This 60-point paper enables you to spend the year exploring an issue of interest to you. You will identify a question that you believe needs answered and then plan, conduct and write up the results of a small scale study aimed at answering this question. During this process you will also gain valuable research experience. You will work with a supervisor for the year and can complete the paper either on campus or by distance.
About this paper
| Paper title | Research Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Subject | Education |
| EFTS | 0.5 |
| Points | 60 points |
| Teaching period(s) | 1st Non standard period (27 February 2026 - 19 February 2027)
(Distance learning)
2nd Non standard period (17 July 2026 - 9 July 2027) (Distance learning) |
| Delivery mode | The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught and assessed remotely |
| Delivery mode | The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught and assessed remotely |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $4,996.50 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Limited to
- MA(Coursework)
- Notes
- (i)Students outside of the approved programmes, with 54 300-level EDUC points, may be admitted with approval from the Dean of the College of Education. (ii)The duration of this paper is 50 weeks.
- Eligibility
Enrolments for this paper require departmental permission. View more information about departmental permission.
- Contact
- postgrad.education@otago.ac.nz
- Teaching staff
The paper is co-ordinated by Professor Alex Gunn and you will work with one of our teaching staff on your project.
- Paper Structure
You will spend approximately twelve months working on your research study, with the support of a supervisor.
- Teaching Arrangements
- This paper is completed either on campus or by distance. It requires you to submit a report of your study of up to 25,000 words.
- Textbooks
- Students will be expected to access required readings via the library and the Internet and to source their own relevant readings.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will:
- Be able to demonstrate a high standard in conceptual thought and analysis
- Be able to engage with current and relevant literature in the field
- Apply an appropriate methodology to obtain useful data
- Demonstrate postgraduate-level writing, particularly in the analysis of collected data and the conclusions from such analysis