PhD and Masters by Research

See also:

PhD Masters by Research Master of Philosophy in Public Health Articulation from Masters by Coursework to PhD Program	How to apply for a Research Degree Faculty guidelines for admission to PhD and Masters by Research Fees Funding Potential research topics Postgraduate Coursework Availability

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Our School offers several excellent research programs tailored to give students every opportunity to continue the development of their professional careers. Programs on offer are targeted to public health researchers at beginner, intermediate and experienced levels.
The PhD is designed as advanced research in a specialised area and comprises 100% research. It comprises 100% research – there is no coursework component. Candidates are expected to submit an original thesis which substantially contributes to knowledge in the field. The thesis is usually expected to be between 75 000 and 100 000 words and submission is expected within 3 to 4 years (full-time equivalent).

The Masters by Research program is designed primarily for professionals seeking to hone their skills in research, or who want to progress to a PhD. It comprises 100% research – there is no coursework component. A thesis of 40 000 to 70 000 words embodying the results of an original investigation or design must be submitted between 1.5 and 2 years (full-time equivalent). We offer 4 different specialisations:

• Master of Public Health by Research: Designed for individuals interested in any public health topic.
• Master of Health Administration by Research: Designed for health services managers.
• Master of Health Professions Education by Research: Designed for teachers and/or educational administrators in the health professions.
• Master of Community Medicine by Research: Designed for individuals interested in any community medicine topic.

The MPhil program is an excellent option for students who have no previous research experience or for students who do not meet the eligibility criteria for a Masters by Research or PhD. It is a research degree designed to provide research training for candidates who wish to develop competence in research in Public Health, or who want to progress to a PhD. It comprises one-third coursework (24 units of credit) and two-thirds research (a thesis of less than 40 000 words) and can be completed in a minimum of one year or a maximum of two years (full-time equivalent). Coursework can be selected from any of our postgraduate coursework courses.

In addition to a suitable research proposal and the agreement of two potential supervisors, students with a coursework Master’s degree from the SPHCM will be considered for entry to the PhD program if they have:

1. Successfully undertaken at least 12 UOC as research. This should include a 6 UOC Major Project and a 6 UOC Independent Study, or the 6 UOC Major Project and a research-related course, such as Qualitative Research Methods, Advanced Biostatistics, Advanced Epidemiology or Applied Research Methods.
2. Average Credit or above for Masters coursework and project.
3. A letter of support from the Head of School or delegate.

• Infectious disease group: potential research student projects
• For examples of current research topics being undertaken by students from SPHCM and its affiliated Centres please see SPHCM Biennial Report.
• Students seeking to do a PhD, Masters by Research or Master of Philosophy in Public Health should familiarise themselves with the research strengths in our school.

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