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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

311992 v.3 Master of Education

MEd(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 004005G
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1 Year


Course Overview

Master degrees (coursework) prepare students to apply advanced knowledge for professional practice, scholarship and further learning corresponding to AQF level 9 qualifications.


This one year course is for educators who hold a four-year teacher education degree or equivalent. The course consists of a core research component involving research preparation and a dissertation together with a coursework component. Successful completion of the course may enable students to undertake doctoral level study. Subject to approval by the Head of School students may substitute two additional, optional coursework units for the core research component 310349 Masters Dissertation 696.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Subject to the duration of the course applicants usually require a bachelor degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate or graduate diploma.


An education/teaching degree assessed as being the equivalent of a four-year Australian degree (normally a Bachelor of Education or a four-year combined/double education degree e.g. BSc/BEd) or a three-year degree in a non-education discipline (e.g. Arts, Science, Commerce) plus a minimum one-year teaching qualification such as a Graduate Diploma in Education or Master of Teaching or equivalent. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is also required.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Alternative formal professional development experiences such as courses, workshops and ongoing continuing education are considered when determining credit for recognised learning.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to doctoral degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.



Course Organisation

Master degrees (coursework) contain a series of units in a specialised area of study which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may also contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. a comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of educational theory and pedagogy and an appreciation of the importance of sustainable development in the discipline

2. ability to formulate and investigate problems, proposing solutions and improving current practices; capacity to apply critical reasoning to issues and evaluate opinions and to reflect on the literature using an evidence-based approach, independent thought and informed judgement

3. ability to process material and critically analyse and integrate information from a wide range of sources; ability to articulate a sound argument, identify a problem and introduce innovative solutions

4. ability to collect, analyse and organise information and ideas and to convey those ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken form; select and use the appropriate level, style and means of communication; demonstrates effective communication skills for proficient interpersonal and professional interactions. Students undertaking the research stream: clear communication of the results of research in an appropriate format and a clear explanation and defence of research findings

5. ability to engage effectively and appropriately with information and communication technologies; to select and use appropriate information and communication technology to retrieve, manipulate and present information

6. demonstrate capacity for independent self-directed learning; possess self-knowledge and the ability to assess critically their own performance by evaluating a range of learning interactions to foster feedback and self-development as a reflective practitioner and lifelong learner

7. possess an international perspective on education and the ability to consider issues from a variety of perspectives with view to informing professional practice; recognise intercultural issues relevant to professional practice

8. aware of their own culture and its perspectives and other cultures and their perspectives

9. possess the abilities and skills that provide a foundation for present and future leadership in education; has an appreciation of social and ethical responsibilities and the ability to apply ethical standards


Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
11062 v.7   Foundations of Educational Research 620 3.0 25.0
6318 v.7   Dissertation Proposal 639 3.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   50.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
310349 v.2   Masters Dissertation 696 20.0 50.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   50.0
  100.0
Optional Units (No Year Level Specified) Hrs/Wk Credit
6089 v.7   Independent Study 691 3.0 25.0
6804 v.8   Research on Learning in Educational Contexts 602 3.0 25.0
311976 v.1   Interactive Learning Technologies 672 2.0 25.0
11057 v.5   Curriculum and Program Evaluation 634 3.0 25.0
311981 v.1   Educational Innovation and Change 631 2.0 25.0
311982 v.1   Educational Leadership 641 2.0 25.0
12377 v.4   Language Analysis and Language Learning 681 2.0 25.0
311984 v.1   Language Teaching and Learning Styles 683 2.0 25.0
12380 v.5   Language Analysis and Language in Society 682 2.0 25.0
311985 v.1   Language Teaching Course Design and Assessment 684 2.0 25.0
12496 v.4   Professional Practice 624 3.0 25.0



Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Humanities on telephone (08) 9266 3400, email humanities@curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://humanities.curtin.edu.au


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.