Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

The Honours thesis is a research study, focusing on a particular theory or issue in the field of education, undertaken with guidance and support from the supervisor. Students will be expected to demonstrate initiative and independence during their research study. All Honours students are required to present their research proposal at a research seminar. The Honours thesis is designed for students who are intending to undertake further higher degree studies. Graduates who have successfully completed the Honours Thesis (both Part 1 and Part 2) will be able to use this 16,000 word study as evidence of independent research experience in an application for entry into the doctorate programs.

Objectives

By the completion of this unit (and EDF5152 Honours thesis part 2), students should be able to produce a thesis that displays competence at understanding and carrying out research in the field of education, but with less emphasis on comprehensive knowledge and originality as required in a PhD or EdD.

Specifically, they should be able to:

1. Devise a research topic to investigate that is feasible within the two-unit time frame;

2. identify key research questions that are not too general and ambitious;

3. select and review relevant theory and literature;

4. design a study and choose appropriate methods to investigate research questions;

5. select appropriate modes of analysis;

6. consider ethical issues involved in research;

7. implement, critically appraise or apply research in a particular field; and

8. prepare a comprehensive written report that is professionally presented and contains all the required components including a bibliography at the end.

Assessment

The Honours thesis is a 16,000 word dissertation and is the formal assessment task for this unit (together with EDF5152).

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Amy Cutter-Mackenzie

Contact hours

24 hours per week

Prerequisites

Enrolment in the Honours thesis part 1 will usually occur when students have successfully completed the compulsory research unit. However, students may, with the written agreement of the course adviser, undertake a thesis before completing all the coursework requirements.