Institutions in a high quality adaptive vocational education sector - PhD scholarship
Expressions of interest (EOI) are invited from suitable domestic and international candidates planning to undertake their doctoral studies (PhD) as part of a program of research investigating institutions in a high quality adaptive vocational education sector at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education (MGSE). This research program is led by Professor Leo Goedegebuure, Associate Professor Ruth Schubert and Dr Peter Bentley.
Project:
The successful PhD candidate is expected to be part of a larger team working on research related to training product reform under the topic of - What institutional arrangements are required to support a high quality Australian vocational education system? It is clear that the vocational education system is not developing the adaptive capacity individuals need for work and citizenship today. Given the changing nature of work, the current system is even less prepared to develop the skills, knowledge and attributes needed for the future. A number of reforms are required to ensure that high quality vocational education is delivered consistently. One aspect of this reform will potentially involve the redesign of training packages, currently training products specify narrow job tasks but do not adequately address the typical learning progressions that can prepare people for diverse vocational practice. Questions to be addressed by the PhD candidate and the research team include, what is the role of institutions in a high quality adaptive vocational education sector, and what are the current, emerging and optimal roles of the social partners and vocational education providers, including the particular role of the public provider TAFE. The research will largely focus on the role of the providers and social partners, examining the roles, responsibilities and institutional capacities of:
- public and private providers
- industry associations and individual enterprises
- the vocational education industry stakeholders i.e. Australian Industry Skills Committee, Skills Service Organisations (SSOs), Industry Reference Groups (IRGs)
- State and Federal Government Departments/Agencies
- Unions, and employee associations
The methodology will include a series of targeted and detailed case studies completed with the active involvement of national stakeholders, training providers, industry bodies, enterprises and training industry organisations to design and test a broad vocational streams using capability frameworks. The work will include international comparative analysis, and report on the optimum practice for the development of future broad vocational streams.
Benefits:
The successful applicant will receive a PhD scholarship (valued at $26,682 p.a. in 2017) as a fortnightly living allowance for the duration of three years, a relocation grant of $2,000 for students moving from outside Victoria, extensive mentoring support, and will be part of an active research community working on a growing and stimulating program of research.
Eligibility:
- All applicants need to satisfy the PhD – Education entry requirements.
- Applicants must have completed tertiary studies that are at least equivalent to a 4-year honours degree at an Australian university with a minimum result of first class Honours.
- Relevant professional and research experience (including publications) will be regarded positively.
- All scholarship offers will be made under the condition that applicants commit to full-time study and commence their PhD studies at the University of Melbourne in semester one, 2018 (between January – June 2018).
How to apply:
- In the first instance interested applicants should check they meet the PhD – Education entry requirements.
- Please email to at mgse-research@unimelb.edu.au by 22 September 2017.
- a cover letter
- completed EOI form
- Curriculum Vitae (2 A4 pages maximum)
- A brief research proposal (1-2 pages long). Please outline preliminary ideas for your research project, eg key research questions, methodologies, and relevant conceptual and theoretical approaches. Please also address how you envisage your project fitting into the specific research program e.g., key research questions, methodologies/approaches.
- copy of academic transcripts
- copy of Masters or honours thesis examiners’ reports (if applicable)
Selected outcome
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview by mid to late September 2016, with all applicants to be advised of the outcome of the EOI by 29 September 2017.
- In addition, any applicants wishing to be considered for the scholarships must also formally apply for admission into the PhD – Education by 16 October 2017.
For more information please click "Further Official Information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://education.unimelb.edu.au/study_with_us/scholarships-and-financial-support/graduate-research-scholarships/institutions-in-a-high-quality-adaptive-vocational-education-sector-phd-scholarship