Masters Degrees by Research - Prior to 31 December 2018

Introduction

1

This rule governs Masters Degrees by Research where the degree is awarded on the basis of a thesis embodying the results of a research project and any coursework topics or other formal studies undertaken during the candidature which did not constitute more than one third of the final assessment for the degree.

Statement of Aims

2

Graduates at this level will have specialised knowledge and skills for research, and/orprofessional practice and/or further learning.

Learning Outcomes

3

Graduates of Masters by Research degrees will have an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in one or more disciplines or areas of practice. They will have expert, specialised cognitive and technical skills in a body of knowledge or practice to enable them independently to demonstrate:

• evidence of an original investigation or testing of ideas

• competence in independent research or experimentation
• a thorough understanding of the appropriate techniques in the field demonstrated both by their application and a thorough review of the literature
• critical use of source material, experimental results (where appropriate), and published works
• an appreciation of the relationship of the special theme to the wider field of knowledge and
• the capacity to present well-written work.

Graduates will be able to apply knowledge and skills in a manner that demonstrates autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a practitioner or researcher.

Admission requirement

4

A person who holds a Bachelors degree with Honours from Flinders University, or who holds qualifications deemed by the Board of the appropriate faculty (hereafter referred to as 'the Board') to be at least equivalent, may be accepted for enrolment in a Masters Degree by Research provided that:

(a) the program of studies has been approved by the Board, and

(b) the proposed program of studies can be properly resourced and appropriately supervised.

5

Notwithstanding the provisions of Clause 4, the Board in special circumstances and subject to such conditions as the Dean (Education) prescribes in each case, may accept for enrolment a person who does not hold an Honours degree of a university or a qualification deemed by the Dean (Education) to be at least equivalent to an Honours degree of a university, but who has given evidence satisfactory to the Board of fitness for enrolment and whose enrolment is supported by the Dean (Education). A person who does not hold an Honours degree of the University, or who does not hold qualifications deemed by the Dean (Education) to be at least equivalent may be required as a prerequisite for enrolment, to undertake and complete to the satisfaction of the Dean (Education) such qualifying studies as the Dean (Education) prescribes.

6

In addition, applicants for the Master of Surgery may be admitted if they hold the Flinders University Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Research Higher Degrees Committee.

Applicants for entry to the Master of Surgery must submit satisfactory evidence of two years’ appropriate experience in an approved teaching hospital, an ability to conduct original research related to the chosen speciality and eligibility for application to the Surgical Education and Training (SET) Program in the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (or equivalent).

Program of study

7

Except with the permission of the Dean (Education), a full-time candidate shall pursue the approved program of studies for not less than one year and not more than two years and a part-time candidate for not less than two years, and not more than four years from the date from which enrolment commenced.

8

At the conclusion of the approved program of studies, or within the approved period as specified in Clause 7 above and theRHD Policies and Procedures, each candidate for the degree shall present a thesis embodying the results of the work done while enrolled and containing a significant contribution to knowledge or scholarship within the scope of the subject.

9

The thesis presented for the degree shall not contain material which has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma; nor shall it contain any material previously published or written by another person except where due reference is made in the text of the thesis or in the notes.

10

Except with the permission of the Dean (Education), in the case of a person who is required to undertake qualifying studies, any work undertaken before the completion of the qualifying studies shall not be presented for the degree.