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Overview

Gain advanced training in education research and a research path to doctoral study in education.

The Master of Education (Research) is usually completed in one to two years (domestic students only) and is suitable for those wanting to:

  • undertake a research degree, but not the length and scale of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), or Master of Philosophy
  • enrol in a higher degree that contains some coursework, but do not need or wish to undertake the amount required by the current Master of Education (coursework) program.

From 2021, Higher Degree by Research students will be required to complete some coursework as part of their candidature. Students will have access to a range of specialist units of study relevant for research students.

Subject areas
Shared pool

Entry, fees, funding & how to apply

Depends on your qualification, citizenship status
The details on this page based on your selections are a guide only, and are subject to change.

Your entry requirements

English language proficiency

Find out if you need to prove English language proficiency (depends on your country of origin and educational background).

For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.

Your fee

How to apply

Applications for the Master of Education (Research) in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are assessed in two rounds annually. There are two closing dates per year for applications: 31 March (for admission in July of the same calendar year) and 30 September (for admission in March the following year). You should apply as early as possible. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered in the current round.

Starting date

Research Period 2: Start date 1 March

Research Period 3: Start date 1 July

Refer to key research dates on the `How to Apply' website

Applications for the Master of Education (Research) in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are assessed in two rounds annually. There are two closing dates per year for applications: 31 March (for admission in July of the same calendar year) and 30 September (for admission in March the following year). You should apply as early as possible. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered in the current round.

Starting date

Research Period 2: Start date 1 March

Research Period 3: Start date 1 July

Refer to key research dates on the `How to Apply' website

Research areas

Master of Education candidates may undertake research in one of the following research centres: Arts, English and Literacy Education research Network; China Education Centre; Centre for Research in Computer Supported Learning and Cognition; Policy and Professional Practice Research Network; Social Policy Research Network; TESOL Research Network; University of Sydney Network for Childhood and Youth Research; Youth Sport and Health research Network.

Applying for admission

1. Supervisors within the School of Education and Social Work are listed in Supervisor Connect.  You are encouraged to email the academic directly.  To find the academic’s email address, follow the link provided to their profile page.  Introduce yourself and provide some academic background. You may be asked for an academic transcript. Explain why you are interested in your area of research and, if appropriate, why you are interested in working with the recipient.

2. Your research proposal should be no more than 2,000 words. Refer to How to write a research proposal for guidance. Attach your research proposal to your email when you approach a prospective supervisor.

3. If you need assistance or advice finding a supervisor, contact our Research Student Liaison Officer or Admissions Coordinator.

4. Obtain two academic referee reports, each one written by a referee who is familiar with your previous academic achievements. You may upload letters of reference or template .

5. If you intend to study part-time towards a PhD, you will also need to supply: evidence that shows you will have sufficient time available to plan and carry out the research under the supervision of the University, and complete the course within the maximum period allowed for a part-time PhD enrolment a declaration from your employer (if relevant) confirming that you will be permitted to take the time required to effectively pursue your studies.

6. Your research proposal should be submitted along with your CV, academic referee reports, academic transcripts and other supporting documents.

7. Applications are made via the University's online application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the `Apply Now' button on the right hand side of this page.

Completion requirement

To qualify for the award of the degree of Master of Education (Research) a student must:

  • carry out supervised research leading to a thesis of 20,000 - 40,000 words.

Thesis submission requirements and examination procedure as set out in the Academic Board resolutions for this course and the Higher Degree (HDR) Rule 2011.

Admission requirement

All candidates are required to have achieved a grade point average of 70% in their final year of university study prior to admission into the Master of Education (Research) degree. Candidates need to submit a research proposal (500-1000 words) addressing criteria specified by the faculty, and have one of the following qualifications:

  • a Bachelor degree in an appropriate area of study and a Bachelor of Teaching/Master of Teaching degree or equivalent, or 
  • a Bachelor degree plus a one-year Diploma of Education in an appropriate area of study, or 
  • a four year Bachelor of Education degree or Bachelors degree deemed by the faculty to be equivalent and of a standard acceptable to the faculty.
Career Pathways

Through the completion of the MResearch degree, students gain deeper understanding of a subject area and develop analytical, problem solving, communication and project management skills. These skills are highly valued by prospective employers. MResearch graduates may pursue careers in industry, academia and research organisations.

Domestic students

International students

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.