Skip to content | Change text size

Master of Science (MSc)

Information provided on this page includes:

  1. Course overview
  2. MSc by external candidature
  3. Entry requirements
  4. Application process
  5. Further information

1. Course overview

Course code: 2700 / 3532
CRICOS code: 001469K
First offered: 2000
Campuses: Clayton, Gippsland, Malaysia, or by external mode
Duration: Up to two years (full-time) or four years (part-time)
Fees for local students: No course fees (Australian citizens and permanent residents are exempted from course tuition fees under the Research Training Scheme (RTS))
Fees for international students: Course tuition fee of $26,200 (2008 rate)
Conditions of candidature: refer to the Policies and guidelines for admission, candidature, and award of degree for the course Master of Science by research

The Master of Science by research requires a candidate to undertake a prescribed program of research under the direct supervision of a member of the academic staff leading to a major thesis. The course may be undertaken in any of the schools within the faculty as well as the School of Geography and Environmental Science ( in the Faculty of Arts) and the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC).

The major thesis should embody the results of an investigation carried out by the candidate, under supervision, which shows independence of thought and which demonstrates his or her ability to carry out research in the field. The major thesis should normally have a word length of between 50,000 and 70,000 words although individual school requirements may differ. There is also the option to submit a series of referenced publications (thesis by publication) as an alternative to a traditional thesis.

2. MSc by external candidature

External candidature allows candidates the flexibility to undertake a higher degree by research while in their workplace. It also provides the opportunity for the candidate to spend a substantial period in an acclaimed and reputable institute or industry outside Monash University.

3. Entry requirements

Recent graduates: an applicant who graduated within three years from the time of application should normally hold a class 1 (H1) or class 2A honours (H2A) degree in a relevant field. Normally applicants would have a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and have completed a major sequence and research project in the research field for which admission is sought; or
Completion of a masters preliminary course: a masters preliminary qualification deemed to be equivalent to the above requirements; or
Other applicants: for graduates with honours in a different field (not regarded as a suitable preparation for direct admission to their proposed graduate studies), or applicants applying more than three years after graduation, or a non-university graduate with a diploma or other qualifications, a period of research, industrial, teaching, or other relevant experience may qualify the applicant for admission to candidature, subject to a case successfully being made for H2A Equivalence. Documentary evidence must be provided in support of the relevant experience. In recommending acceptance of such a candidate the head of school should be satisfied that the candidate would not require an undue amount of supervision or be likely to make demands beyond the capacity of the school's resources.
English language proficiency requirements: applicants must meet Monash University’s minimum English language proficiency requirements to gain entry into the MSc. (please note that the minimum English language proficiency requirements are the same for Masters and Doctoral candidates.

4. Application process

  1. Determine the school or centre in which you intend to undertake your course (please also consult the list of faculty research strengths and the research supervisor matrix to identify a potential supervisor).
  2. Consult the Policies and guidelines for admission, candidature, and award of degree for the course Master of Science by research
  3. International applicants should consult the information given on the Monash International Recruitment Services website
  4. Submit completed application forms. Local applicants: complete this form (doc 281kb), Monash Malaysia applicants: complete this form (pdf 71kb) and International applicants: apply via Monash International Recruitment Services. Applications are accepted at any time.

5. Further information