Masters Degrees by Research

These rules apply to the:

Master of Arts (MA) 
Master of Business (MBus)
Master of Engineering (MEng)
Master of Laws (LLM)
Master of Science (MSc)
Master of Surgery (MSurg)
Master of Theology (MTh) - No further student intake

Table of contents

1. Introduction
2. Admission Requirements 
3. Course Aims 
4. Learning Outcomes 
5. Program of study
6. Progression
7. Thesis
8. Assessment
9. Requirement to qualify

1. Introduction

1.1 A Masters Degree by Research is a higher degree by research course where the student undertakes a time-based, supervised research project.

1.2 The course enables students to make a significant contribution to knowledge in a particular field of research.

2. Admission

2.1 To be accepted for enrolment in a Masters Degree by Research candidature (except Master of Surgery), an applicant must:

i. have a Bachelors degree with Honours from an Australian university (which must include studies relevant to the proposed degree and field of research), or the equivalent qualification as approved by the relevant authorised delegate, and

ii. meet the English language requirements specified by the University, and

iii. satisfy the University that they are reasonably likely to be able to successfully complete the requirements of the award within the maximum duration.

2.2 To be accepted for enrolment in a Master of Surgery candidature, an applicant must:

i. have a degree of Doctor of Medicine from an Australian university, or the equivalent qualification as approved by the relevant authorised delegate

ii. have satisfactory evidence of two years’ appropriate experience in an approved teaching hospital, with a minimum of 12 months’ surgical experience within a clinical setting

iii. meet the English language requirements specified by the University, and

iv. satisfy the University that they are reasonably likely to be able to successfully complete the requirements of the award in the proposed field of research within the maximum duration.

2.3 Exceptions to 2.1 and 2.2 can be approved in accordance with the Higher Degrees by Research Policy.

3. Course Aims

3.1 Graduates at this level will have specialised knowledge and skills for research, and/or professional practice and/or further learning.

4. Learning Outcomes

Graduates of Masters by Research degrees will have an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in one or more disciplines or areas of practice. They will have expert, specialised cognitive and technical skills in a body of knowledge or practice to enable them independently to demonstrate:

• evidence of an original investigation or testing of ideas
• competence in independent research or experimentation
• a thorough understanding of the appropriate techniques in the field demonstrated both by their application and a thorough review of the literature
• critical use of source material, experimental results (where appropriate), and published works
• an appreciation of the relationship of the special theme to the wider field of knowledge and
• the capacity to present well-written work.

Graduates will be able to apply knowledge and skills in a manner that demonstrates autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a practitioner or researcher.

5. Program of study

5.1 The Masters by Research is entirely a research degree.

5.2 The student will undertake a time-based, supervised research project, culminating in submission of a thesis, which may be in the form of an exegesis and artefact.

5.3 By negotiation with the principal supervisor, a student can undertake optional experiential learning activities and / or courses related to their higher degree by research that enable them to develop research relevant transferable skills and experience which may include:

• industry placements, internships and other engagement and commercialisation activities where the purpose is to provide an industry situated learning experience
• non-award courses as relevant to the development of high-level research skills and/or research relevant transferable skills

6. Progression

6.1 Progression in the time-based research project is governed by the Higher Degrees by Research Policy.

7. Thesis

7.1 The submitted thesis must meet all requirements for presentation and lodgement specified in the Higher Degrees by Research Policy and must not contain:

i. material which has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma, or

ii. any material previously published or written by another person except where due reference is made in the text of the thesis or in the notes.

8. Assessment

8.1 The thesis examination will assess whether the student has demonstrated the following attributes:

i. an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in at least one discipline

ii. a significant contribution to that body of knowledge 

iii. ability to conduct an original investigation or testing of ideas

iv. competence in independent research or experimentation

v. a thorough understanding of the appropriate techniques in the field demonstrated both by their application and a thorough review of the literature

vi. critical use of source material, experimental results (where appropriate) and published works

vii. an appreciation of the relationship of the special theme to the wider field of knowledge, and

viii. the capacity to present well-written work.

9. Requirement to qualify

9.1 For a student to qualify for a Masters Degree by Research, the student must receive a determination that the degree be awarded following thesis examination.