About

The Disciplined Inquiry Capstone (Travel) (EDUC91353) is an elective travel option version of the mandatory Disciplined Inquiry Capstone (EDUC90989) subject offered to Master of Education, Master of TESOL, or Master of Modern Languages Education students at the Faculty of Education.

The capstone project involves students undertaking a substantial project directly related to their own professional practice and/or within their area of specialisation. Students will draw on theory, knowledge and skills developed through their degree to design and complete their project. The Capstone project will entail a gradual process of problem definition and mapping, and it will produce a research-informed plan (a Knowledge Mobilisation Strategy or KMS) to inform action.

This travel variation of the Capstone subject adds a comprehensive overview of the European Union (EU), investigating innovations, advancements and challenges in educational policy and practice in the EU. Students will examine and engage with European education systems and education policy issues, through a structured visitation program, which will include briefings, workshops and seminars at selected government, non-government and educational organisations in Europe. The study tour will visit at least three EU member states such as Belgium, Poland and Estonia over a 2-week period, visiting government, non-government and educational organisations such as the European Commission, schools, training colleges and universities.

In addition to the learning outcomes associated with the Disciplined Inquiry Capstone subject (see below), upon completion of the study tour, students should have developed:

• Knowledge of EU and of the key contemporary issues in education policy in the three EU member states
• Understanding of education systems in the EU and how they support transitions through education and into employment
• Understanding of comparative education policy approaches and how to apply these knowledge and skills to their own work in the Australian context.

This subject is typically delivered as a staff-guided international study tour and is usually over a 2-week period in April/May. The travel dates may not always align with the school holidays in Victoria.

The subject provides the opportunity for students to explore and investigate education systems outside Australia through structured visits to selected government and non-government organisations and educational institutions in three European countries. Students will examine and analyse education policy and reform issues in the context of policy development, implementation and/or evaluation, by drawing on relevant theories and evidence from the research literature and considering the relevant social, cultural, political and historical contexts.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Define a substantially complex educational problem or issue directly related to their own professional practice and/or within their area of specialisation, relevant to the contexts of the visits
• Demonstrate an interdisciplinary, global and inclusive understanding of an educational problem, grounded in theoretical and practical literature, relevant to the contexts of the visits
• Discuss the educational problems by addressing the relevant social, cultural, political and historical contexts, including histories of coloniality and Eurocentrism, relevant to the visits
• Plan and evaluate research-informed strategies to explore and address their problems in their area of professional expertise
• Communicate their strategies effectively to diverse stakeholders and audiences.

Generic Skills

This subject will assist students to develop the following transferable skills:

• Leadership skills
• Knowledge transfer skills
• Ability to deal with complexity
• Communication and persuasion skills
• Critical thinking skills.

For eligibility and requirements please visit the handbook.

The subject is a Jean Monnet Module (Disciplined Inquiry Capstone - Travel) supported by the Erasmus+ Program (2025-2028).