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Master of Philosophy

Overview

The Master of Philosophy is a research degree aimed at those who intend to pursue research careers in oral health or a related field or who wish to upgrade their qualifications to give them a competitive edge in their employment by demonstrating superior ability and some research experience. It may also be used as a stepping stone to commencing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

During this degree, students undertake supervised research leading to the production of a thesis. Students may be required to attend classes or undertake coursework units of study, and the thesis is the only or major examinable assessment requirement for the degree.

Course resolutions

The course resolutions detailed in this page apply to all courses included in the table below under section 1 (course codes).

These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2014 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Coursework Policy 2021 (the 'Coursework Policy'), the Learning and Teaching Policy 2019, the Resolutions of the Faculty, University of Sydney (Student Academic Appeals) Rule 2021, the Academic Integrity Policy 2022 and the Academic Integrity Procedures 2022. Current versions of all policies are available from the Policy Register: http://www.sydney.edu.au/policies

Part 1: Preliminary

1  Course codes

Code Course title
RMPHLMDH-01 Master of Philosophy (Medicine and Health)

Part 2: Admission requirements

2  Eligibility for admission to candidature

(1)  To be eligible to be admitted to candidature by the Associate Dean (Research education), an applicant must hold or have completed the requirements for;

(a) a Bachelor's degree with first class or second class honours from the University of Sydney in a relevant discipline; or

(b) a Master's degree; or

(c) equivalent professional qualifications or experience that demonstrates research experience, excellence and capability.

(2)  The Associate Dean (Research education) may admit to candidature an applicant who does not meet the requirements of sub-clause (1), provided that the applicant holds a qualification qualifications that, in the opinion of the Faculty Research Education Committee, are equivalent to those prescribed in sub-clause (1).

(3)  The Associate Dean (Research education) may impose on a student admitted to candidature pursuant to sub-clause (2) such conditions as the Associate Dean (Research education) considers appropriate.

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) written evidence confirming that an academic within the Faculty, with an academic background appropriate to the candidate's proposed research:

(i) supports the applicant's research proposal; and

(ii) is willing to supervise the research.

(c) a written preliminary research proposal developed in conjunction with the proposed supervisor and in the form specified by the Faculty.

(d) a statement certifying the applicant's understanding that, subject to the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research Rule) 2011, if the candidature is successful, their thesis and record of design-based work will be lodged with the University Libraries and made available for immediate public use;

(e) Evidence of minimum English language requirements, where not demonstrated by academic qualifications; and

(f) the contact details of two academic or practitioner referees.

(2)  In addition, an applicant for admission to part-time candidature must submit a statement that they will have sufficient time available to complete the requirements of the degree in accordance with these resolutions.

4  Credit transfer

(1)  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

(1)  The Associate Dean (Research education) will appoint research supervisors for each candidate in accordance with the HDR Rule and the Higher Degree by Research Supervision Policy 2020.

6  Control of candidature

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

7  Location of candidature and attendance

(1)  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; and

(b) where applicable, complete any prescribed unit/s of study as determined in the relevant Faculty milestones statement, and/or any other studies, as required by the progress evaluation panel of the research project;

(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 an upper limit of 50,000 words including footnotes that may be exceeded by no more than 10,000words with the permission of the Associate Dean (Research Education). The word limit does not include appendices.

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, other than in exceptional circumstances, to the satisfaction of the Faculty Postgraduate Research Education Committee, each candidate must:

(a) meet any conditions set by the Faculty Postgraduate Research Education Committee; and

(b) 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. Visa requirements commonly restrict international students to full-time study only.

13  Discontinuation of candidature

(1)  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

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

15  Leave of absence

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

16  Progress

(1)  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 and the Progress Planning and Review of Higher Degree by Research Students Policy 2015.

Part 6: Examination

17  Examination of the thesis

(1)  Examination of the thesis will be conducted in general accordance with standards prescribed by Academic Board for the Master of Philosophy, which are set out in the Thesis and Examination of Higher Degree by Research Policy 2015.

18  Award of the degree

(1)  The degree is awarded at the Pass level only.

Part 7: Other

19  Transitional provisions

(1)  These resolutions apply to commencing and continuing students after 1 January 2024