Master of Philosophy - MDHS (Biomedical Science) (MR-PHILBMS)

You’re currently viewing the 2019 version of this course

Overview

Award title	Master of Philosophy
Year & campus	2019 — Parkville
CRICOS code	091556K
Fees information	Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date
Study level & type	Graduate Research
AQF level	9
Duration	2 years full-time, or equivalent part-time

The 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 demonstrates a critical application of specialist knowledge and makes an independent contribution to existing scholarship in the area of research.

Commencement periods

Students may commence the Higher Degree by Research at any time during the year between 1st March and 31 October. Commencement between 1st and 28th February or between 1st and 30th November may be approved subject to approval of the proposed principal supervisor. Commencement in January or December is not permitted.
Commencement in the degree is subject to prior arrangement with their nominated supervisor and the Learning and Teaching Unit. (Scholarships have separate rules and students should seek approval from Melbourne Scholarships to vary their scholarship commencement).
Please check with the relevant academic unit prior to making any arrangements for enrolment or travel.

Policies

A range of University policies and procedures apply to Higher Degrees by Research and students should familiarise themselves with these policies, via the University of Melbourne Policy Library.

Links to further information

http://research.mdhs.unimelb.edu.au/graduate-researchers

Entry requirements

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 (University of Melbourne) 75% or higher;

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 (University of Melbourne) 75% or higher.

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
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 Policy.

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

Inherent requirements (core participation 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 Student Equity and Disability Support.

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.

Intended learning outcomes

Research Masters degrees at the University of Melbourne are 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.

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 form or work towards incorporating their findings in further research;
proceed to a research doctorate if the Masters thesis has demonstrated appropriate research potential;
gain admission to certain types of employment through this specialist qualification;
apply the research skills acquired to other projects;
demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, research ethics or code of practice.

Graduate attributes

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 attributes:

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.

Course structure

Candidates enrol in a thesis subject and undertake a research project for the duration of the degree.
The normal period of candidature is 18 months for full-time candidates with the possibility of up to 6 months extension.
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.
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).
All candidates are expected to attend departmental seminars over the period of their candidature.
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 and the Graduate Research Hub for further information regarding candidature, academic progress, ethics, thesis preparation and examination.
To be eligible to submit a thesis for examination, students must be enrolled in their course for the minimum period of 6 months full-time equivalent.

Applications

Find out how to apply.

Prior to submitting an application, applicants should discuss their research interests with a potential supervisor of the School of Biomedical Sciences and discuss any external commitments which may impede their successful academic progress.

Which scholarship can I apply for?

Find out about graduate research scholarships offered by the University of Melbourne. More information is on the Faculty website.

Facilities and Support

The University makes available a broad range of resources and services to graduate research students.

Last updated: 7 June 2022

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