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Monash University: University handbooks: Postgraduate handbook: Units indexed by faculty
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Master of Education (Research)

This course is designed to enable candidates to conceptualise and implement a major research project on a topic of interest to them. In the course of their research, they may draw on a range of research methodologies, both qualitative and quantitative. The research can be firmly grounded in their own professional life, taking the form of a sustained reflection on practice, or they could embark on another type of study, including ethnographic or sociological research, a survey-based study, policy analysis, historical research, or discourse analysis. Candidates work with a supervisor to help them clarify the nature and scope of their research proposal. By embarking on research of this kind, they will be joining a research community and will have the opportunity to participate in staff and student forums and conferences. The coursework component of the degree (for those who decide to do a thesis and two coursework units) is designed to underpin research, and supervisors help choose units that are relevant to the chosen topic.

The course is offered in two forms:

  • thesis only -- 60,000 words (maximum)
  • thesis -- 40,000 words (maximum) -- and two coursework units.

Master of Education - thesis only

Course code: 0077 + Course abbreviation: MEd + 2 years full-time; 4 years part-time

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Clayton; Gippsland; Peninsula)
External (Clayton; Gippsland; Peninsula)

Course description

The Master of Education (thesis only) is a research degree which requires candidates to carry out an independent study which is reported in a thesis.

External candidature

Candidature by external mode is now available and can be on a full-time or part-time basis. For further information, contact the administrative officer, Research Degrees (Clayton), telephone +61 3 9905 2803 or +61 3 9905 2821, email info@education.monash.edu.au or visit www.education.monash.edu.au.

Course structure

Candidates for the Master of Education (thesis only) will submit a thesis of up to 60,000 words and will engage in a research induction program in consultation with their supervisor.

Master of Education - thesis and coursework

Course code: 3204 + Course abbreviation: MEd(Thesis&Crswrk) + 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Clayton; Gippsland; Peninsula)
External (Clayton; Gippsland; Peninsula)

Course description

The Master of Education (thesis and coursework) is a research degree which requires candidates to complete a coursework component of two units and a thesis of up to 40,000 words.

External candidature

Candidature by external mode is now available and can be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis. For further information, contact the administrative officer, Research Degrees (Clayton), telephone +61 3 9905 2803 or +61 3 9905 2821, email info@education.monash.edu.au or visit www.education.monash.edu.au.

Course structure

Candidates for the Master of Education by thesis and coursework will complete a coursework component of two units including an appropriate 12-point research unit to be selected from the faculty suite of research methodology units listed below (taken on advice from the course coordinator or supervisor) as the core research methods unit and a thesis of up to 40,000 words. Candidates will engage in a research induction program in consultation with their supervisor.

Entry requirements - both programs

Applicants must have completed four years of tertiary study in appropriate fields and be able to demonstrate they have the academic ability, interest and motivation to carry out independent research. Preference is given to applicants with some qualifications in education.

Academic ability will be assessed on the basis of at least a credit average performance in a pass degree, or the possession of an honours degree, or success in postgraduate coursework, or academic references. Applicants who do not meet these criteria may be admitted to preliminary candidature and if the preliminary requirements are successfully met, they may then proceed to the Master of Education degree. Preliminary candidature normally involves enrolment in a number of relevant postgraduate coursework units.

In all cases, admission depends on the availability of a member of staff for supervision of the applicant’s approved thesis topic. Candidates intending to carry out an empirical research project for the degree should complete a relevant research methods unit, unless given credit for equivalent studies or otherwise exempted by the faculty’s research degrees committee.

These courses consist of a maximum of two years of full-time study or four years of part-time study. A full-time candidate is expected to devote at least four days a week to the research project (two days a week for a part-time candidate).

Applications - both programs

Applications for admission to MEd by thesis only candidature may be lodged at any time of the year. Candidates proceeding under Master of Education by thesis and coursework would normally commence at the beginning of the academic year, or at the beginning of second semester. For an application form, contact the faculty’s Research Degrees office, telephone +61 3 9905 2803 or +61 3 9905 2821, visit www.education.monash.edu.au or email info@education.monash.edu.au.

Contact details

Inquiries: telephone +61 3 9905 2840 or +61 3 9905 2819.

Course coordinator

Associate Professor Trevor Gale (Clayton)

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