1. Handbook
  2. Subjects
  3. Methodological Foundations
  4. Print

Methodological Foundations (EDUC90868)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 25Online

You’re viewing the 2024 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks

Overview

Availability
Semester 1 - Online
FeesLook up fees

This subject aims to build the methodological literacy of Doctor of Education candidates to a level that is adequate to the doctoral level of study. It addresses both more general methodological questions and concerns in the field of educational research as well as addressing specific issues connected with the use of particular research methods and the associated forms of data. This subject caters equally for candidates pursuing various quantitative and qualitative methodologies in their doctoral research projects. It provides targeted training in key research methods as well as developing the Doctor of Education candidates’ overall understanding of the use and usefulness of various research methods in the field of educational research.

Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Demonstrate an advanced methodological literacy and a mastery of one or more specific research method(s) suited to their doctoral research project.
  • Defend why a specific research method is appropriate for answering a specific research question.
  • Critique the strengths and weaknesses of the major methodologies currently used in the field of educational research.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to research ethics and integrity.

Generic skills

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

  • Critical reasoning and thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Evidence-based decision making
  • Communication
  • Ethical Skills

Last updated: 10 February 2024

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Note: the following subject/s can also be taken concurrently (at the same time)

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

Corequisites


Non-allowed subjects


Recommended background knowledge

An understanding of current issues in educational research; 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: 10 February 2024

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Position paper about research approach

  • 1000 words
Early semester10%

Oral presentation and defense of methodological approach (30 minutes)

  • 3000 words (equivalent)
Late semester30%

Brief report on supervisor feedback on oral defense

  • 300 words
Hurdle requirement: The report on supervisor feedback must be submitted.		Late semester (after presentation)N/A

Final essay

  • 6000 words
3 weeks after the end of the 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: 10 February 2024

Dates & times

  • Semester 1 - Online
    Principal coordinatorKylie Smith
    Mode of deliveryOnline
    Contact hours36 hours
    Total time commitment340 hours
    Teaching period26 February 2024 to 26 May 2024
    Last self-enrol date 8 March 2024
    Census date 3 April 2024
    Last date to withdraw without fail 3 May 2024
    Assessment period ends21 June 2024

    Semester 1 contact information

    kylieas@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: 10 February 2024

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: 10 February 2024