University of Sydney Handbooks - 2012 Archive

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Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

The Master of Philosophy is a research degree awarded for a thesis focusing on research within the disciplines of nursing and midwifery or within health and health care. A unit of coursework may be required to support the development of research skills and improve understanding of research methods. Candidates work independently on a research project under the guidance of supervisors appointed by Sydney Nursing School.

Admission requirements

Students wishing to enrol in this degree should have a bachelor's degree with first or upper second-class honours (2nd Class, Division 1) or a coursework master's degree from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualifications from another university or institution and be registered or eligible to register to practise nursing in Australia. Post-registration nursing experience is also required. Applications from other registered health professionals are welcome.

Students intending to apply for candidature must submit a research proposal with their application.

Workload

The Master of Philosophy is a research-based degree assessed by the examination of a thesis of a maximum of 60,000 words on a topic of the student's choice. During candidature students work closely with their supervisors, who must be consulted regularly about the general design, planning, conduct and progress of the research, and the preparation of the written thesis.

Master of Philosophy students are expected to participate in the research workshops in Semesters One and Two, and to attend Sydney Nursing School's Research Week. Students will have the opportunity to present their work to colleagues and peers at a school research forum.

Master of Philosophy students are required to complete a period of probationary candidature in accordance with the degree resolutions and also undergo an annual progress review and interview.

Course rules

 

Master of Philosophy


These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 (the 'HDR Rule'), the Academic Board resolutions relating to the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy and the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended).

Course resolutions

Part 1: Preliminary

1 Course codes

Code

Course and stream title

 GC005

Master of Philosophy

Part 2: Admission requirements

2 Eligibility for admission to candidature

(1)
To be eligible to be admitted to candidature by the Dean or Associate Dean, an applicant must have the qualifications and experience outlined in sub-clause 2(2), except where, in the opinion of the dean, the applicant can demonstrate equivalent qualifications and evidence of experience and achievement required to successfully undertake the award.
(2)
An applicant must:
(a)
hold or have completed the requirements for:
(i)  a bachelor's degree with first or second class honours; or
(ii)  a master's degree;
(b)
be registered to practise nursing or midwifery in New South Wales or another state or territory of Australia or be registered as a nurse or midwife in a country other than Australia; and
(c)
have a minimum of one year's post-registration experience as a registered nurse or midwife in a relevant field.

3 Application for admission to candidature

(1)
An applicant for admission to candidature must submit to the Faculty:
(a)
satisfactory evidence of the applicant's eligibility for admission;
(b)
a proposed course of research and advanced study, approved by the Associate Dean Research in which the work is to be undertaken; and
(c)
a statement certifying the applicant's understanding that, subject to the HDR Rule, if the candidature is successful, his or her thesis will be lodged with the University Librarian and made available for immediate public use.

4 Credit transfer

The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the granting of credit for previous studies, including the effect on completion times.

Part 3: Candidature

5 Appointment of supervisor

The Associate Dean Research will appoint a supervisor and associate supervisor for each candidate in accordance with the HDR Rule and Academic Board policies for postgraduate research higher degree supervision.

6 Control of candidature

The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the control of candidature by the University.

7 Location of candidature and attendance

The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the location of candidature and attendance by candidates at the University.

Part 4: Requirements

8 Degree requirements

(1)
To satisfy the requirements of the degree candidates must:
(a)
complete any specified probationary requirements;
(b)
complete any prescribed units of study;
(c)
conduct research on the approved topic; and
(d)
write a thesis embodying the results of the research.

9 The thesis

(1)
A candidate shall produce a thesis that meets the requirements specified in the HDR Rule.
(2)
The thesis will have a maximum length of 60,000 words, except with the permission of the Director, Research Students.

Part 5: Enrolment and progression

10 Probation

(1)
A candidate is normally accepted for candidature on a probationary basis for a period not exceeding one year according to the provisions of the HDR Rule.
(2)
In the probationary period each candidate must:
(a)
complete any prescribed unit of study;
(b)
develop and present a refined research proposal to the satisfaction of the Supervisor and Associate Dean Research; and
(c)
demonstrate adequate English language competency for the completion of the degree.

11 Time limits, earliest and latest submission dates

The HDR Rule specifies the allowable completion times and submission dates available for full- and part-time candidates in this course.

12 Mode of attendance

The attendance pattern for this course is full-time or part-time according to candidate choice but is subject to approval by the Board of Postgraduate Studies.

13 Discontinuation of candidature

A candidate may discontinue enrolment in a unit of study or the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.

14 Suspension of candidature

A candidate may suspend enrolment from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.

15 Leave of absence

A candidate may take leave of absence from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.

16 Progress

A candidate is required to maintain satisfactory progress towards the timely completion of the degree. Progress will be reviewed annually according to the provisions of the HDR Rule.

Part 6: Examination

17 Form of the thesis

A candidate must ensure that the thesis prepared for examination is typewritten and bound according to the Academic Board resolutions of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

18 Examination of the thesis

(1)
Examination of the thesis will be conducted in general accordance with standards prescribed by Academic Board for the Doctor of Philosophy, except that:
(a)
three copies of the thesis shall be submitted by the candidate;
(b)
two examiners will be appointed by the Faculty, at least one of whom shall be external to the University; and
(c)
the Board of Postgraduate Studies will act in place of the PhD Award Sub-Committee.
(2)
On successful completion of the examination process a minimum of two copies of the thesis will be required by the Faculty, one for lodgement in the University Library, as provided in the HDR Rule, and the other for lodgement in the Faculty Library.

19 Award of the degree

The degree is awarded at the Pass level only.

Part 7: Other

20 Transitional provisions

(1)
These course resolutions apply to students who commenced their candidature after 1 January, 2012 and students who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January, 2012 who elect to proceed under these resolutions.
(2)
Candidates who commenced prior to 1 January, 2012 may complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement, provided that requirements are completed within the time limits specified in those resolutions. The Dean or Associate Dean may specify a later date for completion or specify alternative requirements for completion of candidatures that extend beyond this time.