In this unit, students independently conduct research which demonstrates their ability to define a problem, undertake a detailed literature search and review the relevant theoretical and practical literature. Students develop a methodology and apply it to an appropriate problem or situation. They also demonstrate good data selection, collection and analysis skills to inform their problem or situation, and the capacity to respond to academic feedback. Developing the minor thesis, or negotiated alternative, involves a high standard of written communication skills.  Each student has a supervisor who provides individual support.

Unit details

Location:
Footscray Park
Study level:
Postgraduate
Credit points:
48
Unit code:
AED6001

Prerequisites

EED7001 - Research Methods in Education or

AED5001 - Education Research Design and Methods

Students must pass these units with a mark of 70 or above.

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Work collaboratively and ethically in conducting research and communicating research outcomes;  
  2. Conduct a substantial independent research project under supervision with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability;  
  3. Critically review relevant and current principal scholarly literature/s relating to the thesis topic;  
  4. Interrogate and challenge complex information, and synthesise a range of conceptual and empirical materials to draw defensible conclusions;  
  5. Authoritatively and effectively communicate structured, coherent ideas in a sustained written composition (or a negotiated alternative if choosing a creative work option) at a standard acceptable for academic peer review.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Thesis Minor thesis (15-20,000 words) 100%
Students are required to submit a research proposal to the supervisor and receive an approval. Where applicable submission of ethics application and receipt ethics approval. The minor thesis will be a paper of no less than 15,000 or more than 20,000 words (or a negotiated alternative if choosing a creative work option). Examination of the minor thesis will be conducted by one external examiner and one internal examiner. The supervisor will not be the examiner. The examiners will mark and grade the minor thesis report. The final mark will be determined as average between the two marks. In the case of 30 points or above discrepancy in the examiners' marking, a third examiner will be appointed to determine the final mark.

Where to next?

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.

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