Master of Education (Honours)


Course Convenor:

Peter Morey

Course code:

2051

The Master of Education (Honours) (MEd (Hons)) course is designed for teachers and school leaders wishing to pursue postgraduate study in Education. Particular focus is given to the role of the Christian teacher/administrator in enhancing moral and faith development within a context of Christian education. The Master of Education (Honours) is a research degree that prepares graduates for further work involving educational research. Studies are available in four areas:

  • Educational Administration
  • Religious Education
  • Curriculum and Teaching Studies
  • TESOL (Teaching English as a Second or Other Language)

Duration



One-and-a-half years full-time or the equivalent part-time. Part-time students typically progress at the rate of two or three units per year. Flexibility allows students to either ‘fast-track’ their course by taking an overload, or take fewer units in some years if necessary.

Credit points



72 credit points

Mode of delivery



Most units are delivered in mixed mode, comprising distance learning components and a residential session at Avondale College (Lake Macquarie Campus), or other designated centre, in July each year. The residential session provides opportunity for students to be involved in significant student-lecturer and student-student interaction.

Students receive unit outlines, textbooks, readings, and a distance education study guide (in paper and/or electronic form). Lecturers and the course coordinator are available to communicate with students by phone or email. Then, students attend a residential school designed to provide an integrating perspective to the unit. Personal contact with the lecturer/s and peers and library research is possible during this time. Finally students complete assignments designed to foster field-based reflection and application of the concepts encountered. Contact between student and lecturer is maintained via phone and email.

Accreditation



The courses are accredited by the NSW Department of Education and Training.

Entry requirements



A four-year Bachelors degree in education or a Bachelor’s degree followed by a Diploma of Education, Bachelor of Teaching or equivalent. In exceptional circumstances admission may be granted on the basis of equivalent qualifications and/or experience as assessed by the School of Education Teaching and Teaching Committee. Verification of credentials is required at the time of application.

Applicants whose Bachelors degree was not undertaken in English must demonstrate English language proficiency by achieving an IELTS score of at least 6.5, with no individual band score less than 6.0. An official statement of IELTS results must accompany the application form.

Preference will be given to applicants with employment experience in education and applicants should include a written summary of their work experience with the application form. Applicants may receive advanced standing up to 50% of the MEd course provided the subjects which form the basis of the application were undertaken at an equivalent level and were of an equivalent weighting to the Avondale College MEd subjects and/or course.

Course structure



The Master of Education (Honours) degree is designed as full-time or a part-time course that involves some course work and a thesis for a total of 72 credit points. The pattern of study is as follows:
Course Structure Credit Points
One Core Unit 6.0
Two Research Methodology Units 12.0
Two Specialisation Units 12.0
Major Thesis 42.0


For further information on this course please refer to the Avondale College handbook by clicking here.

For any further enquiries please phone Lynelle Waring in the Distance Education Centre on PH: +61 2 4980 2365.