Program summary

Program title: Master of Science
Award abbreviation: MSc
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: SC801
CRICOS code: 026640J

The Master of Science is an advanced research program that requires you to conduct original research in an area that is both of interest to you, and of broader significance to the University and the community.

The program can help you upgrade original training, develop areas of expertise and increase your professional credibility in day-to-day dealings with clients, and equip you for senior positions. It involves a comprehensive review of the literature, advanced research techniques, and an extensive analysis applied to a project in a workplace situation.

Research areas

The Faculty of Science, Health and Education houses three University-endorsed research areas of strength:

• Centre for Healthy Activities, Sport and Exercise (CHASE) 
• GeneCology Research Group
• Sustainability Research Centre 

In addition, the International Projects Group and Australian Institute of Fitness Research have been formalised, and a number of School of Science and Education staff within the Climate Change, Coast and Catchments area are involved in a number of educational and research projects that focus on climate change adaptation.

Research is also a major focus in the School of Health and Sport Sciences. Some examples of current research include:

• Aboriginal health
• alcohol and drug abuse
• best practice in nursing education
• cancer prevention and control
• cardiac rehabilitation
• changing roles in nursing
• chronic disease adaptation
• dementia care
• environmental epidemiology
• equine influenza
• health promotion
• human health and performance
• infectious diseases
• injury prevention
• maternal and child health
• maternal and infant nutrition
• mental health
• motion analysis
• obesity
• promoting young mothers success at university
• skin health
• smoking cessation and relapse prevention
• sports biomechanics
• women’s experiences of midwifery practice

For more information on the research interests of individual academic staff, refer to the website. www.usc.edu.au/FOSHEstaff

Admission requirements

Candidates for the award of Master of Science 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.

Entry by non-graduates who have relevant governmental or industry experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Dean, Faculty of Science, Health and Education. 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 and notes

1. Prospective applicants wishing to undertake an MSc will need to find a suitable supervisor by contacting the Faculty of Science, Health and Education.
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 Science, Health and Education.
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.

** EFTSL - Equivalent Full-Time Student Load. One year of full-time study equates to 1.000 EFTSL

Enquiries

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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