Understanding Educational Inquiry unit (EDP701)

Online

Introduction

This unit is an introduction to research as an inquiry. In this unit, you will consider the importance of impetus in your proposed research. You will also learn the importance of developing succinct and robust research questions. You will consider the similarities and differences between qualitative and quantitative enquiry and identify which approach will be most suitable for your research inquiry. An important part of this unit will be for you to think about your research inquiry including ethical considerations and hold it up to critical examination and possible revision.

Summary

Unit name	Understanding Educational Inquiry
Unit code	EDP701
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Faculty of Education
Discipline	Education
Coordinator	Associate Professor Jennifer McMahon
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Online	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• To demonstrate the impetus of your proposed research and demonstrate how your research will contribute to theoretical understanding.
• To use scholarly literature to generate robust, theoretically informed research questions.
• To compare and contrast qualitative and quantitative research paradigms and demonstrate which paradigm is most appropriate for your proposed research.
• To demonstrate an understanding of ethical considerations for proposed research.
• Apply professional and academic communication skills.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
070303	$592.00	$592.00	not applicable	$2,562.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

ESH714

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Off Campus and online lectures or equivalent (1 hour). Students are required to engage with the MYLO content, view pre-recorded lectures provided most weeks, and complete tutorial activities designed to support their learning. These activities are self-paced and may be undertaken at times that accommodate students’ full-time work and life commitments. Participation is not compulsory and is not assessed; the tasks are intended solely to facilitate understanding and mastery of the unit content. The lecturer will review student responses and provide feedback to support learning and engagement.
Assessment	Proposed Research Project - Part 2 (Methodology, Ethical Considerations) (50%)|Research Project (Proposed Title, Introduction, Literature Review) (50%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Reading Lists provide direct access to all material on unit reading lists in one place. This includes eReadings and items in Reserve. You can access the Reading List for this unit from the link in MyLO, or by going to the Reading Lists page on the University Library website.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.