Master of Medicine

The degree of Master of Medicine has been structured to comprise two parts. However almost all candidates proceed directly to Part II, the research project, on the basis of recognition for Part I or the equivalent of Part I.

All candidates for the the degree will be examined on the basis of their thesis. A candidate will have appropriately experienced supervisor/s and an Advisory Committee who in consultation with the candidate, arranges a course of supervised research. A candidate may be required to supplement their research program by attendance at, or enrolment in, additional subjects if considered necessary by the supervisor(s).

Duration of candidature is normally 12 months full-time equivalent. An extension of up to twelve months may be allowed. The Research Training Scheme (RTS) is available for a maximum of two years. For more information refer to the
Australian Government's RTS website.

All candidates are required to complete the equivalent of at least 6 months full-time (12 months part-time) advanced study and research at the University (unless studying at an approved outside institution). The Research Higher Degrees Committee will not approve entirely distance supervision or entirely on-line supervision for research higher degree students.

All candidates are required to submit six monthly progress reports. Completion of progress reports is required for the continuation of enrolment and any scholarship held. The first six month progress report is a major hurdle for the degree in which candidates will also be required to give a 15 minute presentation of their work. The Completion Report attachment is normally submitted at 12 months full-time and whenever an extension to candidature or lapse in good standing is sought. Candidates can check the Student Portal at any time to see the date of their next progress review. International AusAID-sponsored students will be required to submit end-of-semester reports to AusAID.

This degree is not available for entry in these Departments: Medicine, Austin Health, Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Northwest Academic Centre.

For further information about enrolment requirements, supervisors, progress reports, advisory committees and more, refer to the Masters by Research Generic Guidelines.

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• show a sophisticated understanding of the principles and processes of research design.
• demonstrate the ability to identify research issues and formulate research questions.
• design and conduct research at a postgraduate level.
• develop significant problem-solving abilities in the conduct of research.
• demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge of social health.
• develop a respect and understanding for the ethics of scholarship.

An approved research program on a specific aspect of medicine.

Examination of a thesis (normally 30,000 - 40,000 words in length, excluding tables, illustrations and bibliography) embodying observations made by the candidate and including a critical review of the literature in the relevant field. The thesis submitted at the end of the supervised period of research must satisfy the examiners that it makes an original (but not substantial) contribution to the candidate's field of study.

• Candidates must have an approved MBBS degree (or recognised equivalent) of at least two years standing and not less than two years experience as a medical officer in a hospital affiliated to an appropriate university for the purpose of teaching;
• successful completion of Part 1 or has been granted exemption from Part 1;
• has been approved for admission by the faculty.

Applicants may be granted exemption from Part I of the examination for the degree of Master of Medicine if they have passed a comparable examination offered in a relevant discipline by an approved body. The following have been approved to date as exemptions for the purpose of proceeding straight to Part II candidature and other relevant experience or examinations may also be approved for this purpose from time to time:

• Australian College of Dermatologists (Part I, FACD);
• Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP Examination);
• Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom (MRCP);
• University of Singapore (Master of Medicine);
• Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (Part I, FRACS);
• Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) - for Part II Primary Medical Care;
• Royal Australasian College of Radiologists (Part I, FRACR) - for Part II Radiology;
• Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (Part 1 FANZCA) - for Part II Anaesthetics by research;
• Royal College of Pathologists of Australia (Part I, FRCPA) - for Part II Haematology;
• Royal College of Pathologists (U.K.) (MRC Path) - for Part II Haematology;
• Royal Australian College of Ophthalmologists (Part I, FRACO) - for Part II Ophthalmology;
• Holders of the faculty's Graduate Diploma in Women's Health - for Part II Women's Health.

Due to changes in some Colleges' registration requirements, prospective students should seek advice from the Head of Department in regard to meeting the above entry requirements.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Objectives and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Research Masters degrees at the University of Melbourne seek to develop graduates who have a capacity for defining and managing a research project characterised by originality and independence. Their training equips them for more sustained and original work at the doctoral level or for applied research positions in a wide variety of contexts.

The University expects its research masters graduates to have the following qualities and skills:

• an ability to initiate research projects and to formulate viable research question.
• a demonstrated capacity to design, conduct and report independent and original research on a closely-defined project.
• an ability to manage time to maximise the quality of research.
• an understanding of the major contours of international research in the research area.
• a capacity for critical evaluation of relevant scholarly literature.
• well-developed and flexible problem-solving abilities appropriate to the discipline.
• the ability to analyse research data within a changing disciplinary environment.
• the capacity to communicate effectively the results of research and scholarship by oral and written communication.
• an understanding of and facility with scholarly conventions in the discipline area.
• a profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of research and scholarship.
• a capacity to cooperate with other researchers.
• an ability to manage information effectively, including the application of computer systems and software where appropriate to the student's field of study.

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The Master of Medicine by research can be undertaken in the following departments of the Melbourne Medical School:

• Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital
• Paediatrics, Royal Children's Hospital

Refer to the University's Masters by Research Policy Guidelines for general information about masters by research course requirements at the University of Melbourne.

Refer to the Melbourne School of Graduate Research for information about thesis examination and submission.

To assist you in identifying research projects, refer to the Melbourne Medical School.