University of Technology Sydney

C04267v5 Master of Philosophy in Science

Award(s): Master of Philosophy in Science in (name of Science major) (MPhilSc)
CRICOS code: 080272B
Commonwealth supported place?: No
Load credit points: 96
Course EFTSL: 2
Location: City campus

Notes

This course is not offered by direct entry. Admission is via Internal Course Transfer with faculty approval.


Overview
Course aims
Career options
Course intended learning outcomes
Admission requirements
Recognition of prior learning
Course duration and attendance
Course structure
Course completion requirements
Other information

Overview

The Master of Philosophy in Science provides students with a unique opportunity to undertake original research and gain in-depth knowledge in their particular scientific field. Students have access to staff that are leading researchers and experts in their field. Undertaking this course allows students to explore their research potential and develop research skills. This course is designed to provide a pathway to the UTS PhD program.

The course contains a choice of professional subjects relevant to all science disciplines. The subjects encompass the development of a suite of skills important to a professional scientist; be they engaged in research, science businesses, industries, or government organisations. These are the skills of communication, critical analysis, project management and innovation and commercialisation. The professional strand is complemented by a choice of major study in a specific science or mathematics field. The second half of the course comprises a substantial research component, giving students an opportunity to undertake original, cutting-edge research. For students with suitable achievement levels, this provides a direct pathway to the UTS PhD program

Course aims

The course provides graduates with analytic tools and disciplinary knowledge, combined with creative, logical approaches to problem solving and professional skills that facilitate real-world application of the science such as project management, IP management and commercialisation. With a substantial research component, students develop and expand their research skills, which can be utilised either in industry R&D or as the initial foundations of a professional research career.

Career options

Career options vary according to the major chosen, and all graduates have training in the professional attributes that employers seek. The skills learnt expand career horizons and enhance prospects for promotion in the rapidly evolving science professions. Graduates in all majors may also proceed to a career in research through entry to a PhD.

  • Graduates of the Biomedical Engineering major are prepared for innovative careers in medical device and biotechnology companies, hospitals, government policy and regulatory agencies, bionanomaterial production, clinical engineering, and research and development teams where the ability to creatively combine biology with technology leads to scientific discovery.
  • Graduates of the Mathematical and Statistical Modelling major can apply their logistic, statistical and modelling skills across a diverse range of global organisations and industries, including banking and finance sectors, health, information technology, commercialisation, and market research.

Course intended learning outcomes

1.1 Demonstrate critical engagement with the appraisal of advanced knowledge and demonstrate advanced application of knowledge and technical skills to conduct research and generate new knowledge relevant to professional practice in science.
2.1 Assess, argue for, and conduct appropriate approaches to independent research and solving complex problems and apply a research methodology to address a research need in a relevant professional context.
3.1 Develop, prepare, and engage, at times collaboratively, in work practices that demonstrate an understanding of health and safety requirements, ethical conduct, risk management, organisation, record keeping and collaborative skills in the context of science.
4.1 Discover, create, and self-reflect on the processes used to determine the value, integrity, and relevance of multiple sources of information to derive innovative solutions to complex science problems.
5.1 Present and communicate complex ideas and justifications using appropriate communication approaches from a variety of methods (oral, written, visual) to communicate with discipline experts, scientists, industry, and the general public.
6.1 Critically reflect on Indigenous Australian contexts to inform research and professional cultural capability to work effectively with and for, Indigenous Australians within science.

Admission requirements

Applicants must have completed a UTS recognised bachelor's degree, or an equivalent or higher qualification, or submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate studies.

This program is normally available to students who have commenced in the Master of Science (Extension) (C04265) or Master of Science (C04241), and demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and research potential. Admission is via internal course transfer. Prospective students have to complete the supplementary faculty honours admission form and organise a supervisor and project.

The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL: paper based: 550-583 overall with TWE of 4.5, internet based: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64 with a writing score of 50; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 with a writing score of 169.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

International students

Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.

Recognition of prior learning

Students enrolled in this course may be eligible for recognition of prior learning of up to 24 credit points if the subjects previously studied are deemed by UTS: Science to be equivalent to those specified for their course.

To be considered for recognition of prior learning, subjects must normally have been completed no more than five years prior to the commencement of this course.

Course duration and attendance

The course is offered on a two-year, full-time basis.

Course structure

The course requires 96 credit points of study, comprising 24 credit points of professional stream subjects, a 24-credit-point major and a 48-credit-point intensive research component.

This honours component of the course is a research project that extends over the final year and normally takes the form of an experimental, analytical or theoretical investigation. Candidates may also be required to undertake one or more critical reviews of the literature in the area of their project. During the course of their research project, candidates are also offered workshops to help with the writing and interpretation of results. The results of the project are presented in an oral seminar and in a written thesis, both of which are formally assessed.

Course completion requirements

STM91284 Professional stream (Science PG) 24cp
CBK90908 Science major choice (Honours) 24cp
CBK90909 Choice (Honours) 48cp
Total 96cp

Other information

Further information is available from:

UTS Student Centre
telephone 1300 ask UTS (1300 275 887)
or +61 2 9514 1222
Ask UTS

Further information regarding honours, including available projects and the application process, can be found at:

UTS: Science, Honours