Postgraduate - UnitEDF6033 - Masters thesis extension 1

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2015 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

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12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL

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

Level	Postgraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Education
Offered	Clayton First semester 2015 (Flexible) Clayton Second semester 2015 (Flexible)
Coordinator(s)	Dr Michael Henderson

Synopsis

This is a unit of research study focusing on a particular theory, issue, challenge, dilemma, concern or problem in the field of education, undertaken with a supervisor. Although students are expected to demonstrate initiative and independence, the supervisor offers guidance, support and feedback over the course of the research. The unit is designed for students who are intending to undertake further higher degree studies. Graduates who have successfully completed the master's thesis are able to use this 16,000-word study as evidence of independent research experience in an application for entry into the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) course.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit (and EDF6031 and 6032) 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
devise a research topic to investigate that is feasible within the two-unit time frame
identify key research questions that are not too general and ambitious
select and review relevant theory and literature
design a study and choose appropriate methods to investigate research questions
select appropriate modes of analysis
consider ethical issues involved in research
implement, critically appraise or apply research in a particular field
prepare a comprehensive written report that is professionally presented and contains all the required components including a bibliography at the end.

Assessment

The Master of Education thesis is a 16,000-word dissertation and is the formal assessment task for this unit (together with EDF6031 and EDF6032).

Workload requirements

Minimum total expected workload comprises:
(c.) Overall requirements:
+ 24 hours per week

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Michael Henderson

Prerequisites

EDF6031
EDF6032
Students may, under extenuating circumstances, require more time to complete their thesis. A case needs to be made which must have the support of their supervisor.