Chapter 2: Research Degrees
2.4 Masters Research Degrees
2.4.1 100% Research
The Faculty offers six Masters degrees that can be undertaken by 100% Research: Master of Arts, Master of Environmental Science, Master of Bioethics, Master of Arts (Theatre Performance), Master of Arts (Creative Writing) and Master of Arts (Music Composition). These are Faculty of Arts degrees and the Faculty Board controls the regulations and procedures with the assistance of the Arts Research Graduate School Committee ( ARGSC) and the Research Graduate School Committee (RGSC).
Candidates who wish to complete a pure (100%) research degree in the Environmental Science area can enrol in either the Master of Environmental Science degree or in the Master of Arts in Environmental Science.
Entry Requirements
The minimum qualification for admission is a bachelor degree requiring at least four years full-time study, including a research component in the fourth year, leading to an honours degree or a Postgraduate Diploma degree with a research component at first or upper second-class level, as well as a grade of distinction or above, or the equivalent, for the research project.
Length of thesis
Prior to 1 January 2002, the required thesis length for Master of Arts and Master of Bioethics by 100% Research, was 40,000 to 60,000 words. Master of Arts, Master of Environmental Science and Master of Bioethics candidates who commenced after 1 January 2002 submit a thesis of 30,000 to 40,000 words. In line with Monash University's policy that existing research candidates must not be disadvantaged as compared to new research candidates when new policies are introduced, research candidates who started prior to January 1, 2002 are able to submit either under the new or the previous guidelines.
2.4.2 66% Research Combined With Coursework
The Faculty offers the Master of Arts, Master of Environmental Science and Master of Arts (Music Performance) with a combination of research and coursework. These are Faculty of Arts degrees and the Faculty Board controls the regulations and procedures with the assistance of the Arts research Graduate School Committee ( ARGSC ) and the Research Graduate School Committee (RGSC). The research component is 66% of the overall course requirements, with the remainder of the course consisting of 5th year level units to the value of 24 points.
Entry Requirements
The minimum qualification for admission is a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study (or equivalent part-time study), including a research component in the fourth year, leading to an honours degree, or a Postgraduate Diploma with a research component. Applicants are expected to have an overall grade of H2A (Distinction) or above as well as a grade of Distinction (or above) for the research project/component, or the equivalent.
Applicants without previous research experience who have a postgraduate degree such as a Graduate Diploma or a Masters by coursework degree where at least 75% of the subjects have a grade of distinction or above, may be admitted to a 66% Research degree and as part of the required 24 points of coursework units enrol for a 12-point research project research.
Thesis Length For 66% Research
Master of Arts
Prior to 2002, candidates submitted a thesis of 25,000 to 35,000 words. Candidates who commenced their research after 1 January 2002 submit a thesis of 20,000 to 25, 000 words. Research candidates who commenced prior to 1 January 2002 are able to submit a thesis under the old or the new word length. This is in line with Monash University's policy, which stipulates that existing research candidates cannot be disadvantaged when new policies are introduced.
Master of Environmental Science
Research candidates undertaking a Master of Environmental Science degree who commenced prior to January 1, 2004 enrolled for 24 points of coursework units at 5th year level, before beginning a team research project. The integrated research project, which is submitted for examination, consists of three components as well as the team project, and is weighted at 66% of assessment. The three individual papers are worth 50% consisting of a Research Paper of 4500 - 6000 words (worth 25%), a Policy Paper of 3500 - 4500 words (worth 15%) and a Systems Paper of 2000 words (worth 10%). The Team Research Report makes up the other 50% of the research outcome. For more information on the special requirements of the integrated research project should refer to the document 'Special Requirements for MenvSc Research Candidates Who Commenced Prior to January 1 2004' available from the Arts Research Graduate School upon request.
Candidates commencing a 66% Master of Environmental Science from January 1, 2004 undertake 24 points of coursework and submit a thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words.
Maximum candidature for both the Master of Arts and the Master of Environmental Science 66% research degrees is 1½ years full-time, or three years part-time.
Readmission to candidature
A candidate who is readmitted to their degree falls under the guidelines prevalent at the time of their readmission.
2.4.3 Minimum and Maximum Periods of Candidature
100% Research Masters Degrees
The maximum period of Masters candidature for research candidates starting from 2002 onwards is two years full-time or four years part-time. Minimum candidature for all Masters research candidates is one year full-time or two years part-time. Research candidates, whether full-time or part-time, need to attend the university regularly.
66% Research Masters Degrees
The maximum period of Masters candidature for research candidates starting from 2002 onwards is one and a half years full-time or three years part-time. Minimum candidature for all Masters research candidates is one year full-time or two years part-time. Research candidates, whether full-time or part-time, need to attend the university regularly.