MLS&T - Research Stream

The Master of Learning Science & Technology's Research stream is for students whose goal is to carry out research, and can act as a bridge to a PhD. This stream includes the core units of study, in addition to the unit “Learning Technology Research Frontiers” and a dissertation on a topic of your choice.

By combining coursework with a dissertation, you’ll learn about the many different research specialisations available in the field, you’ll get hands-on experience using emerging technologies, and you’ll gain essential knowledge of research methods and methodologies, including those specific to technology-supported learning. All this forms an enriched and solid foundation for a dissertation on a topic of your choice, and potentially, for a research career in education or the learning sciences.

Take a look at our student profiles to learn more about MLS&T postgraduate research opportunities.

Course Structure

In order to complete the Master of Learning Science and Technology in the Research stream, students are required to take 5 core units:

• Introduction to the Learning Sciences: Foundations for learning technology systems (EDPC5021)
• Educational Design Methodologies: Technology supported learning (EDPC5022)
• Innovative practice and Emerging ICT (EDPC5023)
• Learning and Change, a Systems View: From individual learning to organisational change (EDPC5024)
• Learning Technology Research Frontiers (EDPC5025)

in addition to a Dissertation worth 2 units,
and 1 additional unit of study:

The Evaluation of Educational Software (EDPC5012)
(You may elect other units in consultation with the program convenor.)
For more information on units of study, consult the Postgraduate Handbook.

Student Profile

• Q. Did you do the Research or Professional stream of the MLS&T?
  I did the professional stream for my first semester, then changed it to the research stream for another two semesters.
• Q. How did you come to your decision to enrol in the MLS&T?
  When I was doing an English language course, I saw a pamphlet about MLS&T. It was related to what I did previously so I decided to enroll in this course. I did my undergraduate in computer science in a teacher training institution in China. In class, especially at the secondary school or undergraduate level, computer science is equal to mastering programming languages and producing applets, but less importance is attached to the ways we use computer software. I think it is much more fun to see how we can use high-tech strategies for learning and teaching. If someone wants to wash her clothes, she does not necessarily need to understand how to make a laundry machine herself.
• Q. Do you think your MLS&T experience has had any impact on the work you do now or on your career path?
  Yes. To me, the research stream of the MLS&T course was a good preparation for my future PhD study and possibly an academic career. Before I enrolled in this program, I had little knowledge of what research might look like. In the last year and a half, I learned to read and write academically in English, to communicate and collaborate with peers and teachers from different cultural backgrounds, and, most importantly, I was exposed to a variety of research topics and techniques in computer-supported learning and was able to select things I’m interested in. It was good for me to do such a pathway, instead of jumping directly into pure postgraduate research study.

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