Master of Science

Enrolment in a master's degree by research involves the independent investigation of a research problem that has been formulated by the student. It is expected that the research undertaken will make a contribution to the discipline in which the student is enrolled by applying, clarifying, critiquing or interpreting that knowledge. Students are supported by a minimum of two supervisors throughout their enrolment.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

Successful completion of this course will signify that the student has completed a course of postgraduate training in research under proper academic supervision and has submitted a thesis that the examiners have declared to be a significant contribution to knowledge and which demonstrates the student's capacity to carry out independent research.

Conditions of enrolment

Students are to refer to the Handbook for Research Master's DegreesHandbook for Research Master's Degrees (http://www.monash.edu/migr/research-degrees/handbook/masters) for all policies and procedures relating to their enrolment.

This course consists of a research and thesis component.

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

(1.) carry out a program of research on an agreed topic approved by the school of enrolment in the student's chosen discipline for a specified period, including attending and/or presenting at seminars and other related activities as indicated by the relevant school

(2.) submit for assessment a thesis of not more than 50,000 words on the program of research which meets the requirements of the examiners. Submission of a thesis including published worksthesis including published works (http://www.monash.edu.au/migr/examiners/publication/) is permitted.

Students are required to undertake regular progress milestones to support them in conducting research of an appropriate quality, originality and depth as required by their course of study, in accordance with the Graduate Research Progress Management policyGraduate Research Progress Management policy (http://policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/research/mrgs/grad-research-progress-mgmt-policy.html) and supporting procedures.

Research topics are available in most of the faculty's areas of research strengthareas of research strength (http://monash.edu/science/future/postgraduate-research/supervisors/), depending on supervision and resource availability.

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