Program summary

Program title: Master of Education by Research
Award abbreviation: MEd by Research
Degree type: higher degree by research
Study mode: internal, external
Duration: 1.5 years expected, 2 years maximum full-time; 3 years expected, 4 years maximum part-time
Commence: students can apply and start throughout the year, subject to program requirements
Fee type 2011: domestic higher degree by research places, international fee-paying places
USC program code: ED802
CRICOS code: 072639J

The Master of Education by Research is an advanced research program that requires you to conduct original research in an area that is both of interest to you, and of broader significance to the University and the community.

The program can help you upgrade original training and educational qualifications, develop areas of expertise to increase your professional credibility in educational and training settings, and equip you for senior positions or professional leadership. It involves the generation of deep knowledge in a specific professional area of study, a comprehensive review of the literature, advanced research techniques, and extensive analysis applied to a project in a workplace situation.

Admission requirements

Candidates for the award of Master of Education are normally required to hold either:

• a four-year undergraduate degree in an appropriate discipline with a GPA of 5 (on a 7 point scale) or equivalent, together with professional expertise in a specific field of education or training and a demonstrated potential to engage in research

OR

• a Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate in Education with a GPA of 5 or better (on a 7 point scale) or equivalent together with professional expertise in a specific field of education or training and a demonstrated potential to engage in research

OR

• a Bachelors degree with Class 1 Honours or Class 2 Division I or Division II Honours

International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.

Program structure

The program has four distinct phases—proposal and affirmation of candidature, writing of the thesis, presentation of a scholarly paper to a significant national or international audience, and examination of the thesis.

As a candidate you complete one required course — EDU750 Research Paradigms and Methods of Enquiry — which addresses the need to embed research enquiry in a particular research paradigm. You investigate a number of research paradigms and a range of research methods that may offer understandings and tools to interrogate a research problem. And demonstrate an understanding of the interplay among research paradigms, epistemology, and methodology and research methods before initiating your research project.

You are required to write a scholarly thesis of 70,000 words in a specific professional field, which demonstrates that you are making a significant contribution to knowledge and practice in your professional context. The thesis should also contribute to scholarship within your particular field of study.

Program requirements and notes

1. Prospective applicants wishing to undertake an MEd by Research will need to find a suitable supervisor by contacting the Faculty of Science, Health and Education.
2. For further information, refer to the Research Masters Degrees - Governing Policy.
3. Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
4. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
5. Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Enrolment and fees

1. In any semester, full-time enrolment comprises 0.500 EFTSL. **
2. In any semester, part-time enrolment comprises 0.250 EFTSL. **
3. The census date for withdrawal without financial penalty or academic penalty is the Semester 1 or 2 census date.
4. Candidates pay full tuition fees. For selected students these fees are covered by the Research Training Scheme. These scholarships are allocated by faculties, in consultation with the Research Degrees Committee.

** EFTSL - Equivalent Full-Time Student Load. One year of full-time study equates to 1.000 EFTSL.

Enquiries

Teaching and Research Services
Research Training Officer
Tel: +61 7 5459 4526
Fax: +61 7 5430 1177
Email: lkroker@usc.edu.au

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