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- 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.
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.
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
Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.
Refer to Master of Education and Graduate Certificates in Education - Inherent Academic requirements
UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.
What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?
The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.
Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.
UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.
Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.
Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.
Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?
IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.
How does this affect you?
To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.
If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.
If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$31,030
International student fee information is available on the Tuition fees and other costs page. For information on how higher degree by research student fees are calculated, including the Student Services and Amenities Fee, visit the Higher Degree by Research Student Fee Calculation Information page. Visit the HDR scholarships page for information on available scholarships.
Estimated total tuition fees are based on 2023 rates and the minimum number of courses required within the programs standard duration.
Annual tuition fees are based on 2023 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.
Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).
All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).
Domestic higher degree by research applicants are assessed for a fee-offset scholarship as part the program admission assessment process.
If successful, this information will be included in the Description of Candidature which is provided with the Offer of Admission.
The maximum period of a fee-offset scholarship for full-time candidates is four years for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students and two years for Master by Research candidates (part time equivalent).
After this time candidates will be liable for fees.
For information on how higher degree by research student fees are calculated, including the Student Services and Amenities Fee, visit the Higher Degree by Research Student Fee Calculation Information page.
HDR students can commence their Masters at any time
No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.
Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.
Need help with submitting your application?
UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.
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Applications can be submitted at any time.
Visit the How to apply page for information on preparing and submitting your application.
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