Frequently Asked Questions: Future Research Students
| What is the Difference Between the Masters by Coursework and Masters by Research Degrees? |
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The Masters by Coursework degree is comprised of specified subjects that require attendance at classes and the submission of assignments. Some Masters by Coursework degrees also require the completion of a minor thesis (usually 14,000 words) as part of the course. The Masters by Research degree requires the completion of a major thesis of 20,000 words (Shorter Thesis) or 30,000 words (Major Thesis). Candidates in the Masters by Research work independently with support from their supervisor and department. Attendance at regular classes is not a requirement of the Masters by Major Thesis. However students who elect to enrol in a Masters by Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis will be required to attend seminars. |
| What Subjects Do I Enrol in for Masters by Research? |
Enrolment in an ongoing major thesis subject specific to each department is required until the submission of the thesis for examination. See the Postgraduate Studies Catalogue for further details. |
| What Kind of Academic Background Do I Need to be Eligible for Entry Into a Masters by Research? |
The minimum entry requirements for a Masters by Research is: A four year BA (Honours) degree with a research component or equivalent in the area of study, with an honours thesis result of H2A (75%) equivalent and an overall honours result of H2B (70%) equivalent. Some streams of the Masters by Research degree may have additional special application requirements. See the Postgraduate Studies Catalogue for further details. |
| How Many Contact Hours Per Week Will I Be Required to Study as a Part-time Masters by Research Student? |
Masters by Research candidates do not have set contact hours. Resource needs vary between students and the 'how' and 'where' of your research practices will determine your need to be on campus. At the very least regular meetings with your supervisor will require you to attend campus either fortnightly for full-time candidates or monthly for part-time candidates. Masters by Research students are encouraged to be part of the on-campus experience provided through the resources, facilities and events of the Faculty. |
| What Kind of Time Commitment Do I Need to Make to Successfully Complete Higher Degree Study? |
It is expected that if an applicant is enrolled in the Masters by Research on a full-time basis, he/she will make a full-time commitment to their degree. This expectation is also applied to part-time candidates but pro rata. Balancing paid employment and higher degree study is challenging and whilst the University does not stipulate the maximum hours that can be worked by a full-time student, it is recommended that no more than 6 hours work per week of paid employment be undertaken. Part-time students should consider carefully what level of paid employment to undertake while studying. If a student is engaged in tutoring in their department, it is the responsibility of the student, supervisor and the Head of Department to ensure the work does not jeopardise the timely completion of the student's degree. |
| Do I Have To Be Living in Melbourne While I Study? |
Research students must be resident in Victoria for at least one third of their candidature. You should contact Research and Postgraduate Studies for further information. |
| Is There An Application Form Available Online for the Master by Research Program? |
Local applicants can apply online at any time. The Masters by Research application form for local applicants (50kb pdf) can also be downloaded. |
| If I Am An International Student, How Do I Apply? |
International students should apply through the University's International Office using the International Application Form provided for download or by using the on-line form provided. |
| When Should I Lodge My Application For Entry? |
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| Who Should I Contact About the Supervision of My Research Project? |
Prospective research students should contact the school of interest prior to submitting their application form to the Faculty to discuss the availability of supervision. |
| Do I Have To Pay Fees? |
All Masters by Research programs are offered to local students under the federal Research Training Scheme (RTS) (note: Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) does not appear to have a current Research Training Scheme web page on their website - this link will take you to the 2004 guidelines, which have not yet been updated). The Research Training Scheme provides Commonwealth-Funded Higher Degree Research (HDR) Students with an entitlement to a fee exemption for the duration of an accredited Higher Degree Research course. Funding for Masters by Research is provided for a maximum of 2 years full time (or 4 years part-time). |
| Are There Scholarships Available? |
Fee remission and stipend scholarships are available to Masters by Research Students. Scholarships are allocated via a competitive selection process annually. Please refer to the Scholarships website for information on closing dates and application forms . |
| What Activities and Events Can I Participate in While I Am Studying? |
Departments offer postgraduate candidates a wide range of activities and events (check individual department web sites for more information). The Faculty of Arts arranges the following activities and events for Masters by Research and PhD candidates:
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| Why Would I Choose the Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne Over Other Institutions? |
The Faculty of Arts attracts outstanding postgraduate students nationally and internationally and offers specialised research training across a wide range of disciplines inspiring original and innovation research. Our graduates are successful in a wide range of professional careers and are attractive to employers as a result of the intensive and challenging research training they have gained. Please contact Research and Postgraduate Studies for further information. |