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.
Subject areas
Shared pool
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
To apply for admission follow these steps:
- Find a potential supervisor within the Faculty whose academic background aligns with your research. You may visit Research Supervisor Connect [Research Supervisor Connect] for help. You can also use the University website to search for a lead supervisor in an appropriate discipline area. If you need assistance finding a supervisor, please contact Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Research Education Team(fass.hdradmin@sydney.edu.au).
- When contacting your potential supervisor you should describe your academic educational background, and include an academic transcript and CV (resume). You should also include a research proposal (approximately 1000 words); refer to How to write a research proposal for guidance. You should explain why you want to undertake the MA (Research) and how you believe your research topic aligns with the supervisor’s own research.
- Your potential supervisor may offer you advice on developing a research proposal before you submit your application. You will need to provide a written statement from your potential supervisor that they have agreed to supervise your project.
- Obtain two academic referee reports, each one written by a referee who is familiar with your previous academic achievements and research potential.
- If you intend to study part-time towards the MA (Research) (international student visa holders must enrol full-time), 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 MPhil enrolment, and a declaration from your employer (if relevant) confirming that you will be permitted to take the time required to effectively pursue your studies.
- Applications are made via the University’s online application portal. Submit your application together with:
your research proposal,
your CV (curriculum vitae, resumé),
two academic referee reports,
your post-school academic transcripts,
a written statement from your potential supervisor that they have agreed to supervise your project,
supporting documents, such as identification and evidence of residency status.
other supporting evidence as required.
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.
Domestic students
International students
