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.

Intake

• Students may commence the degree at any time during the year between 1st February and 15 December.
• Commencement is subject to prior arrangement with their nominated supervisor and the MDHS Student Centre. (Scholarships have separate rules and students should seek approval from Melbourne Scholarships to vary their scholarshp commencement).
• Please check with the relevant academic unit prior to making any arrangements for enrolment or travel.

Policies and Procedures
A range of University policies and procedures apply to students enrolled in Higher Degrees by Research.

• Candidature (enrolment)
• Examinations
• Courses and course structures
• Academic progress
• Preparation of the thesis
• Selection and admission
• Management of research data and records

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.

• Candidates enrol in a year-long thesis subject for the duration of the degree.
• A candidate will have appropriately experienced supervisor/s and an Advisory Committee who in consultation with the candidate, arranges a course of supervised research designed to suit the individual requirements and interests of the candidate.
• 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).
• Academic progress is reviewed regularly throughout the degree.
• All candidates for the degree will be examined on the basis of their thesis which is examined externally. The thesis should normally be between 30,000 and 40,000 words in length excluding tables, illustrations and bibliography.
• Candidates should refer to the University policy library for further information regarding candidature, academic progress, ethics, thesis preparation and examination.

Attendance:

• All candidates are required to complete a minimum of 6 months full-time research at the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up their research within a University community and environment.
• Normally the entire degree is undertaken at the University.
• To be eligible to submit a thesis students must be enrolled in their course for the minimum period of 6 months full-time equivalent.
• All candidates are required to attend departmental seminars over the period of their candidature.

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have:

1. completed an approved medical degree of at least two years standing with a minimum (University of Melbourne) 80% weighted average, or equivalent; and
2. not less than two years’ experience as a medical officer in a hospital affiliated to an appropriate university for the purpose of teaching; and
3. completed the first part of the relevant medical colleges’ specialist training program or its equivalent.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the selection committee will consider:

• prior academic performance and, if relevant, professional qualifications;
• performance at interview;
• understanding of the research question to be explored;
• motivation and capacity to complete the course in a timely manner;
• relevant prior research and/or professional experience ; and
• referee reports.

3. The selection committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission into Graduate Research Courses Policy.

4. The minimum English language requirements for this course are Band 7.

Note: The following colleges’ specialist training programs have previously been recognised for the purpose of satisfying (1.3). Other colleges’ specialist training programs will be considered on an individual basis.

• Australian College of Dermatologists;
• Royal Australasian College of Physicians;
• Royal College of Physicians of the United Kingdom;
• University of Singapore (Master of Medicine);
• Royal Australasian College of Surgeons;
• Royal Australian College of General Practitioners;
• Royal Australasian College of Radiologists;
• Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists;
• Royal College of Pathologists of Australia;
• Royal College of Pathologists (U.K.);
• Royal Australian College of Ophthalmologists.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards of Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit Website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

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

Throughout their candidature candidates are expected to attend the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up their research within a University community and environment.

The residency requirement is deemed especially important during the first six months of candidature. During this time the student is expected to interact on a regular basis with the supervisor, the department (including staff and other research students) and the University, so as:

• to build the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out the proposed research program
• to acquire an understanding of the standards and requirements for a research higher degree awarded by the University
• to make use of support programs and facilities provided by the University throughout candidature.

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

Applications

• Detailed information regarding the application process is available at: http://research.mdhs.unimelb.edu.au/future-grs
• Prior to submitting an application, applicants should discuss their research interests with a potential supervisor of the department in which they would like to enrol and discuss any external commitments which may impede their successful academic progress.
• The topic areas website may assist you to find an appropriate supervisor. Prospective PhD candidates should also investigate department websites for information on current research and contact details. Refer to the list of departments and schools.
• Listen to PhD students talking about their experience: http://research.mdhs.unimelb.edu.au/phd-perspectives

Which scholarship can I apply for?

• Students can find information about graduate research scholarships offered by the University of Melbourne at the Melbourne Scholarships Office and on the Faculty's website.

Facilities and Supports

• The University makes available a broad range of Programs & Services to graduate research students.