Normally students who have passed at least two coursework semester subjects (20 cp) in their postgraduate degree program may enrol for a Minor Thesis which is the equivalent of three semester subjects (30 cp). Completion of a Minor Thesis is normally required of those intending to apply for candidature for research higher degrees in Education.

The following sets out details in relation to the minor thesis. Note that persons wishing to gain a masters degree with an emphasis on Mathematics Education would normally choose a thesis in the area of mathematics education, and would normally, though not necessarily, choose a mathematics educator as supervisor.

1. Supervisor. A student wishing to enrol in the Minor Thesis should discuss the matter with members of staff interested in the proposed field of study, and/or if necessary with Chair of the Postgraduate Educational Studies Course Committee, at present Associate Professor Lorna Chan.

2. Submission of proposal. In consultation with the proposed supervisor, the student is required to prepare a proposal including an outline of the intended content and work programme, and a working title. A standard proposal form is available from the Faculty Secretary. The completed form should be submitted to the Faculty Secretary for consideration by the Course Committee within two weeks of the first semester of enrolment in the Minor Thesis. if the proposed research involves human intervention, application should be made to the Education Research Ethics Committee and the Research in Schools Committee, if the project involves school access, for approval. The appropriate application form is available from the Faculty Secretary.

3. Topic and treatment. The thesis can take the form of a critical review of the literature, an historical or philosophical investigation, an analysis of a practical educational situation or issue, a synthesis of the candidate's ideas and theories around a specific theme, or an empirical research project. The treatment of the topic should be well supported by documentary evidence and logical argument. As is the case with any Master's degree thesis, a minor thesis calls for a high level of scholarship and superior standards of literacy and presentation are required. While a full Master's research thesis is expected to contribute original and substantial findings, interpretations or ideas to the field of study, in the case of a minor thesis, such contributions may be less significant and the content may be more restricted in scope and depth.

4. Length. The length of the thesis should be worked out in consultation with the supervisor. Adequate length will vary according to the methodology and nature of the topic. The usual length of theses submitted is about 15,000 words (approximately 60 pages of A4 size paper plus references and appendices). Students are cautioned that it is the quality of the thesis, rather than the quantity, that matters.

5. Language. The thesis must normally be written in formal English. Any application for variation of this rule will be considered by the Postgraduate Educational Studies Course Committee after consultation with the supervisor.

6. Style. Although no specific style is prescribed, mathematics education staff have a strong preference for APA (American Psychological Association) style. Candidates should consult their supervisor and with him/her choose one of the recognised styles in the field from a style manual and apply it consistently. References on style are available for consultation in the University's Curriculum Resources and Research Centre.

7. Format. The thesis must be typewritten, double spaced on A4 size paper with minimum margins of 4 cm (left), 1 cm (right), 3 cm (top) and 2 cm (bottom). There should be a title sheet indicating the thesis title, the author's name, the words "Minor Thesis, presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master/Bachelor (as appropriate) of Educational Studies, The University of Newcastle" and the date of submission. After the title page, an abstract of no more than 250 words should be included. Copies of previous minor theses are kept in the Curriculum Resources and Research Centre and students are advised to consult them.

8. Number of copies. Two copies must be submitted to the Faculty Secretary for examination. Students should not bind these copies until the work has been assessed and accepted as meeting requirements. Thereafter, students must have two copies of the thesis bound and resubmitted to the Faculty Secretary before a result is awarded. The Faculty is entitled to retain these copies.

9. Assessment and progress. Progress reports will be sought from candidates and supervisors at the end of each semester of enrolment in the Minor Thesis. The Minor Thesis will be assessed by two examiners appointed for the purpose by the Course Committee. At least one of the examiners will normally be external to the Faculty of Education of this university. It is the candidate's responsibility to give advanced notice to the Course Committee of the expected submission date (at least one month before submission of the Minor Thesis for examination) to allow time for the appointment of examiners and to avoid unnecessary delay in the thesis examination process. A special Notification of Submission form is available from the Faculty Secretary for this purpose.

Results will be graded as High Distinction, Distinction, Credit, Pass, Terminating Pass or Fail. A minor thesis prepares the candidate for further research degree programmes at the Master of Education or Doctorate level, and as such, the assessment of merit is based on the extent to which the candidate's research potential can be demonstrated. As a general indication at least a pass is necessary for consideration for admission to the research M.Ed. programme. Graduates with an outstanding aware (at least a Credit) for the Minor Thesis may seek consideration for direct entry to doctoral candidature.

10. Timing and enrolment. Normally students may enrol in the Minor Thesis once they have passed two semester subjects (20 credit points). The initial enrolment in the Minor Thesis may be effected in either the first or second semester each year. It is expected that students complete the Minor Thesis within three semesters and applications for extension must be made in writing to the Faculty Secretary.

The thesis should be submitted for examination before the last day of the vacation after the third semester of enrolment in the minor thesis, unless prior approval for extension has been granted.

11. Examiner's report. After the work has been assessed, a student will receive copies of the Examiner's Reports.