Master of Philosophy | 2020

Overview

The Master of Philosophy is a specialised research degree for students whose future career will require them to conduct, interpret and apply the findings of research. It may also be used as a pathway to higher degree research programs such as the Doctor of Education or the Doctor of Philosophy.

24 credit points of this degree is coursework with the remainder of the program used to conduct a supervised research project, comprising a 72 credit point research Thesis. Students may be required to attend lectures in relevant topics from time to time throughout the program.

Visit UOW's Research & Innovation website for information regarding the University's research activity, research strengths, scholarships and services. For specific information relating to research being undertaken within the Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, visit the Faculty's research pages.

Entry Requirements and Credit Arrangements

Information on academic and English language requirements, as well as eligibility for credit for prior learning, is available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes are statements of learning achievement that are expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon completion of a course. Students graduating from this course will be able to:

Course Structure

The degree comprises a coursework component (24cp) and a research component (72cp) as listed below. International candidates are required to complete RESH900 (Fundamentals for HDR Writing) unless waived by the HPS.

Candidates are required to successfully complete the coursework component of the MPhil.  In the research component candidates prepare their research thesis, comprising 30,000-40,000 words, or equivalent.

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

Students who wish to withdraw from the MPhil and apply for entry to a postgraduate coursework degree may receive up to 24cp of advanced standing.

* RESH802 is available as an elective subject. Students who wish to enrol in this subject should contact the Head of Postgraduate Studies.

Master of Philosophy (Creative Arts)

The degree comprises a coursework component (24cp) and a research component (72cp) as listed below. For their research component, candidates will complete a thesis wholly by written thesis, or as a combination of creative work and a written thesis or exegesis.

International candidates are required to complete RESH900 (Fundamentals for HDR Writing) unless waived by the Head of Postgraduate Studies (HPS).

Candidates are required to successfully complete the coursework component of the MPhil.  The thesis topic will be determined in consultation with supervisor/s and the HPS.

A transfer from the MPhil to the PhD may be possible after successful completion of the coursework component and at least nine months of the thesis component.

Submission by Written Thesis Only

A submission for the Master of Philosophy (Creative Arts) by written thesis only will be in the range of 35,000 to 45,000 words in length.

Submission by Creative Work and Thesis or Exegesis

A thesis submission that includes a creative work will be accompanied by a written thesis or exegesis of approximately 15,000 words in length.  The thesis or exegesis will be substantially written, but may include other forms as a record or explication of the creative work (for example, music scores, photographs, video and sound recordings).

The creative work may be in a single discipline, involve multiple disciplines or explore new art/media forms for which there is no established disciplinary base.

The accompanying written component may take the form of:

     i.   A thesis making a scholarly argument related to the body of creative work; or

    ii.   An exegesis focusing on aspects such as origins of the work, structures and techniques used, and an analysis of artistic theories underpinning the work.

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)

The degree comprises a coursework component (24cp) and a research component (72cp) of 40,000 - 50,000 words.  The coursework component provides students with training in the theories and methodologies, which inform research in the humanities and social sciences. If an applicant has significant academic research or employment experience in the selected field the Head of Postgraduate Studies (HPS) may decide to waive the requirement for part or all of the coursework component.

Students entering from a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or equivalent may apply for advanced standing for the coursework component. The thesis topic will be determined in consultation with supervisors and the HPS.

Candidates are required to successfully complete the coursework component of the MPhil.  Students who achieve a Pass result lower than 70% may be required to re-enrol in the coursework subjects before proceeding to the research thesis.  Alernatively they may withdraw from the Master of Philosophy and enrol in the Master of Research degree, where they can apply for Advanced Standing for up to 24 credit points of coursework.

A transfer from the MPhil to the PhD may be possible after successful completion of the coursework component and at least nine months of the thesis component and would normally be undertaken during the Research Proposal Review.

The following elective subject may be chosen:

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

Other Information 

For further information email: askuow@uow.edu.au