Master of Scientific Studies
Why study the Master of Scientific Studies at UNE?
The Master of Scientific Studies is designed to provide specialized training in a specific field of study. The degree involves advanced level course work study in selected areas plus a thesis embodying the results of an approved research project.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are also qualified for employment in research organisations such as CSIRO and ANSTO, universities, environmental protection agencies, and scientific research laboratories.
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Degree Snapshot
DURATION
1.5 Years Full-time3 Years Part-time
FEES
CSP (quotas apply) or Full Fee2008 STUDY OPTIONS
Not offered in 2008.How to Apply
Domestic Students
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| Official Abbreviation | MScStud |
| Course Type | Postgraduate |
| Commencement | Semester 1 and Semester 2 |
| Study Mode | On and Off Campus |
| Course Duration |
|
| Fees | CSP (quotas apply) or Full Fee |
| Total Credit Points | 72 |
| Benefits | Further postgraduate opportunities: Graduates who have included SCI 695 (thesis) in their program of study are eligible to apply for admission to candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Articulation from the Graduate Diploma in Science: On completion of the Graduate Diploma, students are able to transfer to the Master of Scientific Studies with 24 credit points of advanced standing for units completed towards the Graduate Diploma. |
| How to apply | New students to UNE apply to study on or off campus through UAC. For more information, click here Former or current students apply to study on or off campus directly to UNE using the postgraduate admission form. For more information, click here |
| Intensive Schools | Intensive mandatory schools may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements. |
| Entry Requirements | The normal requirement for admission to the Master of Scientific Studies is a three-year degree with a major sequence in the chosen. Off campus candidates must have access to appropriate research facilities and on-site supervision for completion of the thesis component. |
| Advanced Standing | Advanced standing may be granted for a maximum of 24 credit points on the basis previous study completed at a recognised tertiary institution. This can include six credit points of advanced standing which may be granted on the basis of relevant professional experience. |
| Academic Colours |
strawberry pink (BCC 182) |
| Further Information | 
You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE |
1.Admission to Candidature
1.1. An applicant for admission to candidature for the degree of Master of Scientific Studies shall:
(a) have fulfilled all of the requirements for admission to the degree of Bachelor of Science in the University; or
(b) have fulfilled all of the requirements for admission to a degree or other qualification acceptable to the school as sufficient qualification for admission to candidature.
1.2. Admission to candidature and the date of commencement of candidature shall be determined by the school on the recommendation of the relevant postgraduate course coordinator.
2. Requirements for the Degree of Master of Scientific Studies
2.1. Each candidate shall complete a course of study approved by the school and pass such examinations as shall be prescribed.
2.2. (a) The course of study shall comprise the completion of units with a total value of at least 72 credit points including graduate-level units in the faculty with a value of at least 48 credit points and for this purpose graduate-level units are defined as those at 500 level or higher; or
(b) The course of study shall comprise the completion of units with a total value of at least 72 credit points including graduate-level units with a value of at least 48 credit points from those listed in one of the approved course work programs listed in Rule 2.6.
(c) Approval may be granted for a candidate to include a thesis, SCI 695, in the course of study.
(d) All units for the degree must be at 300 level or higher.
(e) The units SCI 501 and 502 may be included in the program of study and, if included, shall be additional to the graduate-level units prescribed in Rules 2.2.(a) and 2.2.(b).
2.3. In special circumstances and with the approval of the Postgraduate Course Coordinator other units available from subjects offered within the university may be substituted for one or more of the units approved for the Master subject to Rule 2.2.
2.4. The unit SCI 695 involves a research project and thesis. The project topic must be approved in advance by the Postgraduate Course Coordinator on the recommendation of the head of the supervising school, who will also appoint a supervisor for the project. The project may take the form of a design or a field or laboratory investigation or other research.
2.5. Depending upon the candidate’s academic and professional background and the nature of the research project, the school may permit the candidate to undertake part or all of the project away from the University.
2.6. Approved Course Work Programs
The school may prescribe programs by which the degree shall be named on the testamur and transcript. A candidate shall complete a course of study approved by the Postgraduate Course Coordinator subject to Rule 2.2. and including units chosen from one of the following programs:
Biotechnology
BCHM 310/510, 320/520, 330/530; CHEM 303/503, 305/505, 307/507; GENE 340/540, 500; HORT 420, 510; MICR 350, 360/560;
Biomedical Science
ANAT310/510; BCHM 310/510, 320/520, 330/530; BIOP 320/520; CHEM 303/503, 305/505; GENE 340/540, 500; HUMN 340; MICR 350, 360/560; PSIO, 331/531, 332/532, 510; PSYC 304, 363, 366; STAT 300;
Botany
AGRO 501; BOTY 355/555, 360, 370, 402, 403; ECOL 307/507, 311/511, 402, 403; EM 353/553; EVOL 301/501; HORT 420, 510; RSNR403/503
Chemistry
CHEM 302/502, 303/503, 305/505, 306/506, 307/507; PHYS 301/501; BCHM 310/510, 320/520, 330/530; MICR 350; 360/560;
Ecology
BOTY 355/555, 360, 370, 402, 403, 411; ECOL 311/511, 307/507, 402, 403; EM 323/523, 353/553; ZOOL 327, 328/528;
Health
ANAT310/510; BCHM 320/520; BIOP 320/520; GENE 340/540; HUMN 340; MICR 350; PSIO 331/531, 332/532; STAT 300; not more than four units may be chosen from: ARPA 361; HHSC 343, 383/583, 384/584, 385/585, 398/498; HS 352; PSYC 363, 366;
Mathematics and Statistics
MATH 501, 502, 503, 504; PMTH 332, 333, 338, 339; STAT 300, 354, 356, 357; 501, 502, 503, 504;
Physics
BIOP 320/520; COMP 582; MATH 501, 502, 503, 504; PHYS 301/501, 311/511; STAT 501, 502, 503, 504; plus other 300/500 level CHEM, COMP, MATH, STAT units;
Zoology
ECOL 307/507, 311/511, 402, 403; EM 323/523, 353/553; MSM 304/504, 308/508; ZOOL 326, 327, 328/528.
3. Period of Candidature
The requirements for the degree shall be completed over a period of not more than two years in the case of full-time candidates or over a period of not more than five years in the case of part-time candidates except that in exceptional circumstances and on the recommendation of the candidate’s supervisor, the period of candidature may be extended.
4. Advanced Standing
On the recommendation of the relevant postgraduate course coordinator, a student may be granted advanced standing to a maximum of 24 credit points towards the Master in terms of Advanced Standing Rule 2 provided that:
(a) the maximum advanced standing which may be granted in terms of Rule 2.1.(a) for an awarded Graduate Certificate or a Graduate Diploma in a relevant area offered by the University shall be for units counting 24 credit points; or
(b) the maximum advanced standing which may be granted in terms of Rule 2.1.(b) shall be for units counting 24 credit points; or
(c) the maximum advanced standing which may be granted in terms of Rule 2.2.(b) shall be for units counting 12 credit points; and
(d) the maximum advanced standing which may be granted in terms of Rule 2.3. shall be for units counting six credit points;
(e) advanced standing shall not be granted for SCI 695.
5. Supervisor’s Reports
The supervisor shall report to the school on the progress of the candidate’s work after two semesters from the date of enrolment and at any other time considered expedient.
6. Presentation of Thesis
6.1. The thesis shall be written concisely in English and, except with the special permission of the school in exceptional circumstances, shall not exceed 20 000 words, exclusive of tables, plates, figures and appendices. A successful thesis shall show capacity on the part of the candidate for independence of thought and critical evaluation of the candidate’s own and published work in his or her field of study. The candidate shall state generally in the preface and specifically throughout the thesis the source of his or her information and the extent to which he or she has used the work of others. The candidate may not present as the thesis any work that has been the basis of the award of a degree of this University or other institution but is not precluded from incorporating such work in the thesis provided that, in presenting the thesis, the candidate indicates the part of the work that has been so incorporated.
6.2. The candidate shall submit to the Student Centre two copies of the thesis bound in a form approved by the school. The candidate shall submit with the thesis a statement from his or her supervisor certifying that the thesis is in a form suitable for examination.
7. Examination of the Thesis
Rules for Examination of Theses can be found here.