Master of Philosophy

2024 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2024 course information
Award granted	Master of Philosophy
Deakin course code	H800
Faculty	Faculty of Health
Campus	Offered at Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Online	No
Duration	2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code	093847E Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

Course sub-headings

Course overview

This elite intensive research degree in health and (bio-) medical sciences will provide students with the opportunity to pursue and independent investigative research project under the supervision of an academic staff member in the School of Medicine, along with coursework specifically designed to provide relevant skills in research design, communication, integrity and interpretation. This course will provide students with a dedicated pathway into PhD programs or into employment where deeper disciplinary knowledge and research skills are required.

The research projects that centre on the basis of health and disease span from basic gene discovery and molecular analysis, through to functional genomics and pre-clinical development, to clinical and population studies. This includes in the fields of immunity, infectious diseases, developmental biology, exercise physiology and metabolism, musculoskeletal biology, haematology, cancer, metabolic disease, neuroscience, molecular psychiatry and nanomedicine. Research projects may also be offered in the field of rural and regional medicine, general practice, chronic disease management, public health, medical education, epidemiology, farmer health, medical imaging, surgery and optometry.

Indicative student workload

You should be able to commit 36 hours a week towards the Master of Philosophy degree. A student is entitled to 20 working days annual leave from candidature on approval by their Principal Supervisor.

Professional recognition

Not applicable

Career opportunities

The Master of Philosophy is specifically designed to provide students from diverse undergraduate backgrounds with an opportunity to expand their knowledge base and become an independent researcher with specialized technical, critical thinking, communication and cognitive skills. These skills are highly sought by many employers, with the course providing students with a dedicated pathway into national and international PhD programs or into careers within academia, industry, medical research as well as government and non-government scientific agencies, both local and global.

Participation requirements

Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities	Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in a chosen area of research in the medical discipline. Plan and execute a substantial research project that demonstrates complex knowledge and application of medical research principles and methods.
Communication	Interpret and efficiently transmit knowledge, skills, ideas and data to specialist and non-specialist audiences using highly developed written and oral communication skills Apply listening and effective communication skills to accommodate, encourage and answer questions from an audience and to defend research findings and propositions.
Digital literacy	Use digital technologies to locate, curate, interpret and disseminate relevant evidence-based literature to formulate research hypotheses, concepts and theories.
Critical thinking	Critically analyse literature, research data and other information relevant to the medical discipline to develop a conceptual framework for a substantial research project.
Problem solving	Demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement and responsibility to critically analyse, reflect upon and synthesise complex information, concepts and theories by planning and executing a substantial research project in the chosen field of study. Contribute to advancements in knowledge of the discipline through mastering the use of instruments and techniques, to collect, interpret, analyse, synthesise and disseminate research data and findings.
Self-management	Demonstrate a high level of personal autonomy, professionalism and responsibility in the acquisition of knowledge and in the planning and execution of a research project and interpretation of its data and findings.
Teamwork	Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with research peers and non-specialist stakeholders to address complex real-world problems in a variety of settings.
Global citizenship	Demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills in conducting best-practice research of the highest ethical standards and in managing, sharing data and disseminating research findings across wider research and cultural communities.

Course rules

A Master of Philosophy is awarded for an original contribution to knowledge achieved in two years of full-time study (or four years of part-time study).

To complete the Master of Philosophy must complete 4 credit points of research training coursework that includes research design, communication, integrity and interpretation, in addition to an independent research project under the supervision of a nominated supervisor.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Course structure

Units

Must pass 12 credit points in:

HMH812

Research Thesis (2 credit point)

HMH813

Research Thesis (1 credit point)

Students will work continuously on their research project over a two-year period full-time or four year period part-time.

In addition, students need to complete 4 credit points of research training coursework units within the first year (FTE) of the course.

HMH810

Research Communication (2 credit points)

HMH811

Research Interpretation and Integrity (1 credit point)

And one of:

HMH800

Research Design (1 credit point)

HSH746

Biostatistics 1 (1 credit point)

HSH715

Qualitative Health Research (1 credit point)

Work experience

Career Pathway Placements (internships) with industry partners, are offered as an elective, to all domestic and international HDR students. The timing of a proposed placement should be discussed with the supervisory team, and approved by the School HDR Coordinator.

Other course information

Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Contact Student Central