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Overview

A supervised research dissertation of up to 25,000 words on an approved topic.

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

Overview

A supervised research dissertation of up to 25,000 words on an approved topic.

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 (26 February 2027 - 18 February 2028) (On campus)
2nd Non standard period (16 July 2027 - 7 July 2028) (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Pre or Corequisite
EDUC 411, EDUC 412, EDUC 422, or EDUC 427
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.

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 12 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.
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