Postgraduate - Edith Cowan University

MASTER OF EDUCATION
Course Code 670
INTRODUCTION
The Master of Education (MEd) by Coursework and Thesis
provides an opportunity for persons concerned with educational
practice to undertake advanced coursework and research in a field
of particular interest to them and to gain an internationally
recognised postgraduate qualification. It can be completed in one
year of full-time study or part-time equivalent. The MEd is not an
introductory teaching qualification nor is it a licence to teach.
The MEd prepares the graduand to inquire into the nature of
educational problems and generate new knowledge which can be
used to enhance policy and practice.
When undertaking research, students are encouraged to become
involved in applied research which attempts to provide solutions
to the problems faced by learners, teachers, administrators,
consultants and policy-makers. Students may be able to
participate in ongoing research projects being conducted by the
Fogarty and CSaLT research centres of the School of Education.
Students wishing to study full-time should ensure that they
discuss their proposal with the appropriate Course Coordinator
before committing themselves to full-time study, since not all
units may be available in a particular year and the research
component of the course can be managed much more effectively
on a part-time basis.
The MEd by Coursework and Thesis provides an opportunity for
admission to the Doctor of Philosophy, however, admission to the
PhD is highly competitive.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Places in the program are available through competitive
admission. Applicants are selected on the basis of academic
background and professional experience.
Academic Qualifications
(i) a Bachelor of Education degree with honours; or
(ii) a Bachelor level degree in any other field with honours, plus
a Graduate Diploma of Education or equivalent.
Students who have commenced studies in the M.Ed. by
Coursework and have completed the first two units (RES5101 and
EDU6195) with HD grades may apply for admission to the M.Ed.
by Coursework and Thesis with two units advanced standing.
Professional Experience
Normally at least one year of relevant professional experience.
Additional Evidence
Applicants must provide evidence of the capacity to undertake
advanced studies and research at postgraduate level.
Applicants whose first language is not English and who
previously have not studied in an English medium university must
provide evidence of their capacity to undertake advanced studies
through English. This evidence may include scores attained on
TOEFL or IELTS examinations.
COURSE LOCATION
This course is available on Mt Lawley Campus.
MODE OF STUDY
This course is available by Full-time, or Part-time mode.
MODE OF DELIVERY
This course is available in the following mode of delivery - Oncampus.
COURSE STRUCTURE
The MEd is equivalent to one year of full-time study and
comprises four units of Coursework (60 credit points) and a
Thesis equivalent to 0.5 year of full-time study.
RES5101 Research Preparation: Methods of Research 20
EDU6188 Independent Study 15
EDU6189 Independent Study 15
EDU6195 Advanced Seminar 10
EDU6200 Master of Education: Thesis 0
Coursework
Students are required to complete RES5101 plus three other level
6 units. Two of these three units should be the research oriented
Independent Study units EDU6188 and EDU6189 which are used
to develop the research proposal and instruments for the study.
Students are recommended to take the Advanced Seminar unit
EDU6195, however, an alternative unit may be selected in
consultation with the Course Coordinator.
Research Thesis
The M.Ed. thesis component is equivalent to 0.5 year of full-time
of study. The thesis topic can be chosen from areas that relate to
the student’s own professional work or from other areas of
interest. A high level of scholarship is expected in the M.Ed. by
Coursework and Thesis. It is expected that the thesis will make an
original contribution to knowledge in a selected field of study. An
adapted version of a good quality thesis would be of a standard
suitable for publication in a refereed journal. The length of the
thesis in its typed final form, excluding references and
appendices, would normally be 25,000-35,000 words.
Students will work with a supervisor to identify and clarify a
thesis topic. Students prepare a detailed proposal that is presented
to a graduate seminar involving interested staff and students.
Following the graduate seminar, students will submit a detailed
research proposal for approval. Ethics clearance is required from
the Human Research Ethics Committee before data collection can
commence.
While working on the thesis, students enrol in the research thesis
unit EDU6200. Students are required to continue re-enrolling in
EDU6200 until the thesis is submitted for examination. Enrolment
in EDU6200 is generally at 50% or 100% of full-time enrolment.
Enrolment at 25% is subject to approval of the research
supervisor.
Arts Practice
Teachers of drama, dance, visual arts, music and media who
choose Arts Practice as their area of interest are provided with an
opportunity to undertake research based practice and/or
performance. Students will normally commence the M.Ed. by
Coursework and complete RES5101 and EDU6195.
Admission to the Arts Practice area of interest will be based on
having demonstrated a high level of scholarship in the first two
M.Ed. units and on an interview and/or portfolio. Candidates will
then develop a research proposal through Independent Study units
EDU6188 and EDU6189. Following approval of the research
proposal and ethics clearance, candidates develop a body of
creative work and an exegesis which contextualises the creative
work within contemporary practice and within an educational
framework. While working on their creative work/research,
students enrol in the research thesis unit EDU6200. Students are
required to continue re-enrolling in EDU6200 until their creative
work is ready for examination. Enrolment in EDU6200 is
generally at 50% or 100% of full-time enrolment. Enrolment at
25% is subject to approval of the research supervisor.
The creative work is examined at an exhibition or performance
and is weighted at 60% of the research component. The exegesis
is also examined and is weighted at 40% of the research
component.
ECU Postgraduate Course Guide 2008 165