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Frequently Asked Questions for prospective research students

NOTE: This web page contains information that is true and accurate as of 16 June 2008. We advise students and supervisors to contact Research Degrees Office if they have any queries regarding any administrative matters.

What is the Research Degrees Office?

It is the office which deals with all Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) and honours students. It is located at the Clayton campus in room G06 Contacts:

What research degrees are offered by the Faculty?

There are two Masters degrees of two years full-time or four years part-time duration:

  • 0077 Master of Education by research (100% research – 60,000 word thesis)
  • 3204 Master of Education by research (66% research – two coursework units plus 40,000 word thesis)

Currently the only doctoral level degree is PhD and combined MPsych/PhDs four years full-time or eight years part-time:

  • 0079 Doctor of Philosophy in Education (100% research)
  • 3732 Master of Psychology (Counselling) / PhD
  • 3736 Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) / PhD

n.b. Doctor of Education is not currently offered.

How do I apply?

International students:

The International Office processes applications in the first instance. Application forms and details available at this webpage:

Local doctoral students:

Download the application form from this site and provide all documentary evidence requested to support your application:

Local masters students:

Download the application form from this site and provide all documentary evidence

What sort of documentation is required with my application?

Doctoral applications

  • Proposal: 200 words outline of your proposed research
  • Transcripts: Original or certified copies of transcripts of all tertiary courses (certified translations as well if documentation is not in English)
  • Evidence of citizenship: Certified photocopy of birth certificate, citizenship certificate of passport
  • Letter of support from employer confirming days in the working week available for research study
  • Language competency: Original or certified copy of language test (if required)
  • Publications: Copies of cover of journal, table of contents and first page of article (and translations if not in English)

Masters

  • Proposal: 150-200 words outline of your proposed research
  • Transcripts: Original or certified copies of transcripts of all tertiary courses (certified translations as well if documentation is not in English)
  • Evidence of citizenship: Certified photocopy of birth certificate, citizenship certificate of passport
  • Language competency: Original or certified copy of language test (if required)

How much time am I expected to commit to study?

You should have at least two full days to spend on part time study and four days on full time study.

  • Doctoral: If you are employed your employer will be required to provide a supporting letter confirming you have one working day (and one weekend day) for part time study. Your employer will need to confirm you have four days free for study if you are a full time candidate.
  • Masters: Masters students may be full time employed and a part time student.

What is the residency requirement for external students?

  • Doctoral: External doctoral students are required to visit the campus for 15 working days per year (full time) or per two years (part time) to meet with their supervisor, do library research and attend Faculty seminars, etc.
  • Masters: Residency for masters students is 10 working days per year (full time) and 5 days per year (part time).

How much will this degree cost?

  • International: The international fee for research degrees in the Faculty of Education is currently $18,000 (2006) per annum.
  • Local: Local students (Australian and New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents) are covered by the Research Training Scheme (RTS) and do not pay tuition fees.

Will the Faculty provide me with a study space?

Space is limited on all campuses. There is a hierarchy of space distribution – HDR scholarships full time, doctoral full time, masters full time and doctoral part time, masters part time. Application for access to office space on campus should be addressed to the Research Degrees Office, or the Student Services administrator on the campus you are attending in the first instance. All students may access computers on campus in shared computer rooms or at the library.

Can I get work in the Faculty?

The Faculty has a policy of using HDR students for research assistant and tutoring work when this becomes available, but we cannot guarantee work in the Faculty as there are limited opportunities.

I have an offer, how do I enrol?

  • Doctoral:
    Doctoral students enrol via the Monash Research Graduate School (building 3D at Clayton campus) where they are given a set of papers to fill in with their supervisors.
  • Masters:
    Masters students either return papers sent with their offer letter or visit the Research Office (room G04A, Education, building 6, Clayton campus).