Master of Education by Research
Conduct research that builds on your experience in education and contributes to creating lasting social change. This program allows you to design research that is educationally significant. You will be guided by expert supervisors from planning through to completion, with access to regular training, professional development, conferences, and publications.
In this program you will:
- Receive expert guidance in research theories and methodologies
- Specialise in an area of research that contributes to education scholarship
- Have access to a range of opportunities to fine-tune your postgraduate level research skills
- Have the opportunity to participate and present at conferences
Location
CRICOS code
Duration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2025 fees (A$)
Annual fee / Estimated total fee- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Duration
- 2 years 2 years
- CRICOS code
- 072639J
- UniSC program code
- ED802
A Higher Degree by Research (HDR) is a supervised research program that requires undertaking original research, resulting in a thesis, or a thesis and exegesis.
During the Master by Research program, Master by Research candidates are required to achieve several milestones that relate to their research training.
Milestones are program requirements and periodic assessments of candidature progression. Milestones are distributed throughout HDR candidature providing structure and mechanism for regular review and feedback on progress towards both the research project and attainment of the University’s Research Graduate Attributes.
In addition to HDR program milestones, some candidates may also have:
- project milestones (such as external progress reports to third party funding providers) that they are required to contribute to; and
- scholarship conditions as specified in their scholarship conditions document
- Coursework (discuss with your proposed supervisor prior to applying)
Information on HDR milestones is available in the USC Higher Degree by Research Candidature Progression - Guidelines.
To be eligible for admission to a research Master degree, an applicant must hold:
(a) a Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher on a seven point scale from a recognised higher education institution; or
(b) a Bachelor Honours degree (AQF Level 8) Class IIB from a recognised higher education institution; or
(c) a record of qualifications and/or professional research experience deemed to be equivalent to the standard of (a) or (b) as may be approved by the Research Degrees Committee, or the Chairperson acting on behalf of the Committee.
The prior study must be in an area of study relevant to the discipline area of the Master degree. If the prior study has not included an appropriate preparation in research methodology, the candidate will be required to undertake an appropriate research methodology course, as specified by the relevant Head of School, as part of their candidature.
The admission requirements for a specific Master degree may include additional requirements, such as a Bachelor degree in the relevant discipline, professional registration, a specified number of years of professional practice, or other requirements indicative of a suitable preparation to undertake a research program at Master level. Additional requirements should be discussed with your proposed supervision team prior to applying.
Refer also to the University’s English language requirements.
Admission is subject to availability of appropriate supervision and facilities.
English language requirements
Program requirements and notes
- Prospective applicants wishing to undertake an MEd by Research can use the Research Supervisor Search to find a suitable supervisor.
- For further information, refer to the Higher Degrees by Research - Academic Policy.
- Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
- Refer to the University's English language requirements.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
Enrolment and fees
- Domestic candidates: Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents will be assessed for a Research Training Program Fee Offset Scholarship as part of the admission process. The RTP Fee Offset Scholarship may cover tuition fees for a period of up to 2 years for Masters candidates. Candidates who do not complete their degree within the 2 year period will be required to pay fees for any additional periods of enrolment. Please refer to Higher Degree by Research fees.
- International candidates: tuition fees apply. Refer to International HDR tuition fees.
- In any semester, full-time enrolment comprises 0.500 EFTSL.*
- In any semester, part-time enrolment comprises 0.250 EFTSL.*
- The census date for withdrawal without financial penalty or academic penalty is the Semester 1 or 2 census date.
* EFTSL - Equivalent Full-Time Student Load. One year of full-time study equates to 1.000 EFTSL.
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$29,000
- Estimated total tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$58,000