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Master of Education (Research)

The aim of this program is to provide students with an advanced level research training experience in education; make a contribution to knowledge; education as well as offer a research track to doctoral level study in education.

This degree focuses primarily on research in the area of education. The Master of Education (Research) is designed for students who wish to undertake a research degree but not one of the length and scale of a PhD, EdD or MPhil; use this degree as a pathway into the PhD and EdD degrees, and/or wish to enrol in a higher degree that contains some coursework but do not wish to undertake the amount required by the Master of Education coursework degree.

Course convenor

Dr Ruth Phillips
T 02 9351 6899
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Program structure

This degree has two study options:

  • Option A - thesis only (maximum 25,000 words)
  • Option B - coursework (2 units of study – 25 percent) plus thesis (20,000 words – 75 percent. In this option the student's supervisor will recommend the student to complete two units of study listed below. Students enrolled in Option B will complete the coursework component in their first semester of study.
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Units of study

Unit of study Credit points A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition Session

Master of Education (Research)

Elective units
EDPJ5022
Research Methods in Language Learning 		6      Semester 1
Semester 2
EDPK5001
Qualitative Methods 		6      Semester 1
Semester 2
EDPK5002
Quantitative Methods 		6      Semester 1
EDPK5003
Developing a Research Project 		6      Semester 1
Semester 2
EDPK5013
Quantitative Analysis 		6      Semester 2
EDPK6016
Advanced Statistical Analysis 		6    P EDPK5002
Semester 2
EDPC5012
Evaluating Learning Tech. Innovation 		6      Semester 1
EDPC5003
Learning Tech. in Education & Practice 		6      Semester 1
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Units of study descriptions

Master of Education (Research)

Elective units

EDPJ5022 Research Methods in Language Learning

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Aek Phakiti Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x1hr lecture/week, 1x1hr tutorial/week commencing week 2 Assessment: 1 group presentation (20%); a portfolio assessment of a research proposal development (made up of 3 sub-assignments) (80%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: M App Ling, M Ed.
This unit introduces a range of approaches to research in the area of second language (L2) learning. The unit provides frameworks by which students can review and critique studies in the area of L2 learning, and provides students with a framework for writing a research proposal. This is a required module of study for students who wish to include a Dissertation in their MEd TESOL degree.
EDPK5001 Qualitative Methods

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Murray Print Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: S1: 1x2hr seminar/week x 13 weeks; S2: 2 x 2 hrs/week x 6 weeks Assessment: observation and report (50%) and interview and report (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: Ed D, Grad Cert Ed Studies, Grad Cert Med Ed, Grad Cert P S, Grad Dip Ed Studies, Grad Dip G C, Grad Dip P S, M Ed, M Ed (Res), M G C, M L S &T, M P S, M Phil (Education), PG Coursework Exchange.
This unit introduces students to the major issues underlying qualitative research. It examines the relationship between research questions and appropriate study designs, as well as the issues of sampling and ethical considerations. Students will develop extensive skills in the use of various interviewing and observation techniques.
EDPK5002 Quantitative Methods

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rachel Wilson Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: portfolio of quantitative research methods (40%) and research analysis using SPSS (40%) and presentations (10%); and 2 multiple choice class tests (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: Ed D, Grad Cert Ed Studies, Grad Cert Med Ed, Grad Cert P S, Grad Dip Ed Studies, Grad Dip G C, M Ed, M Ed (Res), M G C, M L S &T, M P S, M Phil (Education), M Teach, PG Coursework Exchange.
This unit introduces students to the basic principles and procedures of quantitative research. Both experimental and survey research strategies are considered; starting with design and development of the research tools (measures, questionnaires, interviews, observation) and progressing to basic analytical statistical methods. The unit provides a thorough introduction to simple statistics and often looks at real research data examples. By the end of the semester students will have developed various research skills as well as a critical perspective on the appropriate application of those skills.
EDPK5003 Developing a Research Project

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rachel Wilson Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: weekly exercises (40%) and class presentation (20%) and research proposal (40%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: Ed D, Grad Cert Ed Studies, Grad Dip Ed Studies, Grad Dip G C, M Ed, M Ed (Res), M G C, M L S &T, M Phil (Education), PG Coursework Exchange.
This core unit is seen as the foundation unit in research methods and it provides an overview of the research process, with a focus on critical evaluation of research reports and the design of research projects. It covers a wide range of basic research techniques and introduces other research methods that are the focus of more in-depth study in other search methods units. Reseach design issues and various methods of data collection examined. Students explore the use of quantitative and qualitative approaches; various research strategies; observation, documents, questionnaires and assessments. The assessment in this unit is developed around students' own research interests and by the end of the unit students will have developed their own research proposal document.
EDPK5013 Quantitative Analysis

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rachel Wilson Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: portfolio of statistical analysis methods (50%) and statistical modeling of data report/draft publication (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: Ed D, Grad Cert Ed Studies, Grad Dip Ed Studies, M Ed, M Ed (Res), M L S &T, M Phil (Education), PG Coursework Exchange.
This unit provides the conceptual understanding and skills necessary for the analysis numeric data. Thus, it is useful for those students intending to employ questionnaires, tests or any other form of quantitative data collection in their research. A range of bivariate and multivariate analysis techniques are introduced and explored both conceptually and practically. The topics covered include levels of measurement,exploratory data analysis, statistical inference, correlation, t-tests, analysis of variance, linear regression, factor analysis and a review of emerging multivariate techniques. Direct experience in the use of appropriate software packages (SPSS) to carry out these analyses on real data sets will be provided and students are welcome to bring their own data along to work on.
EDPK6016 Advanced Statistical Analysis

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rachel Wilson Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Prerequisites: EDPK5002 Assessment: critical review paper (50%) and draft publication (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: Ed D, Grad Cert Ed Studies, Grad Dip Ed Studies, M Ed, M Ed (Res), M L S &T, M Phil (Education), PG Coursework Exchange.
This unit develops students' skills in multivariate analyses. Where possible student's own data sets will be the focus of analysis using SPSS. Topics include factor analysis, cluster analysis, multiple linear regression, interaction modeling, path analysis and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Students are encouraged to develop analysis plans, conceptual models for analysis and critical perspectives on statistical reports. It is recommended that students complete EDPK5002 before enrolling in this unit, or contact Coordinator to discuss suitability. A sound grasp of basic statistical concepts is needed to undertake this unit of study.
EDPC5012 Evaluating Learning Tech. Innovation

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Lina Markauskaite Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week evenings Assessment: 2x1500wd short assignment (2x25%) and 1x3000wd final paper (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day Associated degrees: Ed D, Grad Cert Ed Studies, Grad Dip Ed Studies, Grad Dip L S &T, M Ed, M Ed (Res), M Phil (Education), PG Coursework Exchange.
This unit is intended to help students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate ICT-enhanced learning innovations. It provides an introduction to the theory and practice of evaluations, drawing principles and methods from best practice in program evaluation and the areas of ICT-enhanced learning. Attention is paid to a holistic approach to evalutaion, stressing the need to plan, design and implement evaluation in context. It is suitable for those with an interest in formal education, corporate training and professional development.
EDPC5003 Learning Tech. in Education & Practice

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Chun Hu Session: Semester 1 Classes: online after the first meeting Assessment: 1x3000wd research project (50%) and on-line activities (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: On-line Associated degrees: Ed D, Grad Cert Ed Studies, Grad Dip Ed Studies, Grad Dip L S &T, M Ed, M Ed (Res), M Phil (Education), PG Coursework Exchange.
This unit looks at how learning technologies may be used to facilitate learning in both education and corporate settings. Students will be introduced to strategies in relevance to design (e.g. motivational design, self-regulated learning) and assessment for technology-mediated learning. Opportunities will be provided for students to investigate the best practices in an area of their interests or their profession and issues that may arise from implementation of technology-mediated learning. Students are required to have adequate internet access.
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Course rules

 

Master of Education (Research)


These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 (the 'HDR Rule'), the Academic Board resolutions relating to the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy and the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended).

Course resolutions

Part 1: Preliminary

1 Course codes

Code

Course and stream title

XC081

Master of Education (Research)

Part 2: Admission requirements

2 Eligibility for admission to candidature

(1)
To be eligible to be admitted to candidature by the Dean or Associate Dean, an applicant must:
(a)
hold or have completed the requirements for:
(i)  a bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney in a relevant area of study; and
(ii)  a one-year Diploma of Education or a Bachelor of Teaching or a Master of Teaching degree; and
(b)
have attained a grade point average of at least 70% in the final year of university study prior to applying for admission to candidature.
(2)
The Dean or Associate Dean may admit to candidature an applicant who does not meet the requirements of sub-clause (1), provided that the applicant holds a qualification or qualifications that, in the opinion of the Faculty Division of Doctoral Studies, are equivalent to those prescribed in sub-clause (1).

3 Application for admission to candidature

(1)
An applicant for admission to candidature must submit to the Faculty:
(a)
satisfactory evidence of the applicant's eligibility for admission;
(b)
a proposed course of research and advanced study, approved by the Faculty Research Proposal Committee in which the work is to be undertaken; and
(c)
a statement certifying the applicant's understanding that, subject to the HDR Rule, if the candidature is successful, his or her thesis will be lodged with the University Librarian and made available for immediate public use.
(2)
In addition, an applicant for admission to part-time candidature must submit a statement that he or she will have sufficient time available to complete the requirements of the degree in accordance with these resolutions.

4 Credit transfer

(1)
The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the granting of credit for previous studies, including the effect on completion times, except that for coursework:
(a)
no more than 12 credit points of units of study may be credited; and
(b)
the coursework should -
(i)  have been completed with a high level of proficiency in an area relevant to the candidate's program of study no more than six years prior to first enrolment in this degree; and
(ii)  not have been counted towards another award.

Part 3: Candidature

5 Appointment of supervisor

The Faculty Division of Doctoral Studies will appoint a supervisor and associate supervisor for each candidate in accordance with the HDR Rule and Academic Board policies for postgraduate research higher degree supervision.

6 Control of candidature

The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the control of candidature by the University.

7 Location of candidature and attendance

The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the location of candidature and attendance by candidates at the University.

Part 4: Requirements

8 Degree requirements

(1)
To satisfy the requirements of the degree candidates must:
(a)
complete any specified probationary requirements;
(b)
complete any prescribed units of study;
(c)
conduct research on an approved topic; and
(d)
write a thesis embodying the results of the research.

9 The thesis

(1)
A candidate shall produce a thesis that meets the requirements specified in the HDR Rule.
(2)
The thesis will comprise a maximum of:
(a)
25,000 words if the candidate is enrolled in Option A (thesis only) degree; or
(b)
20,000 words if enrolled in Option B (thesis and coursework).

10 The units of study

(1)
A candidate enrolled in thesis and coursework (Option B) is required by the Faculty to complete 12 credit points of units of study from the table of units of study for the degree of Master of Education (Research).
(2)
A candidate who is required to complete such units of study must complete these units prior to submission of the thesis.

Part 5: Enrolment and progression

11 Probation

(1)
A candidate is normally accepted for candidature on a probationary basis for a period not exceeding six months.
(2)
In the probationary period each candidate must:
(a)
complete a specified research methods unit of study;
(b)
develop and present a refined research proposal to the satisfaction of the supervisor and the Faculty Research Proposal Committee; and
(c)
demonstrate adequate English language competency for the completion of the degree.

12 Time limits, earliest and latest submission dates

The HDR Rule specifies the allowable completion times and submission dates available for full- and part-time candidates in this course.

13 Mode of attendance

The attendance pattern for this course is full-time or part-time. Visa requirements commonly restrict international students to full-time study only.

14 Discontinuation of candidature

A candidate may discontinue enrolment in a unit of study or the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.

15 Suspension of candidature

A candidate may suspend enrolment from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.

16 Leave of absence

A candidate may take leave of absence from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.

17 Progress

A candidate is required to maintain satisfactory progress towards the timely completion of the degree. Progress will be reviewed annually according to the provisions of the HDR Rule.

Part 6: Examination

18 Examination of the thesis

(1)
Examination of the thesis will be conducted in general accordance with standards prescribed by Academic Board for the Doctor of Philosophy, except that:
(a)
three copies of the thesis shall be submitted by the candidate;
(b)
two examiners will be appointed by the Faculty, at least one of whom shall be external to the University; and
(c)
the Faculty Division of Doctoral Studies will act in place of the PhD Award Sub-Committee.
(2)
The thesis will be graded by the examiners and a 'Thesis grade' will be recorded on the academic transcript.

19 Award of the degree

The degree is awarded at the Pass level.

Part 7: Other

20 Transitional provisions

(1)
These course resolutions apply to students who commenced their candidature after 1 January, 2012 and students who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January, 2012 who elect to proceed under these resolutions.
(2)
Candidates who commenced prior to 1 January, 2012 may complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement, provided that requirements are completed within the time limits specified in those resolutions. The Faculty may specify a later date for completion or specify alternative requirements for completion of candidatures that extend beyond this time.

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