Master of Philosophy (Medicine)

School of Medicine

The University of Notre Dame Australia is committed to the development of a strong and innovative research culture. By developing the higher degree by research student population and external collaborative partnerships, we foster, support and increase research activity and quality. As a research student you will have the opportunity to further your industry experience and make a valuable contribution to Notre Dame’s growing research portfolio in any areas of epidemiology, basic science or clinical research.

• Why study this degree?

  The Master of Philosophy is a postgraduate research degree comprising both coursework and a substantial research component. This culminates in the submission of a thesis (or equivalent) for independent examination by two external examiners. Available across all schools within the university, this ideal for students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree but not at Honours level.

• Program summary

  The coursework component comprises four compulsory research training courses to be completed as a prerequisite to the student's individual research project. The coursework courses will provide opportunities for candidates to formulate substantial elements of their planned research (e.g. topic refinement, identification and justification of the preferred research method(s), preparation of a draft proposal) and to develop personal competencies in critical analysis and scholarly writing relevant to their profession.

  The completion of the coursework is facilitated by a course delivery schedule which takes into consideration that candidates may be in full-time employment during their candidature. A Credit average must be achieved in the coursework as a prerequisite for proceeding to the research component. Within some Schools, a compulsory sequence of courses exists. The structure of the degree in these cases is as follows:

  Coursework component (1/3 of degree; 0.5 year full-time study)

  • Quantitative Research Methods
  • Qualitative Research Methods
  • Scholarly Reading and Writing
  • Developing a Research Proposal

  Research component (2/3 of degree; one year full-time study)

  Full details of the program are contained in the Program Requirements.

  More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions pages Fremantle Sydney.

  Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.

• Entry requirements

  To be eligible for admission to The University of Notre Dame Australia, all applicants must meet the University’s minimum requirements for admission. The requirements for admission are detailed in the University’s Policy: Admissions.

  To be eligible for admission to the Master of Philosophy applicants must also meet the following specific requirements.

  • Possession of a Bachelor’s degree (AQF level 7 qualification); or Master of Philosophy
  • In exceptional circumstances, an equivalent academic or professional background that is considered by the National Head of School to be an appropriate preparation for independent study and research work at master’s level
  • An applicant may be required to satisfy the National Head of School of the ability to understand and communicate in both written and spoken English at a level adequate for the purpose of pursuing the program of study.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Master of Philosophy graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply high level cognitive and technical skills in the design and execution of a specialised research project that makes a contribution to knowledge, professional practice and/or creative practice
  2. Investigate, analyse, synthesise, and critically reflect on complex information, problems and concepts and apply established theories in the context of an advanced body of knowledge and practice
  3. Disseminate research findings, communicating a coherent and sustained argument effectively, to specialist and non specialist audiences
  4. Apply knowledge of research integrity, ethics and the rights and safety of others in the conduct of research and dissemination of research findings; and
  5. Conduct research with creativity, initiative, autonomy, and accountability.

• Supervision

  As a Master of Philosophy candidate, you are required to have a minimum of two supervisors who will provide support and academic guidance throughout their degrees. Supervisors will assist with the preparation of your research proposal, continuing to mentor and direct you throughout the research phase and through the process of examination.

• Mode of study and assessment

  You may undertake the program either in a full-time or part-time capacity. The standard time for completion (not including periods of approved leave of absence) will normally be one-and-a-half years full-time or three years part-time. The minimum time for completion will normally be one year and is usually only applicable for students with prior research experience or qualifications. The assessment of the coursework component consists of written assignments while the research component is assessed by examination of your thesis by external reviewers.

• Research focus

  The School of Medicine has research projects across Australia in Fremantle, Sydney, Melbourne and the University’s Rural Clinical Schools in New South Wales and Victoria. Current research projects focus on:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
  • Basic clinical sciences
  • Bioethics
  • Clinical and applied research
  • Medical leadership and health policy
  • Medical education
  • Pain management
  • Personal development and professional matters
  • Population and public health (including social inequity, climate and human health)
  • Primary care and prevention
  • Rural medicine

  Students should find a supervisor within the faculty whose academic background aligns with your research.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. There are no practicum requirements for this program.

• Scholarships

  Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

  These can be funded by Notre Dame, industry, individuals and non-profit organisations, to provide financial assistance to students to support costs associated with study. This could include buying food, paying rent, transport, and household bills, raising children as single parents, being a single-income household, becoming unemployed or caring for a sick loved one.

  Please visit the Scholarships Finder to see which scholarships are available to Postgraduate students.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  Research Training Program (RTP)
  The Research Training Program (RTP) provides block grants to support students who are undertaking a Higher Degree by Research such as a Research Doctorate or Research Masters degree. You will receive support for a maximum of two years for a Research Masters and a maximum of four years for a Research Doctorate degree. Your offer will specify for which purpose(s) your grant may be used. This may include offset of your tuition fees, as a stipend for general living costs or as an allowance related to the ancillary cost of research degrees.

  For indicative fees and information on Postgraduate and Research Scholarships available, please visit our HDR Scholarships page.

  International Full-Fee Paying
  Tuition costs depend on an international student’s study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of your program.

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• More information

  View application steps for a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program on How to apply - Graduate research.

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Book a 1-on-1 advice session with a career advisor or call us on 1800 878 916.

  Fremantle and Broome
  Email: future@nd.edu.au
  Address: 23 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160

  Sydney and Melbourne
  Email: sydney@nd.edu.au
  Address: 128-140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008

  International students
  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.

  Fremantle and Broome International Office
  Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
  Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
  Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959

  Sydney and Melbourne International Office
  Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
  Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
  Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007