3204 - Master of Education - 2017

Enrolment in a master's degree by research involves the independent investigation of a research problem that has been formulated by the student. It is expected that the research undertaken will make a contribution to the discipline in which the student is enrolled by applying, clarifying, critiquing or interpreting that knowledge. Students are supported by a minimum of two supervisors throughout their enrolment.

The coursework component in this course comprises a research methods unit and an elective unit which consolidates the students' familiarity with research in education and develops their understanding of core concepts that may be incorporated into their research. In the research unit, students deepen their appreciation of research and the ethical implications of research decisions and consider how the elements of research design work together for robust outcomes. In the elective unit, students engage with key ideas and concepts in a particular area that may be incorporated into their research project.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

Successful completion of the course will signify that the student has completed a course of postgraduate training in research under proper academic supervision and has submitted a thesis that the examiners have declared to be a significant contribution to knowledge and which demonstrates the student's capacity to carry out independent research.

This course consists of a:

• research and thesis component
• coursework component.

All students will be required to undertake compulsory training in the following areas:

• Monash graduate research induction (online)
• Research integrity (online)
• Faculty induction, including occupational health and safety (where required).

Students must, in consultation with and under the direct supervision of a member/s of the academic staff:

a. complete two postgraduate-level coursework units chosen in consultation with their supervisor/s

Students are strongly encouraged to complete:

• EDF5613 Research approaches in education
• EDF5614 Research project in education

Alternatively students can complete:

• at least one appropriate 12-point research unit from the faculty suite of research unitsresearch units (http://www.monash.edu.au/education/current-students/courses/units/research-methods/)
• one other unit related to the field of proposed research from those listed on the faculty's Postgraduate unitsPostgraduate units (http://www.monash.edu.au/education/current-students/courses/units/postgrad-unit-rotations/) webpage

b. carry out a program of research on an agreed topic approved by the faculty for a specified period, including attending and/or presenting at seminars and other related activities as indicated by the faculty

c. submit for assessment a thesis of 20,000-25,000 words on the program of research which meets the requirements of the examiners. Submission of the thesis based on or partially based on conjointly published or unpublished work may be permitted.

Research topics are available in most of the faculty's areas of research strength, depending on supervision and resource availability. For more detail refer to the Faculty of Education Research websiteFaculty of Education Research website (http://www.monash.edu.au/education/research/degrees/apply/#step1).

Students are required to undertake regular progress milestones to support them in conducting research of an appropriate quality, originality and depth as required by their course of study, in accordance with the Graduate Research Progress Management policyGraduate Research Progress Management policy (http://policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/research/mrgs/grad-research-progress-mgmt-policy.html) and supporting procedures.

Students may exit this course early and apply to graduate with either of the following, provided they have satisfied the requirements for that award:

• Graduate Certificate of Education Studies after successful completion of 24 points of study at level 4 and above
• Graduate Certificate in Educational Research after successful completion of EDF5613 (Research approaches in education) and EDF5614 (Research project in education).

It is possible to apply to transfer to a Doctor of Philosophy from this course.