Online Courses Handbook 2003

162903 v.6 Master of Education

Introduction
This research thesis-based specialisation expands knowledge above that of the specialisation attained at the postgraduate diploma level, and advances skills in educational research and evaluation. Graduates are expected to be able to plan and conduct research, developments, or evaluation projects with a degree of initiative, independence and resourcefulness.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
A relevant degree with a semester weighted average (SWA) of 70 per cent or better or an equivalent qualification. Applicants with a SWA of less than 70 per cent are required to undertake appropriate bridging units. Selection is based on academic performance, the potential to undertake research, professional references and an interview.

Duration and Availability
The course is by research and normally requires one to two years of full-time study. The course is also available on a part-time basis.

Course Organisation
Students without prior studies in research methods and statistical data analysis will be required to undertake relevant preparatory units. This will increase the stated course duration. This research program requires the completion and presentation of a research thesis. This offers the candidate the opportunity to do a substantive piece of research. While considerable flexibility is offered in the choice of topics, the area of study must be one in which the candidate has had some previous study and is within the supervision limits. Contribution to knowledge of the field is an expected outcome of the thesis work. If the thesis is a research study, it may be a replication of another study. In this case, the expectation would be that, as in the case of an original problem, the candidate builds on the work of others - extending that work so that it does, in fact, satisfy the requirement of contribution to the field. Whatever the topic, the candidate must demonstrate a thorough research of the literature, a knowledge of the substance of the field, independence of thought, and fluency of expresson. The thesis must be presented in an acceptable form, in accordance with University policy.

Special Note
It is a requirement that two-thirds of this course is undertaken by research and only one-third by coursework. Students should not enrol in this research degree to receive a related Postgraduate Diploma but rather have undertaken it as a requisite for admission.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Majors, Streams or Other Core Components

6318 v.6 Ed 639 - Project/Thesis Proposal 3.0 25.0

99084 v.2 Masters Thesis - Education

25.0