Master of Philosophy - Engineering

The Master of Philosophy is an internationally recognised masters (by research) degree.

It is designed for students to develop advanced skills in undertaking independent and sustained research.

The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and should be an independent contribution to existing scholarship in the area of research.The normal length of an Master of Philosophy thesis is 30,000-40,000 words, exclusive of words in tables, maps, bibliographies and appendices.

Footnotes are included as part of the word limit.A candidate will have appropriately experienced supervisor(s) and an advisory committee who in consultation with the candidate, arranges a course of supervised research designed to suit the individuals requirements and interests of the candidate.

A candidate may be required to supplement their research program by attendance at, or enrolment in, additional subjects if considered necessary by the supervisor(s).

All students are required to attend departmental seminars over the period of their candidature.DurationThe duration of the Master of Philosophy candidature is 18 months (full-time equivalent).

Extensions of up to a total of six months (full-time equivalent) may be allowed.

The Research Training Scheme (RTS) is available for a maximum of two years (full-time equivalent).

To be eligible to submit a thesis, students must be enrolled in their course for the minimum period of 12 months full-time equivalent.IntakeStudents may commence an MR-PHILENG (Master of Philosophy - Engineering) at any time during the year subject to prior arrangement with their nominated supervisor.Please check with the relevant department prior to making any arrangements for enrolment or travel.

Course structure

All candidates for the Master of Philosophy - Engineering will be examined on the basis of their thesis. A candidate will have appropriately experienced supervisor(s). and an Advisory Committee who in consultation with the candidate, arranges a course of supervised research designed to suit the individual requirements and interests of the candidate. A candidate may be required to supplement their research program by attendance at, or enrolment in, additional subjects if considered necessary by the supervisor(s).

Graduate researchers who have enrolled/commenced their course prior to 2019 will be required to complete the coursework requirements as outlined in the Handbook entry for the corresponding year of their commencement.

Last updated: 16 March 2020

Entry requirements

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

• A four-year bachelor degree in a relevant discipline that includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study and have achieved a minimum weighted average of 75% in the final year subjects or (University of Melbourne) equivalent

or

• A masters degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study and achieved a minimum weighted average of 75% or (University of Melbourne) equivalent

or

• A qualification and professional experience considered to be equivalent

and

• A research proposal
• Referee reports (except for applicants who have graduated from the University of Melbourne within the last 5 years)
• The endorsement of a prospective supervisor.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In selecting applicants, the selection committee will consider applicants’:

• Prior academic performance and, if relevant, professional qualifications;
• Understanding of the research question to be explored;
• Performance at an interview;
• Motivation and capacity to complete the course in a timely manner;
• Relevant prior research and/or professional experience;
• Referee reports.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. The minimum English language requirements for this course are: Band 6.5.

http://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/admissions/entry-requirements/language-requirements

For more information on the application process visit: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/graduate/master-of-philosophy-engineering/how-to-apply/

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

All Master of Philosophy candidates are required to complete the equivalent of at least six months full-time (12 months part-time) advanced study and research at the University unless studying at an outside institution approved by the Research Higher Degrees Committee (RHDC). The RHDC will not approve entirely distance supervision or entirely online supervision for graduate research students.

Throughout their candidature candidates are expected to attend the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing-up their research within a University community and environment.

The residency requirement is deemed especially important during the first six months of candidature. During this time the student is expected to interact on a regular basis with the supervisor, the department (including staff and other research students) and the University, with the aim to:

• Build the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out the proposed research program;
• Acquire an understanding of the standards and requirements for an MPhil awarded by the University;
• Make use of support programs and facilities provided by the University.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Graduate Research Advisor and Student Equity and Disability Support.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course students should be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced learning in research skills and mastery of appropriate techniques, such as the use of archival or primary evidence, analysis of data, judgment of conflicting evidence etc;
• Demonstrate specialist knowledge in the area of their research;
• Present the results of their research in publishable quality or work towards incorporating their findings in further research;
• Gain access to certain types of employment through this specialist qualification;
• Demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, research ethics or code of practice.