Master of Education

Purpose

The Master of Education focuses on research and, its outcome is a research report in the form of a dissertation. The dissertation is original research conducted by the teacher on a topic related to current issues in education. The teacher will demonstrate competence in preparing a research proposal, conducting a literature review, applying appropriate research methodologies, interpreting and analysing data, developing and formulating arguments, critically reflecting on research methodologies as well as theories relevant to the particular field of study, proposing recommendations based on the research and communicating research results in a scholarly form.

The qualification allows teachers to pursue in-depth studies of an educational phenomenon or practice and through a detailed explanation, come to new understandings which add to the body of knowledge about education.

Rationale

There is a need for more detailed study of the South African educational contexts at different phases to better understand how learning and teaching are enacted and experienced across age groups and disciplines.

Teachers who enrol for this qualification will have a background or experience in education and want to understand the factors in their field better. They may be teachers, principals, Heads of Departments, Educational administrators, Directors of Education Departments or Education lecturers in Higher Education.

Each teacher learns more about the chosen research area and can understand that field differently through in-depth study and research into the literature. Besides, in the production of the dissertation, the teacher will contribute to the body of knowledge about educational issues and adds to their understanding of the educational landscape.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Teachers need to submit a transcript of the Honours results with the final mark indicated, together with an initial proposal indicating the proposed study. Any further evidence of research experience can be submitted at this stage. This includes research modules and short courses or articles that are published which speak to the ability of the learner to complete a research Master's Degree successfully.

The Postgraduate committee will assess whether the teacher is ready for admission to the Masters, based on the details included in the application. Then the programme administrator for the Master's and Doctoral qualifications communicates the outcomes of the committee deliberations to the relevant learners.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Education Honours, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Engage in independent research and present findings in the form of a structured dissertation on a problem or need related to Education.
2. Conduct research in an Education related field.
3. Display familiarity with a range of research paradigms, methodologies and methods.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the research field of Education.
5. Demonstrate communication and IT skills.
6. Engage in ethical research with due regard to the participants and the educational context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Execute a successful research project in the field of Education.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Adhere to the minimum criteria for a dissertation.
• Reflect a critical engagement with key texts and synthesise research findings in the light of current research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Explain methodological choices in the dissertation and align with the paradigm and research questions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Locate and contextualise with an awareness of the broader educational landscape and a global perspective.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Demonstrate communication skills as well as the inclusion of relevant and current research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Meet all ethical standards, and the study underpins by an ethical approach throughout.
• Share results of the study with relevant educational bodies.

Integrated Assessment

• Upon application and submission of a draft proposal, teachers will receive feedback with guidelines to improve the initial submission;
• After working with a supervisor for six months, the Master's learner will present their draft proposals to a panel on internal and external evaluators in the faculty for critical feedback;
• The approved proposal must be passed by the Faculty Post-graduate committee for the learner to proceed;
• The proposal and methodology is then scrutinised at the ethics application stage, and further refinement takes place;
• The learner will receive regular constructive feedback on drafts of the different chapters in the thesis writing process;
• Learners are encouraged to attend institutional research workshops that offered regularly at the university and to present and defend their own studies by means of a 3-minute thesis competition;
• Supervisors encourage learners to present at local conferences to share their research and get feedback from an audience of their peers. This process allows them to focus on a portion of their own work and clarify their thinking in the paper presentation process. Conferences calls are communicated to students so they are aware of the wider research community that they are entering;
• Supervisors and learners work through a final draft to ensure coherence and cohesion throughout the study. This process might necessitate further revisions and rewriting;
• Learners are encouraged to make use of technical and language editing before submission of the final document;
• There is formative assessment throughout the process to enable the Learners to be successful in the final summative assessment by the external examiner.