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.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
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, Education and Engineering houses three recognised research concentrations: GeneCology Research Centre, Cluster for Health Improvement and Inflammation and Healing Research Cluster.
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
Faculty staff profiles also list the research interests of individual academic staff.
Admission requirements
To be eligible for admission to Master of Science candidature, applicants 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, Education and Engineering.
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.
Refer also to the University’s English language requirements.
Enquiries
Faculty HDR Coordinator
Dr Colin Solomon
Tel: +61 7 5430 1128
Email: csolomon@usc.edu.au
Office of Research
Research Training Administrator
Tel: +61 7 5456 5890
Fax: +61 7 5459 4727
Email: researchtraining@usc.edu.au
Program structure
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
- Prospective applicants wishing to undertake an MSc will need to find a suitable supervisor by contacting the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.
- For further information, refer to the Research Master Degrees - Academic Policy.
- Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
- Refer to the research areas for the Faculty of Science, Health and Education.
- Refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
^ Enrolment and Fees
- Domestic candidates: Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents are not required to pay tuition fees for the standard duration of their HDR program. The Australian Government's Research Training Scheme (RTS) covers the cost of HDR tuition fees for these candidates. Research Master candidates are entitled to a maximum of two years full-time equivalent study. Candidates who do not complete their degree within the maximum RTS allowable completion times may be required to pay fees for any additional periods of enrolment. Please refer to Higher Degree by Research fees.
- International candidates: tuition fees apply. Refer to International HDR tuition fees.
- In any semester, full-time enrolment comprises 0.500 EFTSL.*
- In any semester, part-time enrolment comprises 0.250 EFTSL.*
- The census date for withdrawal without financial penalty or academic penalty is the Semester 1 or 2 census date.
* EFTSL - Equivalent Full-Time Student Load. One year of full-time study equates to 1.000 EFTSL