Unit Outline

EDP724 Dissertation Part A is the first in a two unit sequence in the Master of Education, the second unit is EDP728 Dissertation Part B. These units should not be undertaken simultaneously. Across these two units students undertake a major piece of independent research work suitable for students seeking further entry to Higher Degree Research (such as an EdD or PhD). The independent nature of the Master of Education requires students to complete their dissertation in consultation with their project supervisor. Candidates are required to work with their supervisor to plan and implement a research study or theoretical enquiry and to write a 12,000 to 15,000 word dissertation. High level academic skills are required. The topic may require formal Ethics approval and may be closely related to the student`s professional practice.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1.	demonstrate specialist knowledge on a selected topic through the completion of a major independent research task.
2.	analyse a range of appropriate literature to identify an issue and articulate a valid research question.
3.	develop and implement a methodology appropriate to the research question.
4.	communicate findings and implications.
5.	present a research dissertation in an appropriate format for external examination, including use of academic language, correct citation and referencing conventions.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Thesis	Week 13	100 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Thesis

Task Description:

Inquiry/Dissertation - You are required to negotiate a research project in an area of your interest with an appropriate Education Faculty staff member as a supervisor.

Task Length:

12000 to 15000 words

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

100 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Demonstrate specialist knowledge of the chosen topic area, by: 1) Selecting appropriate literature 2) Articulating a relevant and valid research question 3) Bringing critical awareness and/or new insights to this topic	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
2	Interpret and synthesise literature	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
3	Justify and apply research methodology appropriate to the question	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
4	Substantiate in-depth findings and implications	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
5	Communicate in written expression that adheres to academic writing standards and appropriate APA style referencing	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.