The centre is known throughout New Zealand and internationally
for its research and scholarship, and for the use of its research in the
development of policy, practice, curriculum, resources, assessment, and
professional development.
The Centre for Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Research
at the University of Waikato offers opportunities for professional growth
for people working in science, mathematics, technology, and computing
education. Students include practising teachers, teacher educators, and
curriculum developers from a range of countries including New Zealand,
the Pacific Islands, and Asia. Most are graduates seeking mid-career professional
development through advanced study for higher qualifications. Staff and
students work together as colleagues in a cooperative and friendly way.
The academic programmes offered are flexible, allowing students to specialise
in their particular area of interest, to undertake interdisciplinary study,
and to learn to do research. Excellent facilities are available in the
centre and at the university.
Masters
degrees
Students doing a Masters degree in science, mathematics,
technology, or computing education would normally complete four papers
and a four paper thesis. Students may select papers from those offered
by the centre and supplement these with papers from the Schools of Education,
Science and Technology, Computing and Mathematical Sciences. The thesis
component is traditionally undertaken in science, technology, mathematics,
or computing education.
Postgraduate
diplomas in science, mathematics, or technology education
Candidates would select two papers from either science
education, mathematics education, technology education, or computing education
papers together with directed research project and research methods in
science, mathematics, and technology education research. One masters paper
from science, technology, computing, mathematics, or education can be
selected instead of one of the centre's papers.
Research
degrees (PhD and MPhil)
These are research degrees, designed to recognise original contributions
to knowledge made while extending one's research skills under university
supervision. The usual level of entry is an honours degree with an adequate
background in the field in which the research is proposed. Both degrees
may be pursued full-time or part-time. The M Phil requires the equivalent
of 1 to 1.5 years of full-time research, the D Phil requires the equivalent
of 2 to 3 years and both culminate in the presentation of a thesis embodying
the results of the research.
