Master of Science (Research) (MSCR)

Back to top Program aims This program provides opportunities for motivated and highly qualified students to undertake advanced study and to produce a research-based thesis.

Students will develop appropriate research skills and specialist area knowledge that will enhance their career prospects or allow them to proceed to further appropriate higher degree studies.

Applied Research specialisation The specialisation is designed to provide students with a combination of coursework and related research which will provide and enhance student knowledge across a range of science based disciplines.

Psychology Research specialisation This specialisation is designed to provide students with extended psychology research training which will provide and enhance student knowledge in psychology research and professional psychology practices.

Advanced Research specialisation This specialisation is designed to provide students who have already undertaken substantial prior studies in a relevant area with the opportunity to focus on a significant research project in a related area.

Transfer between specialisations within this program is not possible.

Admission requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

Application for Admission

The degree is centred on a research project, supervised by a principal and an associate supervisor. It is therefore essential that intending candidates clarify their topic for research and seek an academic staff member able to provide principal supervision. Application forms and advice on procedures for enrolment may be obtained from the Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences. Intending candidates are advised to allow several months for discussion with potential supervisors and for consideration of the application prior to the commencement of candidature.

Intending applicants must consult the Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences before they apply. Applicants must then submit a Direct Entry application form together with other information as specified by the Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences. The applicants must receive approval from the Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences for the proposed study plan, and may also be required to attend an interview with the Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences prior to confirmation of acceptance.

Admission Criteria

Master of Science (Research) (Applied Research)

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Science (Research) (Applied Research), applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

• completion of a three-year Australian university bachelor degree in the area of the related field of study with a GPA of 5.0 out of 7.0 for the last 2 full years of the degree or above, or equivalent

or

• equivalent qualification and work experience in the related field of study as determined by the program coordinator

and

• acceptance will be subject to the availability of, and endorsement by, a USQ supervisor.
• English Language Proficiency requirements for Category 3.

Master of Science (Research) (Psychology Research)

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Science (Research) (Psychology Research), applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

• completion of a program of study approved by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as constituting the first three years (or equivalent) of study in psychology within the last three years and
• achieved a GPA of 5.0 out of 7.0 or above in the psychology courses in an APAC accredited undergraduate program

and

• acceptance will be subject to the availability of, and endorsement by, a USQ supervisor.
• English Language Proficiency requirements for Category 3.

Master of Science (Research) (Advanced Research)

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Science (Research) (Advanced Research), applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

• completion of a four-year Australian university bachelor degree in the area of the related field of study with a GPA of 5.0 out of 7.0 for the last 2 full years of the degree, or above, or equivalent

or

• completion of a 1.5 year Australian university Masters degree in a relevant discipline with a GPA of 5.0 out of 7.0 or above, or equivalent

or

• equivalent qualification and work experience in the related field of study as determined by the program coordinator

and

• acceptance will be subject to the availability of, and endorsement by, a USQ supervisor.
• English Language Proficiency requirements for Category 3.

All students are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements.

If students do not meet the English language requirements they may apply to study a University-approved English language program. On successful completion of the English language program, students may be admitted to an award program.

Program objectives

General objectives

On successful completion of this program a graduate should be able to:

• identify, interpret and evaluate major issues of contemporary theory and practice in their discipline area
• comprehend and evaluate developments in a chosen discipline area and critically examine the relationships between such developments and contemporary theory
• apply a knowledge of the principles and ethics of research within their chosen discipline area
• identify research topics and undertake research using appropriate research methods and principles.
• report and disseminate research outcomes.

Specialisation Objectives

Applied Research specialisation

On successful completion of this program a graduate should be able to:

• apply extended knowledge, skills and research expertise in a specified field of scientific research building upon their three year degree
• plan and execute a substantial applied research project in their chosen discipline area.

Psychology Research specialisation

On successful completion of this program a student should be able to:

• apply extended knowledge, skills, and research expertise in the discipline of psychology
• clearly articulate the ethical and social responsibilities of psychology practice and research
• identify, interpret and critically evaluate major issues in contemporary psychological theory and research
• apply high levels of proficiency in psychology research including research planning and implementation, analysis, interpretation and evaluation of research results, and the presentation and communication of research findings to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Advanced Research specialisation

On successful completion of this program a graduate should be able to:

• extend and develop the research expertise and techniques of students entering the specialisation with a four year degree or equivalent
• plan and execute a substantial advanced research project in their chosen discipline area
• apply thorough research skills to be eligible to transfer (if desired) to a doctoral program from this specialisation.