Master of Philosophy - Veterinary Science

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is an internationally recognised masters (by research) degree. It is designed for students to develop advanced skills in carrying out independent and sustained research. The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing scholarship in the area of research.

The normal length of an MPhil thesis is 30,000-40,000 words, exclusive of words in tables, maps bibliographies and appendices. Footnotes are included as part of the word limit.

On completion of the course students should be able to:

• demonstrate advanced learning in research skills and mastery of appropriate techniques, such as the use of archival or primary evidence, analysis of data, judgment of conflicting evidence, etc;
• demonstrate specialist knowledge in the area of their research;
• present the results of their research in publishable quality or work towards incorporating their findings in further research;
• gain access to certain types of employment through this specialist qualification; and
• demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, research ethics or code of practice.

All candidates for the MPhil 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 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).

Duration of candidature is 18 months (full-time equivalent). Two extensions of three months each may be allowed. For local students, RTS is available for a maximum of two years (full-time equivalent).

Not applicable

Available Breadth Tracks

MPhil applicants will be assessed using the criteria described below. The measures include an assessment of a candidate's knowledge of the discipline and evidence of their ability to complete a rigorous research project. Applicants are required to meet the minimum standards described for each of the following measures.

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

• a four-year bachelor degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study and have achieved a minimum weighted average of 75% in the final year subjects or (University of Melbourne) equivalent;

or

• a masters degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study and achieved a minimum weighted average of 75% or (University of Melbourne) equivalent;

or

• a qualification and professional experience considered to be equivalent;
  and
• submit a research proposal (except for applicants to the Melbourne Graduate School of Science); and
• provide referee reports (except for applicants who have graduated from the University of Melbourne within the last 5 years); and
• obtain the endorsement of a prospective supervisor (for applicants to the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne Graduate School of Science, Melbourne School of Engineering and Melbourne School of Information).

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In selecting applicants, the selection committee will consider applicants’:

• prior academic performance and, if relevant,
• professional qualifications; and
• performance at interview; and
• understanding of the research question to be explored; and
• motivation and capacity to complete the course in a timely manner; and
• 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 6.5.

All MPhil 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 an MPhil awarded by the University
• to make use of support programs and facilities provided by the Faculty and the University throughout the period of candidature.

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 will impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit.

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 questions;
• 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.

Application Procedure
Detailed information for prospective MPhil students regarding the application process, including the application form is available at http://www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/grad/research. Applications are accepted year-round.


MPhil-Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences applicants should identify a supervisor before lodging an application by completing an Expression of Interest.

The Find an Expert website may also assist you to find an appropriate supervisor.

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.

Facilities and Support:
The Melbourne School of Graduate Research makes available a broad range of Programs & Services available to graduate research students.

Candidature:

Candidates undertake a period of supervised advanced study and research in the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences. The term of candidature is three years on a full-time study basis and six years on a part-time study basis. Candidates are expected to meet regularly with their supervisor and are required to submit an annual report on the progress of their work. They are expected to present their work in the Faculty's research seminar program. They are assisted to participate in relevant national or international conferences.

Assessment:

A thesis is submitted for examination by a minimum of two external examiners. The format of the thesis, including a statement on authorship, must follow prescriptions laid down by the University and advised to the candidate at the time of enrolment. Candidates whose progress in the course is not satisfactory may have their candidature terminated after appropriate counselling and an opportunity for appeal.