The Master of Education is a research degree and candidates are required to carry out an independent study which is reported in a thesis. Applicants must have demonstrated in earlier courses of study that they have the ability and persistence necessary to carry out independent research. In general, applicants may be admitted if they have completed the BEdSt degree with creditable results or have an honours degree in a field that is an appropriate preparation for the proposed area of research; preference is given to applicants with some qualifications in education. Applicants whose qualifications do not meet these criteria may be admitted to preliminary candidature (which normally involves enrolling for several subjects and demonstrating competence to pursue research work). Further details are given in the MEd regulations. Intending applicants should obtain from the faculty's student inquiry offices a copy of `Research degrees in education: resource booklet'.
Applications for admission to MEd candidature may be lodged at any time of the year. A preliminary discussion with the graduate studies adviser before making formal application is highly desirable.
In all cases, admission depends on the availability of a member of staff for supervision of the applicant's approved thesis topic. Candidates who are intending to carry out an empirical research project for the degree should complete a relevant research methodology subject - unless given credit for equivalent studies, or otherwise exempted by the faculty's research degrees committee.
Supervision of theses is carried out through the academic groups of the faculty each of which has an adviser who can be consulted by students about that group's fields of interest for research.
Doctor of Philosophy
The regulations governing the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy are located in the degree regulations section of this volume, and the handbook for PhD students.
Applications for admission to PhD candidature may be lodged at any time of the year. A preliminary discussion with the graduate studies adviser before making formal application is highly desirable.