Master of Philosophy

Overview

Master of Philosophy candidates undertake both coursework and research. The coursework helps prepare them 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

Academic requirements and English requirements are available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Master of Philosophy will be able to:

1. Demonstrate cognitive, technical and creative skills in a discipline area to plan and execute a substantial piece of research that makes a contribution to knowledge
2. Demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and critically reflect on, synthesise and evaluate complex information, problems, concepts, and theories
3. Communicate a coherent and sustained argument, explaining and disseminating research results and conclusions to peers and to the community
4. Apply advanced knowledge of research, research integrity, ethics and the rights and safety of others, to plan and execute a substantial piece of research with a high level of autonomy, accountability, adaptability and responsibility for personal outputs. 

Course Structure 

Master of Philosophy (Law)

The degree comprises a coursework component (24cp) and a research component (72cp). The coursework component of the degree will comprise 24cp of 900 level subjects approved by the HPS. As part of the coursework component, it is recommended that each international candidate complete RESH900, unless waived by the HPS.

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

A transfer, from MPhil to PhD, may be possible after successful completion of the coursework and at least 9 months of the thesis component, see the HDR Handbook for further details.

Note that students who wish to withdraw from the MPhil and apply for entry to a postgraduate coursework degree can receive up to 24cp of advanced standing.

Plus the following elective subject may be chosen:

^ This subject is only available to international students. For more information, visit the Work Integrated Learning website.

Master of Philosophy (Creative Arts)

The degree comprises a coursework component (24cp) and a research component (72cp). Students enroll in CREA921 (Research Topics in Creative Arts 24cp) or JOUR992 (Research Topics in Journalism 24cp) as their coursework component. For their research component, students enroll inTHES924 (24cp full-time) or THES912 (12cp part-time) each session, under which they submit a scholarly thesis, or a combination of creative practice and thesis and/or exegesis.

As a guide, submission by thesis only will be in the range of 40,000 to 50,000 words. The submission of creative work will normally be by exhibition, performance or presentation in the area of the major, supported by written documentation (in the range of 10,000 to 15,000 words) focusing on aspects such as origins of the work, structures and techniques used, and artistic theories underpinning the work.

The Faculty requires that students submit their written documentation no later than the date of examination of their final exhibition or performance, except under extraordinary circumstances approved by the supervisor and Head of Postgraduate Studies. Students presenting folios, for example literary manuscripts or music compositions, should place their exegesis or dissertation and folio together in one submission for examination.

The following is intended as a guide to the scale and style of the creative work submission:

Creative Writing: Substantial folio of creative writing which may take the form of a large-scale project such as a novel (50,000 words), poetry collection (64 single-spaced pages) or script (75 minutes duration), or a combination of smaller pieces.

Graphic Design: Graphic design portfolio/exhibition. As an example of the scale required, print designers are likely to submit 10 to 15 graphic design works. All students must submit design roughs and supporting material for exhibition.

Media Arts: Major solo exhibition of new media artwork plus documented preliminary exhibitions.

Music Composition: Folio of compositions including up to five compositions and at least one work that employs large resources or performance media.

Performance - Theatre: Demonstration of proficiency and artistry in one of the following: directing, dramaturgy or performance in a production of 45 to 60 minutes duration.

Visual Arts: Major solo exhibition of artwork plus documented preliminary exhibitions. As an example of content, painters should submit at least eight to 12 major pieces, plus drawings and supporting material of exhibition standard. Equivalent amounts of work will be expected of students working in other areas of the visual arts.

Journalism applicants are required to submit a thesis which involves both empirical data collection and theoretical analysis. Alternatively, submission may take the form of a significant practical journalism project undertaken in any combination of media. An exegetical component situates the practical work in the theoretical context of contemporary journalism studies and will usually be approximately 20,000 words.

The length and other requirements of a significant practical journalism project will be determined during the proposal development process. For example, a print project would usually require the submission of approximately 30,000 words and could take the form of an inter-related series of features or a single piece of narrative non-fiction. A project undertaken as an audio or audiovisual documentary would usually be of 30-60 minutes duration depending on the complexity of material and style. The parameters of equivalent combined multimedia projects will be worked out on an individual basis.

Assessment for the Master of Philosophy is by two external assessors.

For further information on Awards or Degree Rules, please see the General Course Rules.

Plus the following elective subject may be chosen:

^ This subject is only available to international students. For more information, visit the Work Integrated Learning website.

Master of Philosophy (Arts)

Students will complete 24 credit points of coursework (ARTS901 Master of Arts Research Methods or equivalent) and a 72 credit point thesis in their chosen field of study. Students who achieve 70% or higher in the coursework component will proceed to the research thesis. The precise thesis topic will be determined in consultation with supervisors and the HPS. Students who achieve a Pass result lower than 70% will either need to re-enroll in the coursework subjects before proceeding to the research thesis, or they may withdraw from the Master of Philosophy and enroll in a relevant Master by coursework degree, where they can apply for Advanced Standing for 24 credit points of coursework.

The 24 credit point coursework subject ARTS901 Master of Arts Research Methods provides students with training in the theories and methodologies which inform research in the humanities and social sciences. This training includes theoretical perspectives as well as an introduction to research techniques and work towards a detailed proposal leading up to the thesis. Other coursework subjects may be accepted by the HPS as equivalent to ARTS901.

Students entering from a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or equivalent may apply for advanced standing for ARTS901. Students will complete a 72 credit point thesis in their chosen field of study. The precise thesis topic will be determined in consultation with supervisors and the HPS.

The following elective subject may also be chosen:

^ This subject is only available to international students. For more information, visit the Work Integrated Learning website.

SPECIALISATIONS

For further information about the Faculty's areas of research strengths and topics available to candidates, please consult the Faculty's website.

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Other Information

Students are advised to consult the University's Code of Practice - Supervision. For more technical information about the degree progress, please consult the website of the University's Office of Research.

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: lha-enquiries@uow.edu.au