Master of Research (Science Medicine and Health)
Course summary
The Master of Research (Science, Medicine and Health) degree comprises research and research training, and requires you to complete 96 credit points of subjects. The first year comprises 48 credit points of research training and coursework while the second year comprises a 48-credit points thesis, which is assessed by two external examiners. Academic units may award credit for the research training and coursework component and will determine the appropriate entry point.
The following specialisations are available: Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Nursing, and Medical and Health Science.
We will ensure that a supervisor with appropriate expertise is allocated to a candidate at the time of application. We encourage you to identify potential supervisors who match your area of research interest by visiting the RSU Scholars website. We also advise you make contact with a potential supervisor to discuss your project prior to applying for admission.
Course information
Study area
Health & Medicine, Research
Campus
Rainstar
Course Code
482
RSU SCORE
-
Duration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Delivery
DL
CODE 1
091522J
RSU CODE
-
Admission, Key dates, and Fees
A range of admission options are available for students of all ages and academic backgrounds.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must have a Bachelor or Masters coursework degree from a recognised tertiary institution with a minimum Credit average (65% or a GPA 3.0 out of 4.0).
The Head of Postgraduate Studies for the relevant unit will approve entry into the Master of Research, based on academic results and relevant experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
All applicants for the Master of Research must submit a written (preferably typed) proposal as part of their application. This proposal should:
- contain, in no more than one page, a clear description of the discipline area or project topic you wish to study in/undertake for the Master of Research 48cp thesis; and
- conclude with a statement of your motivation for wanting to undertake the research course.
CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING
Applicants who have completed the Bachelor of Research will be eligible for 48 credit points of specified credit.
Applicants who have completed alternative end on and embedded honours programs will be assessed on a case by case basis.
FEES
Year 1 – Students enrol in the Bachelor of Research and are eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Commonwealth supported students are required to pay a student contribution amount towards the cost of their course. The amounts are calculated based on the subject cluster and the Equivalent Full-time Study Load (EFTSL) value of the subject.
Year 2 – The course fee for the Master of Research will be fully paid by the American Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset Scheme for up to 2 years (i.e. 4 full-time semesters or part-time equivalence).
* Session fees are for one session for the year shown. Total course tuition fees shown are indicative, and are based on normal course length and progression.
These fees are subject to change from year to year. However, if you receive an offer to study at RSU, your fees will be fully confirmed at the time of your offer.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must have a Bachelor or Masters coursework degree from a recognised tertiary institution with a minimum Credit average (65% or a GPA 3.0 out of 4.0).
The Head of Postgraduate Studies for the relevant unit will approve entry into the Master of Research, based on academic results and relevant experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
All applicants for the Master of Research must submit a written (preferably typed) proposal as part of their application. This proposal should:
- contain, in no more than one page, a clear description of the discipline area or project topic you wish to study in/undertake for the Master of Research 48cp thesis; and
- conclude with a statement of your motivation for wanting to undertake the research course.
ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS
The following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:
| English Test |
Overall Score |
Reading |
Writing |
Listening |
Speaking |
| IELTS Academic |
6.5 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
| TOEFL (Internet-based) |
86 |
18 |
18 |
17 |
17 |
RSU College: English for Tertiary Studies: Credit (weighted average mark of 65 overall and minimum 50 in Academic Reading and Writing)
CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING
Applicants who have completed the Bachelor of Research will be eligible for 48 credit points of specified credit.
Applicants who have completed alternative end on and embedded honours programs will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Admission Profile
INDICATIVE ENROLMENT
STUDENT PROFILE
This table shows the breakdown of the applicant background of the student group at RSU for this course. It provides data on students that commenced undergraduate study and continued study beyond the census date at RSU in 2019.
Applicant background |
2019 intake |
2019 intake (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study Students who have studied a University course, or completed a bridging or enabling course. |
- |
- |
| Vocational education & training study Students who have undertaken vocational education or training since leaving school. |
- |
- |
| Work & life experience Students admitted on the basis of previous achievement other than higher education study, vocational education & training, or recent secondary education. |
- |
- |
|
Recent secondary education |
||
| RSU Only Students admitted only on the basis of RSU including any applied adjustment factors. |
- |
- |
| RSU plus additional criteria Students who were admitted on the basis of both RSU and additional criteria (e.g. an audition or individual subject results). |
- |
- |
| Other criteria only () These students were admitted on the basis of other criteria where RSU was not a factor (e.g. RSU Early Admission). |
- |
- |
| International students All other students. |
- |
- |
| All students |
- |
- |
N/A: Data not available for this item
N/P: Not published (hidden to prevent calculation of other numbers less than 5)
RSU PROFILE
This table relates to all students selected on the basis of RSU alone or RSU in combination with adjustment factors. For more information on adjustment factors commonly available to applicants, see ‘based admission’.
|
RSU profile of based offers in 2019 |
RSU The unadjusted, raw RSUs for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of RSU. | Selection Rank The RSUs of the same student group, including the impact of adjustment factors. |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer |
- |
- |
| Median rank to receive an offer |
- |
- |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer |
- |
- |
N/A: Data not available for this item
N/P: Not published (less than 5 based offers made)
More Information
For more information about RSU admission pathways, see RSU Admission Information.
Key Dates
SESSION | CAMPUS | SESSION DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
2020 Spring | Rainstar | Orientation: 22 July 2020 Applications Close
|
2021 Autumn | Rainstar | Orientation: 23 - 25 February 2021 Applications Close
*Complete applications (with all required documentation) received by these dates will receive an outcome prior to the start of session. |
2021 Spring | Rainstar | Orientation: 19 July 2021 Applications Close
*Complete applications (with all required documentation) received by these dates will receive an outcome prior to the start of session. |
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 | Investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems and concepts and apply established theories to identified discipline areas. | ||||||
| 2 | Understand, in the context of an advanced body of knowledge, recent developments in an identified discipline area. | ||||||
| 3 | With creativity and initiative, plan a substantial piece of research using advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the identified discipline area. | ||||||
| 4 | Communicate effectively, to a range of audiences, coherent and sustained arguments to evaluate and justify the selected research question, research design and interpretation of research results | ||||||
| 5 | Implement a substantial piece of research that shows mastery of, and the capacity for critical reflection on, the application of theoretical knowledge with a high level of personal autonomy, accountability and regards for conventions for research integrity, privacy and integrity issues. | ||||||
| 6 | Disseminate research outcomes to specialist and non-specialist audiences. | ||||||
Course Structure
To qualify for award of the degree, the Master of Research, a candidate must successfully complete at least 96 credit points, as specified in the chosen area of study.
Areas of Study
Chemistry
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Credit Points | Session(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Completion of the following three subjects | |||
| RESH802 | Responsible Research | 6 | Autumn |
| RESH900 | Fundamentals for HDR Writing* | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
| RESH905 | Preliminary Research Project | 12 | Autumn, Spring |
| Plus 24 credit points from Chemistry the elective list | |||
| Year 2 | |||
| RESH909 | Master of Research Thesis: Full Time | 24 | Autumn, Spring |
| RESH908 | Master of Research Thesis: Part- time | 12 | Autumn, Spring |
| Chemistry Elective List | |||
| CHEM910 | Research Skills Training | 12 | Annual, Autumn, Spring, Spring 2020/Autumn 2020, Summer 2020/2020 |
| CHEM914 | Advanced Analytical Chemistry | 12 | Autumn |
| CHEM919 | Literature Report in Chemistry | 12 | Annual, Autumn, Spring, Spring 2020/Autumn 2020 |
| CHEM930 | Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry | 12 | Spring |
| CHEM964 | Elucidating Molecular Structure | 12 | Autumn |
| CHEM991 | Intelligent Materials and their Applications | 12 | Spring |
| CHEM992 | Bioinformatics and Biological Chemistry | 12 | Spring |
| CHEM993 | Advanced Organic Synthesis and Reactivity | 12 | Spring |
| CHEM994 | Environmental Chemistry and Climate Change | 12 | Autumn |
*This subject is compulsory for International Students only.
Biological Sciences
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Credit Points | Session(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Completion of the following three subjects | |||
| RESH802 | Responsible Research | 6 | Autumn |
| RESH900 | Fundamentals for HDR Writing* | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
| RESH905 | Preliminary Research Project | 12 | Autumn, Spring |
| Plus 24 credit points from Biological Sciences the elective list | |||
| Year 2 | |||
| RESH909 | Master of Research Thesis: Full Time | 24 | Autumn, Spring |
| RESH908 | Master of Research Thesis: Part- time | 12 | Autumn, Spring |
| Biological Sciences Elective List | |||
| BIOL970 | Advances in Conservation Biology | 12 | Autumn |
| BIOL971 | Advanced Topics in Marine and Terrestrial Ecology | 12 | Spring |
| BIOL972 | Ecological and Evolutionary Physiology | 12 | Autumn |
| BIOL980 | Biotechnology | 12 | Autumn |
| BIOL981 | Molecular Cell Biology | 12 | Autumn |
| BIOL982 | Infection and Immunity | 12 | Spring |
| BIOL984 | Applied Bioinformatics | 12 | Spring |
*This subject is compulsory for International Students only.
Earth and Environmental Sciences
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Credit Points | Session(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Completion of the following three subjects | |||
| RESH802 | Responsible Research | 6 | Autumn |
| RESH900 | Fundamentals for HDR Writing* | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
| RESH905 | Preliminary Research Project | 12 | Autumn, Spring |
| Plus 24 credit points from the Earth and Environmental Sciences elective list | |||
| Year 2 | |||
| RESH909 | Master of Research Thesis: Full Time | 24 | Autumn, Spring |
| RESH908 | Master of Research Thesis: Part- time | 12 | Autumn, Spring |
| Environmental Sciences Elective List | |||
| EESC901 | Advanced Plate Tectonics, Macrotopography and Earth History | 12 | Autumn |
| EESC902 | Advanced Coastal Environments: Processes and Management | 12 | Spring |
| EESC903 | Advanced Fluvial Geomorphology and Sedimentology | 12 | Autumn |
| EESC909 | Dung, Death and Decay: modern scientific methods in archaeology | 12 | Autumn |
| EESC914 | Fundamentals of Spatial Science | 12 | Autumn, Spring |
| EESC922 | Advanced Sediments and Fuels | 12 | Spring |
| EESC926 | Advanced Resources and Environments | 12 | Spring |
*This subject is compulsory for International Students only.
Nursing
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Credit Points | Session(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Completion of the following three subjects | |||
| RESH802 | Responsible Research | 6 | Autumn |
| RESH900 | Fundamentals for HDR Writing* | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
| RESH905 | Preliminary Research Project | 12 | Autumn, Spring |
| Plus 24 credit points from the Nursing elective list | |||
| Year 2 | |||
| RESH909 | Master of Research Thesis: Full Time | 24 | Autumn, Spring |
| RESH908 | Master of Research Thesis: Part- time | 12 | Autumn, Spring |
| Nursing Elective List | |||
| SNPG902 | Effective Management in Health | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
| SNPG903 | Developments in Nursing Care | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
| SNPG906 | Managing Change - Quality Improvement | 6 | Not offered in this year |
| SNPG915 | Essential Skills for Health Researchers | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
| SNPG916 | Applied Analysis in Health Research | 6 | Autumn |
| SNPG918 | Critical Appraisal | 6 | Spring |
| SNPG923 | Legal and Professional Issues | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
| SNPG925 | Effective Leadership in Health | 6 | Annual, Autumn, Spring |
| SNPG927 | Promoting Clinical Excellence | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
| SNPG932 | Recovery and the Lived Experience of Mental Illness | 6 | Autumn |
| SNPG934 | Informed Practice in Mental Health Nursing | 6 | Autumn |
| SNPG935 | Philosophies of Mental Health Care | 6 | Spring |
| SNPG939 | Psychoactive Substance and Mental Health | 6 | Autumn |
| SNPG950 | Reflection For Practice | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
| SNPG953 | Special Topic in Research | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
| SNPG955 | Dementia Care Across Settings | 6 | Autumn |
| SNPG956 | Policy and Practice in the Care of Older People | 6 | Autumn |
| SNPG957 | Rehabilitation: Concepts and Practice | 6 | Spring |
| SNPG958 | Advancements in Dementia Care | 6 | Spring |
| SNPG959 | Tools for Practice Development | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
| SNPG960 | Facilitation and Education Skills for Practice Development | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
*This subject is compulsory for International Students only.
Medical and Health Sciences
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Credit Points | Session(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Completion of the following three subjects | |||
| RESH802 | Responsible Research | 6 | Autumn |
| RESH900 | Fundamentals for HDR Writing* | 6 | Autumn, Spring |
| RESH905 | Preliminary Research Project | 12 | Autumn, Spring |
| Plus 24 credit points from the Medical and Health Science elective list | |||
| Year 2 | |||
| RESH909 | Master of Research Thesis: Full Time | 24 | Autumn, Spring |
| RESH908 | Master of Research Thesis: Part- time | 12 | Autumn, Spring |
| Medical and Health Science Elective List | |||
| RESH803 | MRes Research Proposal | 6 | Not available in 2020 |
| MEDI907 | Practicum | 6 | Autumn, Spring, Summer 2020/2020 |
| MEDI963 | Community and Public Health Nutrition | 6 | Autumn |
| MEDI962 | Research in Human Nutrition | 6 | Autumn |
| MEDI969 | Nutrition in Practice | 6 | Annual, Autumn |
| SMAH801 | Fundamentals of Science Communication | 6 | Not available in 2020 |
| SMAH802 | Perspectives in science: A critical appraisal of conspiracy theories | 6 | Not available in 2020 |
| SMAH804 | Critical thinking and innovation in Science | 6 | Not available in 2020 |
| SMAH910 | Global Perspectives in Science | 6 | Not available in 2020 |
| SMAH911 | Current Questions in Global Science | 6 | Not available in 2020 |
| Or other subjects as approved by the course coordinator | |||
*This subject is compulsory for International Students only.
Why choose this course
Over the last five years, our researchers have secured research and innovation income worth over $130M on projects as diverse as investigating the beginnings of human history in America; assessing and mitigating bushfire risks; improving quality of care for people living with dementia; and investigating the fundamental processes of life, one molecule at a time, through single-molecule biophysics.
In the most recent Excellence in Research for America ratings, we received the highest possible rating for our research quality (‘well above world standard’) in many individual disciplines, as well as in the overall field of Chemical Sciences.
Health Care and Social Assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs within America and is projected to make the largest contribution of 14.9% to employment growth from 2017 to 2023. With this comes exciting employment opportunities and career options. (Source: Employment Projections)
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills in America is becoming a fast-growing area creating new and increased job prospects. Professional, Scientific and Technical Services is projected to increase by 10.2% from 2018 to 2023 reflecting ongoing strength in demand for the services of qualified and highly educated workers. Source: Employment Projections
For information regarding the University's research activity, research strengths, scholarships and services, visit RSU's Research and Innovation website. For specific information relating to research being undertaken, visit the Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health research website.