Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Research

The Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Research is a pathway into a research degree for those with a Coursework Masters but who are currently ineligible for the Ph.D.

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

- read educational research with an understanding of the methodologies underlying the particular study;
- define an issue in education as an investigatable research project;
- understand the range of research methodologies available, and their appropriateness to particular projects;
- undertake a significant research project in Education;
- write up the results of the research project in an appropriate way.

The program consists of two compulsory subjects. Duration: 6 months full time or 12 months part time.

Research Project subject code depends on whether full time or part time study or the semester of commencement

A Masters degree in Education (e.g. Master of Teaching, Master of Education) with an H2A average, or equivalent.

The Melbourne Graduate School of Education welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and Graduate School policy to take reasonable steps to enable the participation of students with disabilities, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the Graduate School’s programs.
The core participation requirements for study in the Melbourne Graduate School of Education are:

In all courses

1. The ability to comprehend complex information related to education and the disciplines in which the student is teaching.
2. The ability to communicate clearly and independently in assessment tasks a knowledge of the content, principles and practices relating to education and other relevant disciplines.
3. Behavioural and social attributes that enable a student to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.
   
   In courses requiring students to undertake practicum placements
   
4. The ability to undertake professional practice placements independently, including:
   a. the ability based on personal maturity to establish a professional relationship with students and interact with them appropriately;
   b. the ability to communicate to students the subject matter being taught with clarity and in a way that is age-sensitive;
   c. the ability to model literacy and numeracy skills independently for students and in all their interactions meet community expectations of the literacy and numeracy skills teachers should have;
   d. the ability to demonstrate skilfully and safely activities required in particular discipline areas being taught (e.g. physical education activities, science laboratory techniques);
   e. the ability to create, monitor and maintain a safe physical environment, a stable and supportive psychological environment, and a productive learning environment in their classroom;
   f. the ability to establish effective relationships with all members of the school community, including colleagues, students, and caregivers;
   g. the ability based on mental and physical health to exercise sound judgment and respond promptly to the demands of classroom situations, and the personal resilience to cope and maintain their wellbeing under stress.

Students who feel a disability will prevent them from meeting the above academic requirements are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit.

The course will develop in students a commitment to academic excellence, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of their discipline, the process of research, and their capacities as critical, creative, and ethical thinkers.