Postgraduate Courses
  • Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.

    However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.

Master of Philosophy

Testamur Title of Degree:

Master of Philosophy (Biological Sciences)
Master of Philosophy (Chemistry)
Master of Philosophy (Earth Sciences)
Master of Philosophy (Environmental Sciences)
Master of Philosophy (Geography)

Abbreviation:

MPhil

My University:

Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Geography

Duration:

2 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Total Credit Points:

96

Starting Session(s):

Autumn or Spring

*Course on offer from Spring 2013

Location:

Wollongong

UOW Course Code:

1350

CRICOS Code:

078333A

Overview

Master of Philosophy candidates undertake both coursework and research. The coursework helps to prepare students to undertake in-depth research in order to make an original contribution to the body of knowledge in a chosen field of study. This qualification can lead to, or enhance, an academic career and is also highly regarded by public and private sector employers.

Entry Requirements / Assumed Knowledge

A Bachelor plus a coursework Masters degree with a minimum credit average (65% or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0), or a four year Bachelor Honours degree (with a minimum of 2-2 Honours) are the typical entry requirements for the Master of Philosophy. A three year Bachelor degree (without Honours), but with a distinction average (75%) may also be a suitable entry requirement, if in the same discipline as the proposed program.

Research related and professional experience will also be considered when assessing qualifications. The Head of Postgraduate Studies for the relevant unit will approve entry into the Master of Philosophy, based on academic results, research and professional experience.

For International students the English language entry criteria will be as indicated on the University website: www.uow.edu.au/prospective/international/english/index.html

Candidates with a coursework masters degree or a four year Bachelor (Honours) degree in the same discipline may be granted up to 24cp of advanced standing for the coursework component of the Masters of Philosophy.

Course Requirements

The degree is composed of a 72 credit point research thesis and 24 credit points of coursework made up of 24 credit points of 400/900 level subjects, approved by the Head of School and the Head of Postgraduate Studies. As part of the coursework component, it is recommended that each international candidate complete Fundamentals for HDR Writing (RESH900), unless waived by the Head of Postgraduate Studies.

Candidates are required to successfully complete the coursework component of the Master of Philosophy. In the research component, which comprises 72 credit points, candidates prepare their research thesis. Candidates enrol in a full time (THES924 for 24cp) or part time (THES912 for 12cp) thesis subject each session. This component represents one year of study for full time students.

A transfer from the Master of Philosophy to a Doctor of Philosophy may be possible after successful completion of the coursework, and at least 9 months of the thesis component. Refer to the HDR Handbook for further details.

Candidates who wish to withdraw from the Master of Philosophy and apply for entry to a postgraduate coursework degree may receive up to 24 credit points of advanced standing.

Course Program

Disciplinary Areas Available

− Biological Sciences

− Chemistry

− Earth Sciences

− Environmental Sciences

− Geography

Subjects

Credit Points

Chemistry

CHEM915

Advanced Chemistry Laboratory

12

Biology Sciences

BIOL993

Research Project

12

Earth Science, Environmental Science, Geography

EESC950

Advanced Topic A

12

Further Information

Further information is available at http://coursefinder.uow.edu.au/

Last reviewed: 28 May, 2013