Program summary

Program title: Master of Business by Research
Award abbreviation: MBusResearch
Degree type: higher degree by research
Study mode: internal, external ^
Duration: 1.5 years expected, 2 years maximum full-time; 3 years expected, 4 years maximum part-time
Commence: students can apply and start throughout the year, subject to program requirements
Fee type 2011: domestic higher degree by research places, international fee-paying places
USC program code: BU801
CRICOS code: 065370C

The Master of Business by Research is an advanced research award building on a Bachelor of Business (Honours) and training in research methodology. Undertaken under supervision, this program aims to develop the applied research skills of business graduates to enable them to either move into senior management or undertake doctoral studies.

Supervision is available to HDR students in each of the faculty’s discipline areas: accounting, finance, information systems, marketing, international business, marketing, management and tourism. The program involves a substantial thesis based on rigorous empirical research, built with a sound conceptual framework and drawing on an established literature.

Research areas

The Faculty of Business supports research in the following areas:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Information Systems
• Management
• Marketing/International Business
• Tourism

For more information, refer to the Faculty of Business research areas.

Admission requirements

Candidates for the award of Master of Business by Research are normally required to hold a bachelors degree with at least Honours Class 2 Division II from a recognised higher education institution.

Applicants who have completed a bachelors degree and have achieved by subsequent work and study a standard equivalent to at least Honours Class 2 Division II may also be considered.

In exceptional cases applications may be considered on the basis of other evidence of general and professional qualifications as approved by the Research Degrees Committee.

International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.

Program structure

As a candidate you are required to conduct research that can be written up as a scholarly thesis. You must demonstrate research competency and the ability to make a significant and original contribution to the body of knowledge in your chosen area of specialisation.

You must clearly articulate in your research outline, the topic, background, rationale, research question, aim and objectives, methodology, research methods and techniques, and timeframe. Your research outline is to include a literature review that relates to the research question and objectives. The results of your research activities should be presented succinctly and accurately and as necessary could be supported by more detailed annexures. Your syntheses analysis and discussion must clearly focus on the research question and the objectives of the work. Conclusions and recommendations must be drawn from your analysis and discussion and reflect the attainment of the aim and the way in which the research question is addressed.

Program requirements

1. Prospective applicants wishing to undertake an MBusResearch will need to find a suitable supervisor by contacting the Faculty of Business.
2. For further information, refer to the Research Masters Degrees - Governing Policy.
3. Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
4. Refer to the research areas for the Faculty of Business.
5. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
6. Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

Enrolment and fees

1. In any semester, full-time enrolment comprises 0.500 EFTSL. **
2. In any semester, part-time enrolment comprises 0.250 EFTSL. **
3. The census date for withdrawal without financial penalty or academic penalty is the Semester 1 or 2 census date.
4. Candidates pay full tuition fees. For selected students these fees are covered by the Research Training Scheme. These scholarships are allocated by faculties, in consultation with the Research Degrees Committee.

^ External mode is not available to international students on a Student Visa.
** EFTSL - Equivalent Full-Time Student Load. One year of full-time study equates to 1.000 EFTSL.

Enquiries

Faculty of Business
Associate Professor Don Kerr
Coordinator, Research
Tel: +61 7 5459 4860
Fax: +61 7 5430 1231
Email: dkerr@usc.edu.au

Teaching and Research Services
Research Training Officer
Tel: +61 7 5459 4526
Fax: +61 7 5430 1177
Email: lkroker@usc.edu.au

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