Postgraduate - Course2603 - Master of Philosophy

Candidature in a Master of Philosophy involves the independent investigation of a research problem that has been formulated by the candidate. It is expected that the research undertaken will make a contribution to the discipline in which the candidate is enrolled by applying, clarifying, critiquing or interpreting that knowledge. Candidates are supported by a minimum of two supervisors throughout their candidature.

Successful completion of the program will signify that the candidate has successfully completed a course of research training and has satisfied the examiners that they can carry out a research project and critically analyse the results.

Candidature rules

For all candidature rules and other important information for candidates refer to the Handbook for Research Master's Degrees.

This course consists of a research and thesis component, and for students undertaking the disaster preparedness and management stream, a coursework component.

Areas of research

This course provides advanced multidisciplinary training in the principal areas of research in the broad field of injury prevention. Current research areas include:

• child abuse
• disaster preparedness and management
• disaster resilience
• falls prevention
• injury epidemiology
• injury outcomes
• injury prevention in lower and middle income countries
• road/transport safety
• sports injury
• workplace safety.

Candidates must, in consultation with and under the direct supervision of a member/s of the academic staff:

(a.) carry out a program of research on an agreed topic approved by the Monash Injury Research Institute (MIRI) in the candidate's chosen discipline for a specified period, including attending and/or presenting at seminars and other related activities as indicated by MIRI

(b.) submit for assessment a thesis as outlined in the relevant thesis option below, on the program of research which meets the requirements of the examiners. Submission of the thesis based on or partially based on conjointly published or unpublished work may be permitted. The following applies:

• Students undertaking the 67 per cent thesis option must in addition to the thesis complete coursework and other requirements as directed.*
• Students can only select from the percentage thesis component/s indicated for the relevant MIRI Research Unit; other options are not available.

* Only available in the disaster preparedness and management stream for students commencing in 2013.

(c.) if enrolled at a Monash Australia campus, or as an external candidate approved to participate in the program, and undertaking the disaster preparedness and management stream, satisfactorily complete a program of coursework study as outlined below, including an advanced professional development program

(d.) participate in a study program as outlined in the study program component below. The study program component is unweighted and not graded, and is in addition to the thesis and to any coursework units required.

Thesis and coursework options

100 per cent thesis-only option

Students are required to submit a thesis of up to 50,000 words, which constitutes 100 per cent of the assessment for the course.

The 100 per cent option is not available to students in the disaster preparedness and management stream.

67 per cent thesis and coursework option

Disaster preparedness and management stream

Offered by the Monash University Disaster Resilience Initiative (MUDRI)

Disaster preparedness and management areas of research, include: disaster epidemiology, risk reduction, community resilience, emergency management, disaster evaluation, humanitarian responses, evidence-based policy and practice, and, research training.

Thesis component

Students are required to submit a thesis of up to 30,000 words, which constitutes 67 per cent of the assessment for the course.

Coursework component

Normally, the coursework component is taken over the first two semesters.

Candidates must pass all coursework units with a minimum result of 70 per cent. If a candidate fails to achieve the required grade for a unit they can repeat the entire unit once in a later semester. Candidates who fail to achieve the required grade in the repeat attempt of the unit will be subject to a termination process under the Candidature Progress Management RegulationsCandidature Progress Management Regulations (http://www.monash.edu/legal/legislation/chapter-four.html) (refer also to the Candidature Progress Management policypolicy (http://www.policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/research/mrgs/candidature-progress-management-policy.html) and proceduresprocedures (http://www.policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/research/mrgs/termination-of-candidature-procedures.html)).

Coursework units

Students must complete one discipline core theory unit:

• MIR4110 Introduction to disaster preparedness and management*

plus one level four discipline advanced theory unit:

• MIR4160 Disaster resilience and community safety

plus two level five research methods units:

• MIR5110 Responsible research practice and project management in emergency and disaster settings
• MIR5120 Research and evaluation in disaster preparedness and management

* Students may complete this requirement by having previously completed MDM4010, the related Monash short course intensive, or relevant in-service short courses eg conducted by DHS, or other qualifications and/or professional practice which MIRI determines satisfactorily demonstrates the content covered by this unit has been achieved.

Advanced professional development program

Students undertaking the 67 per cent thesis option must complete a self-directed, discipline-based advanced professional development program, requiring a total of 48 hours approved activity.

Student use the MUDRI 'My.PDP' (My Professional Development Program) template to plan, gain approval, record their activities and demonstrate reflective practice, incorporating the graduate seminar series, and professional/work experience (exercise) in the disaster setting.

Completion of the advanced professional development program is a hurdle requirement, and is unweighted and not graded.

Study program component

The objectives of the study program are to:

• develop a broader understanding of the field of injury prevention, which may not have been obtained in a single disciplinary-based undergraduate degree
• expose candidates to issues beyond their chosen thesis topic
• foster an environment of inquiry
• support the development of critical analysis skills
• apply research outcomes to professional practice.

Graduate seminars

All students are required to attend a minimum of 80 per cent of the MIRI graduate seminars. They will also be expected to attend and participate regularly in the MIRI seminar series and other scholarly activities organised by MIRI. Students are required to present one seminar per year of full-time candidature or equivalent.

Students may apply to upgrade to PhD candidature after a defined period (usually 9-12 months candidature, full-time or equivalent), provided that satisfactory progress has been made and certain conditions are met.

Master of Philosophy