Master of Philosophy (Physics)

The Master of Philosophy comprises 24 credit points of coursework and a 72-credit points' thesis. Academic Units may award advanced standing for the coursework component and will determine the appropriate entry point.

This is a program of specialised research training. The thesis is examined by two examiners with no more than one being internal.

For specific information relating to research being undertaken within the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, visit the Faculty's research pages.

Students may be required to attend lectures in relevant topics from time to time throughout the program.

Course structure

(Current year structure - subject to change)

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:

CLO	Description
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

The degree is composed of a 72 credit point research thesis and 24 credit points of coursework. The coursework component of the degree, which must be completed before the research thesis, will include 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.

Students should consult the Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated) handbook page for a list of coursework subjects in their selected specialisation. Students must seek advice from the respective Head of Postgraduate Studies.

In the research component, which comprises 72 credit points, candidates complete a research thesis. Candidates enrol in a full time (THES924 for 24cp) or part time (THES912 for 12cp) thesis subject each session. The thesis component represents 1.5 years of full-time study (or equivalent) for students.

Subject Code	Subject Name	Credit Points	Session(s)
Coursework Component
400- or 900-level subjects as approved		24	Autumn, Spring
Choose ONE of the following two subjects:
THES924	Thesis Full Time	24	Autumn, Spring
THES912	Thesis Part Time	12	Autumn, Spring

Plus one of the following elective subjects may be chosen:

Subject Code	Subject Name	Credit Points	Session(s)
RESH802	Responsible Research	6	Autumn
GWP 800	Global Workplace Practice	6	Spring

For more information, visit the Work Integrated Learning website. 

Research Areas

Areas of research available to candidates undertaking the Master of Philosophy with the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences are listed under each of the Faculty’s disciplines along with a list of research projects in each discipline:

• Mathematics and Applied Statistics
• Physics
• Computer Science and Information Technology
• Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering
• Electrical, Computer and Telecommunications Engineering
• Mechanical, Materials and Mechatronic Engineering

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.