Key facts
UNE unit code: EDUC490
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
In this capstone research unit, you critically examine educational practice through a research-informed lens and build the knowledge and professional judgement to lead evidence-based improvement in your context. You synthesise advanced literature across disciplinary and professional domains to articulate a coherent personal theory of education that integrates disciplinary, cultural, ethical and professional perspectives.
You identify and analyse a complex educational issue in a specialised field (such as Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Digital Learning, or Educational Leadership) and develop a rigorous action research proposal. Drawing on contemporary research and your professional experience, you strengthen your capability in scholarly reading, critical reflection and research design. By the end of the unit, you can present a defensible research plan and communicate complex educational ideas with confidence and rigour to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- critically synthesise advanced research literature across education and a chosen specialisation to demonstrate depth of disciplinary and contextual understanding;
- articulate and justify a coherent, research-informed personal theory of education that integrates disciplinary, cultural, ethical, and professional perspectives;
- communicate complex educational ideas, analyses, and recommendations clearly and persuasively to both expert and non-expert audiences using appropriate modes;
- apply advanced problem-solving and evaluative skills to analyse a complex, authentic educational issue and propose defensible, contextually responsive actions or solutions; and
- critically and ethically evaluate the professional use of artificial intelligence and digital tools in educational inquiry, practice, and scholarly communication, demonstrating responsible and transparent application consistent with academic integrity and professional standards.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Personal theory of education presentation Students submit an articulate account of a coherent personal theory of education and present their views in a seminar format in front of colleagues. No.Words: 600 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 35% | All offerings | Action research proposal A substantial written action research proposal that reflects the student’s professional values and perspectives, their synthesis of relevant research relevant to their area of expertise, analysis of a complex educational issue, and proposal for defensible, evidence-based professional action plan No. Words: 3400 |
| Assessment 3 - Assurance Task | Yes | 55% | All offerings | Viva presentation of action research proposal Students will participate in a viva presentation and scholarly defence of their proposed action research inquiry. The viva requires students to present and critically justify the educational issue, theoretical foundations, research design, methodological choices, ethical considerations, and anticipated professional implications of their proposed inquiry. The assessment consists of: (1) a concise professional presentation (approximately 10–15 minutes); and (2) a structured oral defence involving questioning by the examiner(s) (approximately 15–20 minutes). Students must pass this Assurance Task in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 500
|
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
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