Monash University: University Handbooks: Postgraduate Handbook 2003: Units indexed by faculty
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Cumulative specialist discipline knowledge courses


These courses build on a three-year bachelors major in a particular discipline to fourth-year-level courses in the same discipline (honours or postgraduate diploma), then an honours masters degree and a PhD. The emphasis is on knowledge of discipline methodology and its application. Graduates have a tendency to move into academic, government, international agency and large business specialist positions.

Postgraduate diplomas

These postgraduate diplomas are normally completed in two semesters of full-time study or part-time equivalent.

Candidates for admission require a pass degree with a major in the discipline, or a closely related discipline, or an equivalent qualification. Students who complete the postgraduate diploma with at least an average grade of 70 per cent or above may articulate to the relevant masters degree.

Cumulative masters

These masters degrees are normally completed in two to three semesters of full-time study or part-time equivalent.

Cumulative masters degrees build further on the specific discipline knowledge gained in the relevant postgraduate diploma or honours year. Candidates for admission to cumulative masters degrees require either an honours degree or a postgraduate diploma with an average grade of 70 per cent or above. Candidates for cumulative masters degrees may apply for PhD candidature. In some cases, the candidature may be upgraded without the need to complete the masters degree, provided certain requirements are met.

Doctor of Philosophy

This degree is normally completed in three years of full-time equivalent study.

Candidates for admission to the PhD require a four-year first class honours degree with a major in the discipline, or a masters degree with a significant research component in an approved field, or an equivalent qualification.

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