Part 3: Admission to candidature

Governance

The admission of applicants to the course Master of Science Preliminary is controlled by the Research Degrees Committee on behalf of Faculty Board. Any admission decision taken by the Research Degrees Committee is subject to endorsement by Faculty Board.

If the Research Degrees Committee does not approve the application it is usually referred back to the head of school for further consideration. If the matter becomes one of dispute between the Research Degrees Committee and the head of school, Faculty Board will be requested to resolve the issue.

Where applicants have any concerns they should direct these to the Graduate Studies Officer in the first instance or the Associate Dean (Graduate Studies).

Reference to Handbook for Doctoral and Master of Philosophy Degrees

Please note that a number of these guidelines are based on those given in the Monash Research Graduate School Reference to Handbook for Doctoral and Master of Philosophy Degrees and that where the faculty's guidelines are incomplete reference will normally be sought from this source. Candidates should, however, direct any concerns that they may have to the Graduate Studies Officer in the first instance or the Associate Dean (Graduate Studies).

Eligibility for admission requirements

Recent graduates

New graduates with only a pass degree in a relevant field (and who have not attempted honours in that field) will require at least a credit grade average in relevant third-year units to the value of 50 per cent of third year. Applicants should note that the support of the school is also required and a credit grade average does not guarantee admission to the course.

Graduates with honours in a different field

For graduates with honours in a different field (not regarded as a suitable preparation for direct admission to their proposed graduate studies), or for applicants applying several years after graduation and whose subsequent training and experience is deemed inadequate for direct admission to the proposed graduate studies, or non-university graduates with a diploma or other qualifications, admission may be approved if they are judged to have sufficient aptitude for research in the proposed field and a suitable motivation towards relevant studies.

Other applicants

A strong case for admission must be made by the head of school to the dean where an applicant does not have the required credit grade average at third year level. Such an application will only be considered where there are exceptional circumstances and relevant expenience can be demonstrated.

Process for application

Please consult the Faculty of Science website for contact details and research strengths of the faculty's schools and research centres.

Admission to candidature is subject to the availability of facilities in the proposed field of research, and the availability and willingness of a member of the academic staff to supervise the candidate. Please note that an academic staff member may decline a request to be a supervisor of any applicant.

The procedure for application is as follows:

Australian citizens and permanent residents

Applications supported by certified evidence of prior qualifications, a research proposal and any other supporting information should be made on the appropriate form available from the Faculty of Science website or the Graduate Studies Officer and submitted to the relevant head of school.

Applications supported by the head of school are then forwarded to the Faculty of Science office for consideration by the Research Degrees Committee. For local applicants the faculty will communicate the decision of the Research Degrees Committee to the applicant and to the school.

International applicants

Applications supported by certified evidence of prior qualifications, a research proposal, and any other supporting information, including evidence of English language proficiency, should be made on the appropriate form and submitted to Monash University International Student Admissions office .

English language proficiency requirements are described in full on the Monash University International Student Admissions office . Applicants should undertake a test of English language ability where there are any doubts as to whether the requirements have been met.

The Monash University International Student Admissions office will then forward the application to the Faculty of Science office whose staff will consult with the appropriate school to ascertain whether or not the application can be supported at school level. Following this assessment by the school the Research Degrees Committee (on behalf of Faculty Board), will communicate the decision to the Monash University International Student Admissions office, who will then inform the applicant.