in the field of Secondary Education (Music Art). The educational process is supervised by the department head, Alona BORSHULIAK, Candidate of Art Studies, Associate Professor.
The department’s academic team includes highly qualified lecturers and practicing professionals — recipients of national awards, members of the National All-Ukrainian Music Union, leaders of cultural and artistic organizations, winners of national and international music competitions and festivals, and experienced art educators.
The department trains modern music teachers for general secondary education institutions, equipping them to carry out educational and artistic-pedagogical work in accordance with the principles of the New Ukrainian School. Emphasis is placed on developing students’ professional competencies, pedagogical abilities, and musical performance skills.
The department actively implements innovative teaching methods, conducts research in the field of art education, develops modern teaching materials based on European standards, and supports academic mobility through partnerships with Ukrainian and international institutions. Students are encouraged to participate in artistic competitions, festivals, and scientific conferences, ensuring their creative and academic growth. Instrumental and vocal-choral ensembles function within the department as creative laboratories for refining students’ professional skills.
The Department of Pedagogy and Management of Education is a graduating department that trains students at the master’s level under the program Educational Sciences, and at the doctoral level under the program Educational and Pedagogical Sciences. The department also contributes to the professional training of students in various educational programs in the fields of Secondary and Primary Education.
The department is headed by Svitlana POLISHCHUK, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences (specialty – General Pedagogy and History of Pedagogy), Associate Professor.
Its main task is to prepare students for effective professional activity through the formation of pedagogical competencies, the organization of contemporary educational processes, and the dissemination of professional knowledge. Special attention is given to shaping a humanistic worldview, fostering creativity, and encouraging students’ interest in teaching. The department promotes students’ academic and professional development, supports research initiatives, and facilitates their social integration into the educational community.
List of specialties
The first (bachelor) level of higher education
The specialty aims to train highly qualified, competitive professionals in the field of preschool education, capable of ensuring the comprehensive development, education, and upbringing of infants and preschool-age children in educational institutions and families, as well as addressing complex specialized tasks characterized by multifaceted and uncertain conditions. The educational and professional programs “Preschool Education” and “Preschool Education. Speech Therapy” are designed to develop a modern preschool educator proficient in educational methods, capable of providing psychological and pedagogical support to children, implementing innovative approaches, and demonstrating a high level of professional competence. Special attention is given to developing skills for working with children’s families, soft skills, and the ability for self-development and creative application of knowledge in practice. Graduates of the “Preschool Education” program may work as preschool educators. Graduates of the “Preschool Education. Speech Therapy” program may work as preschool educators, preschool educator assistants, speech therapists, or speech therapist assistants. The curriculum combines theoretical training with practical work in preschool institutions and offers opportunities for national credit and international academic mobility, participation in scientific and educational events, and involvement in social initiatives and international educational projects.
013 Primary Education, A3 Primary Education prepares competitive primary school teachers for general secondary education institutions who can implement the educational process through partnership-based interaction, solve complex specialized tasks and problems of an innovative and research nature, and create a safe learning environment in the New Ukrainian School, supporting personal and professional growth.
Stakeholders from the primary education sector are involved in the training process. Selected courses are taught in English. Students may complete internships at other higher education institutions in Ukraine (internal academic mobility) and participate in international mobility programs.
Graduates can work as primary school teachers in general secondary education institutions, after-school group educators, or teacher assistants in inclusive groups.
The program “Secondary Education (Fine Arts)” provides basic higher education leading to the qualification of an art or fine arts teacher in general secondary education institutions.
Graduates will be able to conduct workshops, seminars, and group or individual sessions in fine and decorative arts. The curriculum includes a range of disciplines that develop artistic skills and support individual artistic creativity.
Fine Arts and Restoration provides a basic higher education leading to a professional artist’s qualification. Special attention is given to restoration skills.
Students may choose to study various traditional and contemporary art styles and techniques, as well as basic skills in jewelry making within the field of decorative arts.
The educational program “Secondary Education (Music Art)” prepares qualified educators with strong knowledge in art, music, pedagogy, psychology, and teaching methodology.
Graduates are trained to solve complex specialized and practical problems in organizing the educational process in general secondary education institutions under complex and uncertain conditions.
Students have opportunities to participate in internal and international academic mobility programs.
Graduates may work as art or music teachers in general secondary education or extracurricular education institutions. They may also pursue a Master’s degree or obtain additional qualifications through adult education systems.
The second (Master’s) Level of Higher Education
The 012 Preschool Education specialty prepares highly qualified professionals equipped with competencies in innovative management, monitoring, administration, financial and economic management, and social engagement in preschool institutions. It reflects the current priorities of preschool education development and social processes in Ukraine and the region, emphasizing the need for specialists capable of transforming the educational system, responding flexibly to challenges, and ensuring children’s access to quality preschool education. Special focus is placed on creating a supportive environment for children’s development, learning, and upbringing, psychological well-being, and the formation of transversal skills. The program incorporates modern requirements for applying knowledge during practical training and completing a qualification thesis. Career opportunities: director of a preschool institution, preschool teacher, or preschool education methodologist.
Graduates may pursue further study at the third (educational and scientific) level – Doctor of Philosophy – or acquire additional qualifications through adult education programs.
The 013 Primary Education program aims to train highly qualified specialists with strong theoretical and practical foundations who are able to operate in the context of educational reform. Graduates will be capable of fulfilling professional duties involving research and innovation within the primary education sector.
The curriculum allows for practical training in general secondary education institutions (GSEIs) across Ukraine through national credit mobility, as well as participation in international academic mobility programs. Career opportunities: primary school teacher at GSEIs; employment is also possible in general secondary, pre-tertiary, and higher education institutions, research institutes, extracurricular education centers, interschool resource centers, and other organizations within the education sector.
Graduates are eligible to continue their studies at the third (educational and scientific) level of higher education.
The educational program Secondary Education (Fine Arts) offers complete higher education in the field.
Graduates are qualified to work in specialized educational institutions, teach the integrated course “Art” to senior school students, and deliver educational content in institutions of higher education (Levels I–II of accreditation).
Students also have the opportunity to continue their studies at the third (educational and scientific) level of higher education.
The educational program Restoration of Works of Art offers complete higher education.
Upon completion, students acquire advanced knowledge and practical skills in restoring works of art based on fabric and wood materials. They also learn to conduct scientific analysis and preliminary expert evaluation of fine art objects. Career opportunities: employment in museum institutions, self-employment as freelance artists or restorers.
Graduates may also continue their education at the third (educational and scientific) level of higher education.
The educational program Secondary Education (Music) prepares highly qualified pedagogical professionals for artistic-educational and research activities within general secondary education institutions. Graduates possess a solid foundation of scientific and professional knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as innovative teaching technologies for the development and education of personality through music arts. They are capable of critical thinking, generating and implementing new ideas, and solving complex professional tasks and problems at the intersection of various fields of knowledge, considering the requirements of the New Ukrainian School, current trends in science and art, and aspects of social and ethical responsibility. Graduates are ready for lifelong self-education and professional development. Students have opportunities to participate in national and international academic mobility programs.
Career opportunities: teachers of art and music in general secondary education institutions; leaders of amateur children’s music ensembles; organizers of extracurricular and out-of-school musical-educational activities for children; employees of educational institutions and organizations. Graduates may continue their education at the third (educational and scientific) level of higher education and/or obtain qualifications in other specialties within the system of postgraduate education.
The A1 Educational Sciences specialty prepares qualified specialists for the education sector, including lecturers at higher education institutions; lecturers at professional pre-tertiary, vocational (technical), and general secondary education institutions; specialists capable of professional strategic management of educational institution development, ensuring quality management of educational activities, and monitoring the fulfillment of planned tasks.
Career opportunities: lecturers, methodologists, assistants at higher education institutions; managers in extracurricular education, preschool education, general secondary education, specialized education, vocational technical education, and higher professional education. Graduates can also continue their studies at the third (educational and scientific) level of higher education.
The third (educational and scientific) level of higher education
The specialty 011 Educational, Pedagogical Sciences, educational and scientific program Educational, Pedagogical Sciences, and the specialty A1 Educational Sciences, educational and scientific program Educational Sciences are designed to prepare highly qualified, competitive specialists integrated into the European and global scientific-educational space at the level of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
The program develops the competencies necessary for research activities, university-level teaching, analytical work, and scientific consulting in the field of Education/Pedagogy (field 01 Education/Pedagogy).
| Administration of the Faculty of Pedagogics | |
Dean: Nataliia Bakhmat, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine, bakhmat.nataliya@kpnu.edu.ua Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance of Higher Education: Olha Kovalchuk, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor, kovalchuk.olga@kpnu.edu.ua Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance of Higher Education (Art Specialties): Tetiana Borysova, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor, borysova@kpnu.edu.ua Deputy Dean for Research and International Relations: Nataliia Kanosa, Candidate of Psychological Sciences, Associate Professor, kanosa@kpnu.edu.ua Address: 1b, Simon Petlura st. (Uralska) Kamianets-Podilskyi, 32300 Phone: +38 (03849)3-34-92 |