Writing a Literature Review (EDUC90867)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 25Online

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2 - Online
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This subject teaches Doctor of Education candidates how to identify, analyse and synthesise published research findings that are of a high quality and relevant to their own research. Building upon this, it teaches Doctor of Education candidates how to locate their own proposed research projects and questions within the broader research literature. This subject will include practical classes on specific literature search strategies and the effective use of reference management systems and tools as well as classes focusing on the composition and writing of literature reviews.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, Doctor of Education candidates should be able to:

  • Identify, analyse and synthesise published research findings that are of a high quality and relevant to addressing their research problem.
  • Critically analyse and evaluate existing theories, knowledge, ideas and methods associated with their research problem.
  • Identify and defend research gaps within the literature to formulate feasible research questions.
  • Justify the significance, originality, and scope of their research aims through a review of the relevant literature.

Generic skills

In this subject, Doctor of Education candidates will develop the following set of key transferable skills:

  • Information gathering, analysis and interpretation
  • Critical reasoning and thinking.
  • Problem solving.
  • Evidence-based decision making.
  • Communication.

Last updated: 7 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
EDUC90870 Laying the Foundations for Your Research
Semester 1 (Online)
 25

Corequisites


Non-allowed subjects


Recommended background knowledge

An understanding of current issues in educational research is recommended; some understanding of key concepts and methodologies in educational research and analysis, some knowledge of major trends in educational research, policy and pedagogy.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 7 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Limited literature review

  • 1000 words
Early semester10%

Oral presentation and defence of literature review

  • 3000 words (equivalent)
Mid semester30%

Brief report on supervisor feedback on oral defense

  • 300 words
Hurdle requirement: The report on supervisor feedback must be submitted.		Mid semesterN/A

Expanded Literature review

  • 6000 words
3 weeks after the end of teaching period60%

Attendance:

Hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 80% attendance at all scheduled tutorials, seminars and workshops.		Throughout the teaching periodN/A

Last updated: 7 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2 - Online
    Principal coordinatorShelley Gillis
    Mode of deliveryOnline
    Contact hours36 hours including nine x 2.25 hour and one x 6 hour online seminar, plus asynchronous activities
    Total time commitment340 hours
    Teaching period28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025
    Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025
    Census date 1 September 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail26 September 2025
    Assessment period ends21 November 2025

    Semester 2 contact information

    shelley.gillis@unimelb.edu.au

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 7 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseDoctor of Education
  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 7 March 2025