Master of Philosophy

2018 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2018 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]
Year2018 course information
Award granted Master of Philosophy
Course Map

This course map is for new students commencing from 2018.

If you require a course map from a previous year, please contact a Student Adviser.

CampusOffered at Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Cloud CampusNo
Duration2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code093847E Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Deakin course codeH800

Course sub-headings

Course overview

This elite intensive research degree in health and (bio-) medical sciences will provide students with the opportunity to pursue and independent investigative research project under the supervision of an academic staff member in the School of Medicine, along with coursework specifically designed to provide relevant skills in research design, communication, integrity and interpretation. This course will provide students with a dedicated pathway into PhD programs or into employment where deeper disciplinary knowledge and research skills are required.  

The research projects that centre on the basis of health and disease span from basic gene discovery and molecular analysis, through to functional genomics and pre-clinical development, to clinical and population studies. This includes in the fields of immunity, infectious diseases, developmental biology, exercise physiology and metabolism, musculoskeletal biology, haematology, cancer, metabolic disease, neuroscience, molecular psychiatry and nanomedicine. Research projects may also be offered in the field of rural and regional medicine, general practice, chronic disease management, public health, medical education, epidemiology, farmer health, medical imaging, surgery and optometry.

Indicative student workload

You should be able to commit 36 hours a week towards the Master of Philosophy degree. A student is entitled to 20 working days annual leave from candidature on approval by their Principal Supervisor.

Career opportunities

The Master of Philosophy is specifically designed to provide students from diverse undergraduate backgrounds with an opportunity to expand their knowledge base and become an independent researcher with specialized technical, critical thinking, communication and cognitive skills. These skills are highly sought by many employers, with the course providing students with a dedicated pathway into national and international PhD programs or into careers within academia, industry, medical research as well as government and non-government scientific agencies, both local and global.

Participation requirements

Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, your fee category and the year you started. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit www.deakin.edu.au/fees.

Course Learning Outcomes

Graduate Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities

Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in a chosen area of research in the medical discipline.

Plan and execute a substantial research project that demonstrates complex knowledge and application of medical research principles and methods.

Communication

Interpret and efficiently transmit knowledge, skills, ideas and data to specialist and non-specialist audiences using highly developed written and oral communication skills

Apply listening and effective communication skills to accommodate, encourage and answer questions from an audience and to defend research findings and propositions.

Digital Literacy

Use digital technologies to locate, curate, interpret and disseminate relevant evidence-based literature to formulate research hypotheses, concepts and theories.

Critical thinking

Critically analyse literature, research data and other information relevant to the medical discipline to develop a conceptual framework for a substantial research project.

Problem Solving

Demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement and responsibility to critically analyse, reflect upon and synthesise complex information, concepts and theories by planning and executing a substantial research project in the chosen field of study.

Contribute to advancements in knowledge of the discipline through mastering the use of instruments and techniques, to collect, interpret, analyse, synthesise and disseminate research data and findings.

Self-management

Demonstrate a high level of personal autonomy, professionalism and responsibility in the acquisition of knowledge and in the planning and execution of a research project and interpretation of its data and findings.

Teamwork

Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with research peers and non-specialist stakeholders to address complex real-world problems in a variety of settings.

Global Citizenship

Demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills in conducting best-practice research of the highest ethical standards and in managing, sharing data and disseminating research findings across wider research and cultural communities.

 

Course rules

A Master of Philosophy is awarded for an original contribution to knowledge achieved in two years of full-time study (or four years of part-time study).

To complete the Master of Philosophy must complete 4 credit points of research training coursework that includes research design, communication, integrity and interpretation, in addition to an independent research project under the supervision of a nominated supervisor.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.

Course structure

HMH812Unit description is currently unavailable (1 credit point)

Students will work continuously on their research project over a two-year period full-time or four year period part-time.

 

In addition, students need to complete 4 credit points of research training coursework units within the first year (FTE) of the course.

HMH810Unit description is currently unavailable (2 credit points)

HMH811Unit description is currently unavailable (1 credit point)

And one of:

HMH800Unit description is currently unavailable (1 credit point)

or

HSH746Unit description is currently unavailable (1 credit point)

Work experience

Career Pathway Placements (internships) with industry partners, are offered as an elective, to all domestic and international HDR students. The timing of a proposed placement should be discussed with the supervisory team, and approved by the School HDR Coordinator.

Other course information

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.