The impact of changing government policies and institutional practices on master’s by coursework students in Australia: a viable pathway to the PhD?

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to identify the impact of current national policies and emerging curricular practices on master’s by coursework students in Australia. It is argued that the rate of top-down policy change, together with bottom-up innovation, is resulting in a high level of complexity that is challenging providers, staff and student alike. Findings from a national study that elicited the views of key stakeholders on aspects of the master’s by coursework degree including its adequacy as a preparation for doctoral study are discussed.

Keywords:

• learning pathways
• master’s by coursework students
• master’s coursework
• policy development
• research training

Acknowledgements

The assistance provided by the research assistants, the interviewees and the institutions involved in this project is greatly appreciated. Support for this research has been provided by the Australian Learning and Teaching Council Ltd., an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations. The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.