Course details

Summary

The Master of Education (MEd) degree comprises six taught papers at the postgraduate level in Education, and a research dissertation. A candidate who has completed a BA(Hons) degree or a PGDipArts in Education may achieve the degree by passing two taught papers at the postgraduate level and the research dissertation. The programme can be completed in two years of full-time study, in the instance of a student who has not been granted exemptions from taught papers, and in one year with maximum exemptions.

Admission as a candidate for the MEd requires a BA, BEd, BTchg or an acceptable alternative qualification, with grades of B or better in 300-level Education papers. Interested persons with teaching qualifications and degrees in subjects other than Education can apply.

The degree equips graduates with advanced knowledge, critical skills and research acumen needed for employment in teaching, policy analysis, management and research in the public and private sectors. It is also a recognised entry qualification for the PhD degree.

The Master of Education (MEd) is also available through Distance Learning.

Structure of the Programme

The programme of study shall consist of EDUC 407 (20 points) or another approved research methods paper, EDUC 580 (dissertation, worth 60 points) and further papers worth a total of 160 points, normally selected from those prescribed for the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Education, the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects in Education, or the degree of Master of Education.

A candidate whose qualification for entry to the programme is the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Education or the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects in Education may achieve the degree by passing EDUC 580 and further papers worth a total of 60 points as required by the Dean of the College of Education.

A candidate may be exempted from some of the required papers as prescribed in regulation 2(a) on the basis of previous postgraduate study.

A candidate may not present a dissertation (EDUC 580) which has previously been accepted for another degree or diploma. To be awarded the degree, a candidate must receive a passing grade for EDUC 580.

With prior approval, postgraduate papers worth up to the equivalent of 40 points may be credited from another department or from another university or tertiary institution.

Entry criteria

Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).
Every applicant must either: be a graduate, or have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).

In considering an applicant's qualifications, regard will be had to the detail of the course of study followed to gain the qualification, as well as the applicant's performance in the programme.

English Language Requirements: IELTS - Score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); Internet-based TOEFL Score of 95 with a minimum writing score of 22.; Paper-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 587 (TWE 4.5); Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) – Overall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169); Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) – Overall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169); APIEL Advanced Placement International English Language Examination - Grade 4 or higher; Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Overall score of 64 with no communicative skills score below 57; University of Otago Foundation Studies Ltd: Completion of 'English for Postgraduate Academic Purposes' with a grade of C or higher.