Master of Research (Education)

The Master of Research (Education) at Adelaide University is a two-year research degree for people who want to study education at a deeper level than coursework alone allows. You will spend most of your time on a supervised research project in curriculum and instruction, working with academic staff who research how subjects are designed, taught and assessed. Alongside the thesis, you take research methods units that cover qualitative and quantitative approaches, literature review work, and writing for publication. The exact project depends on your supervisor and your interests, so it pays to look at the school's research strengths before you apply.

How the degree is structured

Australian research master's degrees are built around a thesis rather than a long list of coursework units. At Adelaide University you can expect a mix of research methods training and independent study, with your thesis carrying the bulk of the credit points. The degree is normally two years full time and can be taken part time. You work with a supervisor or supervisory panel, meet regularly, and present your progress at milestones such as a proposal review and a final thesis submission. The thesis is examined by people outside your supervision team. Some students enter with a bachelor degree and build research skills as they go; others come in with honours or a coursework master's and move straight into the project.

What you actually study

Curriculum and instruction research looks at what gets taught, how it is sequenced, and how teachers decide what counts as learning. Projects in this area often examine assessment design, literacy and numeracy teaching, curriculum policy, Indigenous education, or the way digital tools change classroom practice. You will read widely, design a study, collect and analyse data, and write up findings in a form that stands up to examination. The skills you build are the ones researchers use every day: framing a question, choosing a method that fits it, handling data carefully, and explaining your results to people who will question them.

Who it suits

This degree suits teachers, school leaders, policy staff and education graduates who want to research a problem they care about, or who are considering a PhD later. It also works for people moving into research roles in government, NGOs or education technology. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available after you finish, depending on your circumstances. English requirements vary by course, so check the official page for the level that applies to you and confirm tuition and intake details on the CRICOS register using course code 115996F.

• Education researcher in universities, research centres and policy institutes
• Curriculum developer or instructional designer in schools, TAFE, education departments and edtech organisations
• Education policy officer in state and federal government departments
• School leader or head of department with a research-informed approach to teaching and learning
• Assessment and evaluation specialist in testing bodies and not-for-profit organisations
• PhD candidate, the Master of Research is a common pathway into doctoral study in Australia