Master of Science - IFM

Deepen your knowledge within the field of biological and chemical sciences through independent, sustained and academically-supervised research.

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Key facts

Duration

2 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Locations

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

A full-time member of the academic staff in the Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM), experienced in research, will be appointed as supervisor for each student in the Master of Science - Biological and Chemical Sciences. Associate supervisors, internal or external, may be appointed to assist the principal supervisor. Students may be required to meet certain attendance requirements and will be required to complete a thesis embodying the results of research carried out in the field of study specified at the time of enrolment. Students will be referred to prospective supervisors in order to establish a possible research project.

To qualify for a Master by Research, students must demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in one or more discipline areas by generating an substantial contribution to knowledge through the use of appropriate research principles and methods. This is in the form of a thesis of up to 50,000 words in length which will be assessed via an external examination. Although the focus of the degree is on research, students are also required to complete a minimum of one unit of coursework.

Award granted: Master of Science
Year: 2025 course information
Deakin code: F802
CRICOS code?: 006261G Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Level: Higher Degree Research
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition: The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

HDR applications now open
Applications for research degrees without scholarship may be made at any time. Commencement of research degrees is not confined to Deakin's trimesters.

Participation requirements

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

Entry requirements

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

Academic requirements

To be considered for selection into this degree you are required to have completed:

a research project including a thesis which is equivalent to at least 25% of a year’s full-time study at Level 8 of the Australian Qualifications Framework, with achievement of a grade for the project equivalent to a Deakin grade of 65% or equivalent

English language proficiency requirements

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

Admissions information

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

Scholarship options

A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships

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Contact information

Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

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Course learning outcomes

Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in one or more discipline areas by generating substantial contribution to knowledge through the use of appropriate research principles and methods.
Communication	Demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability, initiative, resilience and responsibility as a practitioner or learner.
Digital literacy	Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in one or more discipline areas by generating substantial contribution to knowledge through the use of appropriate research principles and methods
Critical thinking	Apply critical analysis and reflection to ethically research, synthesize and evaluate complex information, problems, concepts, interpretations and theories to demonstrate cognitive and technical skills in a body of knowledge or practice. Effectively disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences using highly developed communication skills and work productively within a team of experts in the field.
Problem solving	Apply critical analysis and reflection to ethically research, synthesize and evaluate complex information, problems, concepts, interpretations and theories to demonstrate cognitive and technical skills in a body of knowledge or practice. Effectively disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences using highly developed communication skills and work productively within a team of experts in the field.
Self-management	Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in one or more discipline areas by generating substantial contribution to knowledge through the use of appropriate research principles and methods.
Teamwork	Apply critical analysis and reflection to ethically research, synthesize and evaluate complex information, problems, concepts, interpretations and theories to demonstrate cognitive and technical skills in a body of knowledge or practice. Effectively disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences using highly developed communication skills and work productively within a team of experts in the field.
Global citizenship	Demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability, initiative, resilience and responsibility as a practitioner or learner.