INTRODUCTION

The Master of Education (MEd) by Coursework and Thesis provides an opportunity for persons concerned with educational practice to undertake advanced coursework and research in a field of particular interest to them and to gain an internationally recognised postgraduate qualification.  It can be completed in one year of full-time study or part-time equivalent.  The MEd is not an introductory teaching qualification nor is it a licence to teach.

The MEd prepares the graduand to inquire into the nature of educational problems and generate new knowledge which can be used to enhance policy and practice.

When undertaking research, students are encouraged to become involved in applied research which attempts to provide solutions to the problems faced by learners, teachers, administrators, consultants and policy-makers.  Students may be able to participate in ongoing research projects being conducted by the Fogarty and CSaLT research centres of the School of Education.

Students wishing to study full-time should ensure that they discuss their proposal with the appropriate Course Coordinator before committing themselves to full-time study, since not all units may be available in a particular year and the research component of the course can be managed much more effectively on a part-time basis.

The MEd by Coursework and Thesis provides an opportunity for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy, however, admission to the PhD is highly competitive.

This Masters by Research course is a one year course comprising Stage 1 (Preliminary) and Stage 2 (Thesis).

Requirement for admission to Stage 1 (Preliminary) is successful completion of a Bachelor Pass degree.

Requirement for admission to Stage 2 (Thesis) is normally based on successful completion of Stage 1. However, students may also be admitted to Stage 2 by advanced standing based on having completed:

• A Bachelor Degree with Honours, or
• An approved research-based Graduate Diploma, or
• An approved equivalent qualification, or
• Appropriate research preparation.

For overseas applicants, competence in English is required and can be demonstrated via the Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), with the minimum acceptable score being an overall band of 7.0 (no individual band less than 6.5).

The MEd is equivalent to one year of full-time study and comprises four units of Coursework (60 credit points) and a Thesis equivalent to 0.5 year of full-time study.