Master of Education (International Baccalaureate)

The Master of Education (International Baccalaureate) 960ID offers a specialist degree particularly for teachers and administrators in early childhood and primary education who want to extend their knowledge and understanding of IB education by undertaking more focused inquiry and school and community-based research into understanding learners, curriculum development and pedagogy, assessment, teacher collegiality and leadership or international-mindedness, with reference to IB policy and practice.

This is a research classified course. This course is suitable for students requiring eligibility for the IB Advanced Certificate in Teaching and Learning.

Please note that this program will not provide graduates with qualifications to teach in Australia.

Students completing this course should be able to:

• demonstrate a superior knowledge and understanding of educational theory in the field of international education;
• have an understanding of the theory and practice of educational research needed to evaluate research literature and carry out appropriate inquiry/research activity;
• make effective use of the findings of educational writings and research in formulating solutions to issues or challenges in the area of international education;
• demonstrate depth of knowledge and understanding that will enable them to be a resource for colleagues regarding issues in international education in particular professional situations;
• demonstrate an appreciation of professional responsibilities and ethical principles in relation to the promotion of learning and teaching which should characterise leaders in the education profession.

Students are required to complete

• four core subjects
• a thesis of 20,000 words addressing an issue in international education

Students enrolled in this course are required to attain an average of at least H2A in their coursework component before commencing their thesis. If this score is not attained, progress will be assessed on an individual basis. Students not permitted to enrol in the thesis will be able to transfer into the coursework masters.

The four core subjects for this course comprise the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International Baccalaureate) 981PY.

Students are required to undertake methodology studies concurrently with their thesis if methodology studies have not already been undertaken prior to entry to the course or at the direction of their supervisor.

In the six months prior to submission of their thesis candidates must present their research findings at a public completion seminar attended by their Advisory Committee.

Core subjects

Thesis and Research Methodology subjects

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

• an honours degree in Education;

OR

• a relevant four-year degree in Education, or equivalent; and
• two years of documented relevant professional experience; and
• a record of research activity and/or publications equivalent to 50 points of year five study; AND
• evidence of capacity to undertake research.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• prior academic performance; and
• the capacity to undertake research; and, if relevant
• the professional experience.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. The minimum English language requirements for this course are Band 7 English language requirements.

The documented record of research activity and/or publications referred to must entail clearly research-driven initiative(s) that generated a written product for which the author was sole or significant contributor or author. This initiative may be centred on workplace-related issues, but it must extend further than routine endeavours that would be considered part of normal practices within the educational workplace (for example, normal subject or course evaluation or policy formulation). The design of the research should reflect sound, explicit conceptual and methodological bases and it should include either empirical or document-based data collection and analysis. The report should constitute an advance in current knowledge in the field. Overall, the information supplied must convince the Selection Committee that the applicant has sufficient educational research expertise or experience to enable successful completion of the degree within the time allowed.

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.
   

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

Graduates from this program are eligible to apply for entry to the Doctor of Education program or a PhD provided they meet the entry requirements and subject to achievement of an H2A GPA.

"International Baccalaureate" is a registered trademark of the International Baccalaureate Organization

Application Procedure: http://education.unimelb.edu.au/study_with_us/how_to_apply