Master of Research

To provide a research-intensive experience at the Masters level over 2 years full-time.

Applications are by invitation and the course is only open to eligible international students.

Graduates will have:

• a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in one or more disciplines
• advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning Graduates
• cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory and its application
• cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice
• cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level
• cognitive and technical skills to design, use and evaluate research and research methods
• communication and technical skills to present a coherent and sustained argument and to disseminate research results to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse, theorise and disseminate research that makes a contribution to knowledge

Graduates of the degree will demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills:

• with creativity and initiative to new situations and/or for further learning
• with high level personal autonomy and accountability

to plan and execute a substantial piece of research.

• 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) and course coordinator.
• Academic progress is reviewed formally every six months 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 up to 30,000 words in length excluding tables, illustrations and bibliography.
• The minimum passing grade is 65% for a Masters by Research degree.
• All candidates will make an oral presentation of the thesis content in the form of a poster towards the end of their candidature. The poster is not formally assessed but satisfactory completion of this hurdle is compulsory in order to meet the requirements of the degree.
• 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.

• Entry is restricted to international students and is normally by invitation only.
• A 3 year or 4 year bachelors degree with an average of H1 (i.e. 80%) in the final year is required.
• Advanced standing may be approved on a case-by-case basis where an applicant has completed the equivalent of 3 years full-time undergraduate experience as part of a five or six year program (eg. Doctor of Medicine).
• Applicants will be ranked on academic merit and the quality of the previous institution will be taken into this consideration.
• A quota of 20 commencing students per year applies.

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 Student Equity and Disability Support: http://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.

Graduates will have:

• a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in one or more disciplines
• advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field
• mastery of theoretical knowledge and the ability to reflect critically on theory and its application.