Postgraduate Degrees (research based)

Postgraduate degrees which are research based are also known as Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) at Monash.

The campus currently offers the following HDR programs on-campus:

• Doctor of Philosophy for Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Engineering, Information Technology, Medical and Health Sciences and Science
• Masters for Arts and Social Sciences, Engineering Science and Science
• Master of Philosophy for Business and Information Technology

A significant number of scholarships have been provided and awarded to the Honours and postgraduate students since 2005. This intention is to attract the best students from the region to undertake these programs.

Research focused skills 

• Problem solving and formulating/answering questions
• Finding, sorting, assessing and synthesising existing knowledge within the relevant discipline
• Choosing and designing appropriate research methodology and recognising the strengths and limitations of competing methodologies
• Skills as an independent researcher, including open mindedness and lateral thinking
• Planning and executing a research project
• Conducting research in a safe, ethical and culturally sensitive matter
• Objectively evaluating and interpreting research results
• Assessing the implications of the research undertaken
• Communicating new knowledge to specialist and lay audiences.

Understanding of the broader research environment

• Where appropriate, associate supervisors are drawn from business and industry to broaden the context within which students pursue research training
• Information sharing with the wider community
• Professional development opportunities for students during their studies.

Generic employment skills

• Analytical skills, and a capacity for innovative and lateral thinking
• Management skills: time management, communication, presentation and organisational skills
• Appreciation of the need for cooperation and teamwork
• Confidence and ability to mix with work colleagues at all levels, including via formal presentations
• Advanced multi-disciplinary training in research
• Efficient utilisation of appropriate modern technologies
• Appreciation of the value of life-long learning
   

Higher Degree by Research Programs

• Master of Arts

The Master of Arts (MA) with 100% research is available by 100% thesis. Candidates undertaking this degree are expected to submit a thesis of 30,000 to 40,000 words. The period of candidature is 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time. Minimum candidature for all research students is 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. Research students, whether full-time or part-time must be able to attend the university regularly. Student enrolling for a 100% research MA degree can start their candidature at any time of the year.
 

• Master of Science

  The Master of Science is a research degree for which candidates are required to submit a major thesis which comprises the results of the investigation carried out by the candidate. The thesis should demonstarte independence of thought and the candidate's ability to carry out research in the chosen area of science. The MSc is a 24 months full-time equivalent program.
   

• Master of Engineering Science (Research)

  This degree by major thesis is intended to provide a candidate with basic training in the methodology of research, and to gain in-depth insight into an important topic of current Engineering interest. Prospective students should talk to potential supervisors about possible research topics and explore areas of interest. Although not essential, most people embarking on a research degree already have a preference for a particular area of research arising from personal interests. Supervision in the areas of Physics and Mathematics for Master of Science (Research) and PhD is also available through the School of Engineering. The normal length of candidature is 2 years (full-time) or 4 years (part-time).
   

• Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

  The MPhil was introduced to complement existing faculty-based research masters programs. Successful completion of the program will signify that the candidate has successfully completed a course of research training and has satisfied the examiners that he/she can carry out a research project and analyse critically the results. While it is not necessary that an MPhil thesis would make a major contribution to the discipline by way of new knowledge (as a PhD would require), an MPhil thesis would be expected to make a contribution to an existing body of knowledge by applying, clarifying, critiquing or interpreting that knowledge. The MPhil is a 24 months full-time equivalent program.
   

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

  The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Monash signifies that the holder has completed a course of postgraduate training in research under proper academic supervision and has submitted a thesis that the examiners have declared to be a significant contribution to knowledge and which demonstrates the candidate’s capacity to carry out independent research.
   

• 6 steps to become a research student
   

• Application process at Sunway campus
   

• Handbook for Doctoral and MPhil Degrees
   

• If you have any queries and would like to know more about our programs, please visit the links below or check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).