EUN697-2 Education Research Thesis
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | EUN697-2 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | EUN697-1 |
| Equivalent(s): | EUZ697-2 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | It is assumed that students understand educational practices in education settings and have practitioner experiences within a related education field or support profession. |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $592 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,468 |
| International unit fee | $4,740 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | EUN697-2 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | EUN697-1 |
| Equivalent: | EUZ697-2 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | It is assumed that students understand educational practices in education settings and have practitioner experiences within a related education field or support profession. |
| Coordinator: | Nerida Spina | n.spina@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit is the second in a two-unit sequence. In this unit, you will implement your research and present your findings as a thesis
Across both units (EUN697-1 and EUN697-2), you will develop your independent research and writing skills. The two units build upon the research and writing skills and experiences in other units in the course, by applying the knowledge and experience to an independent research project. The research topic will be negotiated between you and your advisor/s. It is designed to support students considering a future career conducting research and managing education research projects. Successful completion of both EUN697-1 and -2 provides a basis for an Australian and overseas PhD programs. (Please note that successful completion of both EUN697-1 and -2 does not guarantee acceptance into PhD programs, which all have their own unique entry criteria.)
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Critique the relevant literature pertaining to a research problem/question in your discipline area.
- Analyse education issues, contexts and literature to propose research problems/questions.
- Critically interpret research findings, draw conclusions and make recommendations for future research in the area.
- Communicate research outcomes in accordance with accepted standards of scholarship, presentation and style.
- Design an appropriate methodology for investigating the research problem/question.
- Conduct ethical research related to educational issues.
Content
The content of your thesis will depend on the topic that you choose as the focus of your research. Other areas of learning focus on the expectations of scholarly work and the thesis process including:
- critically analysing and synthesising scholarly literature
- identifying a research question
- designing a theoretical and methodological framework
- conducting a research study
- analysing the results; and
- communicating the research findings.
Research topics will be negotiated between you and your advisor/s in EUN697-1.
Learning Approaches
In this unit, you will learn by engaging in the research process and regular consultations with your advisor.
In addition, you will be supported through regular online workshops with the unit coordinator. The workshops address a key identified problem with independent research students – feelings of disconnect and isolation from the University community and from other research students during their candidature. At the workshops three activities will take place.
- Discussion of the topic for the week.
- Self-reporting of progress and roadblocks.
- Individualised and collective strategising and problem solving around roadblocks.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive formative feedback throughout the preparation of your thesis including through the consultations with your advisor/s, meetings with your peers, and submission of a literature review, proposal presentation (in EUN697-1) and draft thesis materials.
Assessment
Overview
There are three assessments in this suite of units EUN697-1 and -2). The first two are threshold tasks that support your completion of the final thesis submission.
You will receive feedback on your literature review and progress report n to support your completion of the final thesis. The literature review and progress report will be graded as satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
During the development of your thesis, you will need to meet several milestones. Your advisor will guide you through what is required.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Your thesis will be examined by two independent academics.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Proposal and Literature Review
You will produce an overview of your proposed research that outlines the research questions, provides a literature review leading to your rationale for the proposed study and describes the methodology that will be used to address the research question and the ethical implications of your proposed method.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Threshold Assessment:
The sole summative assessment item is the thesis itself, which is submitted in the second component of the thesis unit, EUN697-2. To support you through the thesis, you must complete Assessment 1 to a satisfactory standard. This will support you to progress through the thesis in a timely manner.
Assessment: Progress report presentation
You will present a progress report on your project. In your presentation, you will provide an update on your project, and answer questions from peers and your advisor.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Threshold Assessment:
The sole summative assessment item is the thesis itself, which is submitted in the second component of the thesis unit, EUN697-2. To support you through the thesis, you must complete Assessment 2 to a satisfactory standard. This will support you to progress through the thesis in a timely manner.
Assessment: Thesis
You will submit your thesis presenting the research undertaken as part of EUN697-1 and -2. It should contain an introduction which sets out your original research question, a literature review, your methodology, your results/findings and a discussion which relates your findings to your research aims and the broader research in the field. Your thesis is marked by two examiners who are independent of the advisory process.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
There are no resources that are required to be purchased for this unit. Other resources will be available in the unit's Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with the general conduct of this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.EU74 Master of Education
- Discuss, evaluate, and integrate advanced discipline-specific knowledge related to professional educational practice and research.
Relates to: ULO1, Proposal and Literature Review , Thesis - Critically analyse and evaluate complex activities, contexts and phenomena related to professional practice and scholarship in the discipline of education.
Relates to: ULO2, Proposal and Literature Review , Thesis - Design and justify innovative solutions to authentic problems of educational practice, drawing on discipline-specific knowledge and skills to lead and influence positive change.
Relates to: ULO5, Proposal and Literature Review , Progress report presentation, Thesis - Apply theories and research methods to ethically explore educational issues/phenomena and practices.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO6, Proposal and Literature Review , Progress report presentation, Thesis - Employ a range of communication modes to transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences in professional and scholarly contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Progress report presentation, Thesis
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Online
| Unit code: | EUN697-2 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | EUN697-1 |
| Equivalent: | EUZ697-2 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | It is assumed that students understand educational practices in education settings and have practitioner experiences within a related education field or support profession. |
Overview
This unit is the second in a two-unit sequence. In this unit, you will implement your research and present your findings as a thesis
Across both units (EUN697-1 and EUN697-2), you will develop your independent research and writing skills. The two units build upon the research and writing skills and experiences in other units in the course, by applying the knowledge and experience to an independent research project. The research topic will be negotiated between you and your advisor/s. It is designed to support students considering a future career conducting research and managing education research projects. Successful completion of both EUN697-1 and -2 provides a basis for an Australian and overseas PhD programs. (Please note that successful completion of both EUN697-1 and -2 does not guarantee acceptance into PhD programs, which all have their own unique entry criteria.)
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Critique the relevant literature pertaining to a research problem/question in your discipline area.
- Analyse education issues, contexts and literature to propose research problems/questions.
- Critically interpret research findings, draw conclusions and make recommendations for future research in the area.
- Communicate research outcomes in accordance with accepted standards of scholarship, presentation and style.
- Design an appropriate methodology for investigating the research problem/question.
- Conduct ethical research related to educational issues.
Content
The content of your thesis will depend on the topic that you choose as the focus of your research. Other areas of learning focus on the expectations of scholarly work and the thesis process including:
- critically analysing and synthesising scholarly literature
- identifying a research question
- designing a theoretical and methodological framework
- conducting a research study
- analysing the results; and
- communicating the research findings.
Research topics will be negotiated between you and your advisor/s in EUN697-1.
Learning Approaches
In this unit, you will learn by engaging in the research process and regular consultations with your advisor.
In addition, you will be supported through regular online workshops with the unit coordinator. The workshops address a key identified problem with independent research students – feelings of disconnect and isolation from the University community and from other research students during their candidature. At the workshops three activities will take place.
- Discussion of the topic for the week.
- Self-reporting of progress and roadblocks.
- Individualised and collective strategising and problem solving around roadblocks.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive formative feedback throughout the preparation of your thesis including through the consultations with your advisor/s, meetings with your peers, and submission of a literature review, proposal presentation (in EUN697-1) and draft thesis materials.
Assessment
Overview
There are three assessments in this suite of units EUN697-1 and -2). The first two are threshold tasks that support your completion of the final thesis submission.
You will receive feedback on your literature review and progress report n to support your completion of the final thesis. The literature review and progress report will be graded as satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
During the development of your thesis, you will need to meet several milestones. Your advisor will guide you through what is required.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Your thesis will be examined by two independent academics.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Proposal and Literature Review
You will produce an overview of your proposed research that outlines the research questions, provides a literature review leading to your rationale for the proposed study and describes the methodology that will be used to address the research question and the ethical implications of your proposed method.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Threshold Assessment:
The sole summative assessment item is the thesis itself, which is submitted in the second component of the thesis unit, EUN697-2. To support you through the thesis, you must complete Assessment 1 to a satisfactory standard. This will support you to progress through the thesis in a timely manner.
Assessment: Progress report presentation
You will present a progress report on your project. In your presentation, you will provide an update on your project, and answer questions from peers and your advisor.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Threshold Assessment:
The sole summative assessment item is the thesis itself, which is submitted in the second component of the thesis unit, EUN697-2. To support you through the thesis, you must complete Assessment 2 to a satisfactory standard. This will support you to progress through the thesis in a timely manner.
Assessment: Thesis
You will submit your thesis presenting the research undertaken as part of EUN697-1 and -2. It should contain an introduction which sets out your original research question, a literature review, your methodology, your results/findings and a discussion which relates your findings to your research aims and the broader research in the field. Your thesis is marked by two examiners who are independent of the advisory process.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
There are no resources that are required to be purchased for this unit. Other resources will be available in the unit's Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with the general conduct of this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.EU74 Master of Education
- Discuss, evaluate, and integrate advanced discipline-specific knowledge related to professional educational practice and research.
Relates to: ULO1, Proposal and Literature Review , Thesis - Critically analyse and evaluate complex activities, contexts and phenomena related to professional practice and scholarship in the discipline of education.
Relates to: ULO2, Proposal and Literature Review , Thesis - Design and justify innovative solutions to authentic problems of educational practice, drawing on discipline-specific knowledge and skills to lead and influence positive change.
Relates to: ULO5, Proposal and Literature Review , Progress report presentation, Thesis - Apply theories and research methods to ethically explore educational issues/phenomena and practices.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO6, Proposal and Literature Review , Progress report presentation, Thesis - Employ a range of communication modes to transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences in professional and scholarly contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Progress report presentation, Thesis