Research programs

General inquiries

For general advice regarding research degrees offered by the faculty, contact the following:

Mr Ed Irons

Telephone: +61 3 9905 2821

Mr Mayur Katariya

Telephone: +61 3 9905 9498

Dr Helen Forgasz, Director, Research Degrees

Telephone: +61 3 9905 9194

Supervision inquiries

For advice on finding an appropriate supervisor, contact:

Associate Professor Trevor Gale, coordinator of supervision

Telephone: +61 3 9904 4242

Mr Ed Irons, administrative officer, Research and Postgraduate Programs

Telephone: +61 3 9905 2821

Information is also available on the website at www.education.monash.edu.au.

Research degrees

Master of Education (Research) program

The Master of Education (Research) course is offered in two forms:

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

The study program 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.

Entry requirements

Applicants must have completed approved tertiary study in an appropriate field 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. 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).

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 2821 or +61 3 9905 9498, email info@education.monash.edu.au or visit www.education.monash.edu.au.

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