We have research students investigating a diverse range of topics within Education with the support and guidance of leading, internationally renowned academics.
Our academic staff welcome inquiries from prospective research students at all levels.
Click through the links below to find out more about our research interests and get in contact with us to discuss your interests.
The best place to start is by talking to the Postgraduate Advisors or by searching the UC Research Profile.
The best place to start is by exploring our Learning and Pedagogy Research Areas, by talking to the Postgraduate Advisors or by searching the UC Researcher Profiles.
Here are forms including Supervisory Agreement and Progress Reports.
The Master of Education degree gives teachers, counsellors or other educational professionals the opportunity to improve their professional practice, examine critically significant issues in education and/or undertake research in their fields of interest.
Course structure
The MEd can be completed either by coursework or a combination of courses and thesis.
Specialist endorsements
The MEd has specialist endorsements that you can choose from or an unendorsed pathway is also available. Each specialist endorsement has different compulsory and optional courses which can be viewed in each endorsement brochure.
Need more information?
For more information and initial endorsement inquiries email educationadvice@canterbury.ac.nz or phone +64 3 369 3333 to make an appointment.
The Master of Arts (MA) degree consists of coursework followed by a thesis. It provides the opportunity to make a contribution to knowledge while also demonstrating understanding of the principles of research. The Master of Arts (MA) degree consists of coursework followed by a thesis.
Criteria for entry
Students who have qualified for a BA (Hons) or equivalent with good grades may be admitted to the MA by thesis (Part II only) in that subject.
The requirements for enrolling in the M.A. degree are the same as those for the B.A.(Hons). Students are normally expected to have completed 56 points at the 300 level in Education and have an average grade of B or better in these courses.
Students who have graduated with a BA(Hons) degree may proceed to take an MA degree by completing a thesis (EDUC690). In this case, the MA may be awarded with Distinction or Merit, but not with Honours.
Approval for admission is granted through the Head of School.
Course structure
This degree consists of Part I - typically the four courses comprising the BA (Hons) - followed by Part II, a thesis (EDUC690). For information on the courses available for Part I please refer to the BA (Hons).
Part I and II consists of 2.0 EFTS. Part I consists of four courses totalling 1.0 EFTS from courses EDUC 402 - 461. Part II consists of the thesis EDUC690. Students who have graduated BA (Hons) in Education may be admitted directly to Part II of the MA. The thesis is completed full-time in one or two years or with the approval of the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, part-time in up to four years.
Students may also take up to two courses from the MEd or other schedules, with approval of the Head of School of Educational Studies and Leadership.
Length of programme
The required four courses are normally taken in one full-time year, with an additional year for thesis research. Arrangements may be made for part-time study. Before embarking on a thesis, students should contact the programme coordinator and approach potential supervisors to discuss their interest in supervising a thesis in this field. Separate approval for thesis research must be obtained.
Further information
Contact: Azeen Tashakkor
The Doctor of Education is a specialised doctorate designed for professionals in education, health sciences, and related fields. Built on a cohort model of inquiry, the Doctor of Education provides a structured, supportive, rigorous approach to doctoral study.
The Doctor of Education builds leadership and commitment, fosters scholarly excellence, and allows candidates to connect educational research with questions of professional practice, in particular, leadership.
The EdD is a 360-point programme. It consists of two parts: Part One – Research Portfolio (120 points) and Part Two – Thesis (240 points). Part One is completed by part-time study in Years 1 and 2. It requires candidates to be in a relevant professional role while undertaking their studies. Part One is led by a cohort team (usually comprising two senior academics), who oversee the completion of the key projects in the research portfolio. Candidates meet as a group with the cohort team three to four times per year, in intensive block sessions. While completing Part One, candidates also maintain contact with their supervisor(s).
Find out more here.
A PhD in Education is a recognition that you have delved deeply into a specific education issue or field of enquiry and that you have become an expert in that field. You will have acquired the skills to continue to do leading research and in most cases you will have published one or more refereed articles.
Our PhD in Education programme is strong and growing. Our students are able to choose supervisors who are at the cutting edge of their fields of research and scholarship. Currently we have students engaged in research in a wide range of educational fields and working with a diverse range of methodological approaches. As a result the integration of teacher education into the University environment we have welcomed professional educators who are interested in practice-based doctoral research.
We have a postgraduate centre that provides a strong academic support base, a stimulating learning environment, dedicated research offices, a community of scholarship, and regular interactive seminars. We have the capacity to develop collegial teams of students and supervisors in particular fields of interest, such as practice-based research within schools and early childhood centres.
Find out more about our research strengths and interests, and look for a supervisor.
Find out more about our research strengths and interests, and look for a supervisor.
For more information about doctoral enrolment email us (not education advice)
For more information about master’s enrolment email us
More information regarding undertaking a postgraduate research at UC can be found at the Postgraduate website. Enrolment details for domestic and international students is at Postgraduate Student Enrolment.
More information about Postgraduate programmes and their courses is available in the Postgraduate Prospectus which can be obtained by emailing educationadvice@canterbury.ac.nz or phoning 0800 VARSITY (827 748).
