Key facts
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification in a relevant discipline with a 5.0 GPA, or a bachelor qualification with relevant research preparation.
View full entry requirements- 2 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- 000477G
| Start Dates and Campus | Research Period 1 | Research Period 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
Understanding and discovery in science drives advancement, providing solutions to the world's health, environmental, agricultural and technological challenges. UNE's Master of Science allows you to study flexibly, to gain expertise and research training, and to contribute to current scientific knowledge. You will be supervised by internationally-recognised scientists and with opportunities to immerse yourself in UNE's vibrant research culture and access to our world-class facilities, develop your skills as a research professional.
Why study the Master of Science with UNE?
Whether your goal is to pursue a career in research, or you wish to gain formal research training for current or future roles, UNE's Master of Science (MSc) is designed to foster your development as a research professional. Our course provides you with rigorous training in processes of scientific research, with flexible study options allowing you to complete your MSc in the way that best suits your lifestyle. Our course can be a pathway to PhD study, providing the pre-requisite training (for example, if you do not hold an Honours degree).
UNE's science research programs emphasise high-quality, high-impact, interdisciplinary scholarship and scientific enquiry, supporting innovation and improving social outcomes in the communities we serve. We seek to find solutions to complex problems, particularly those faced by rural and regional Australia.
With specialist knowledge in your field, you will be future proofing your career with in-demand scientific research skills. Through collaboration and innovation, we are dedicated to producing high-quality, high-impact, interdisciplinary research outcomes to find new applications and solutions to the problems faced in the rapidly changing world.
What makes our course different?
We collaborate extensively with other research groups and our end-user networks, both nationally and globally, to ensure that our research is of the highest quality and positively impacts our communities, industry, and government. Our Master of Science allows you to develop high-level, cutting-edge research skills, leading to an original contribution to knowledge via a thesis. You will also have opportunities to:
- Work with research groups that rank amongst the best in the world. UNE's research is internationally renowned, and in the most recent independent assessment by the Australian Research Council, Excellence in Research Australia, we achieved outstanding results. Across a range of scientific disciplines our research was rated 'above world standard', and 'well above world standard'.
- Hone your applied skills in purpose-built facilities. Our science laboratories and field stations have an extensive range of the latest equipment, instrumentation and technologies to foster excellence in research.
- Join a faculty of over 900 staff and postgraduate students who work together to support your success. Year after year our postgraduate science students rate us highly for providing excellent student support, teaching quality, learning resources and overall experience.
If you are an Australian or New Zealand student and meet the criteria for entry to the Master of Science, you may be funded under the Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP) and may not incur tuition fees for the duration of the course. If you are an international student, you will incur tuition fees.
Internal funding is available to support research projects and UNE offers a range of scholarships for Higher Degree Research students.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
Study on campus
Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
To be eligible to apply for this course you must meet one of the following entry requirements:
- You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0.
- You have completed an AQF Level 7 qualification (or overseas equivalent) in any discipline, and you have had adequate relevant preparation since graduation.*
Eligibility for admission is reviewed by the Associate Dean Research (ADR) or delegate.
The Director Graduate Research has final authority for approving admission to research higher degrees.
All admissions are subject to the HDR Admission and Enrolment Policy.
All applicants must meet the English Language Requirements for all Higher Degree by Research candidates (see English Language Requirements higher than the University Minimum Annex).
* Adequate relevant preparation may be gained through an approved academic course, professional training, work experience or peer reviewed publications.
See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- Previous qualifications documentation. You must provide a certified/notarised copy of your official transcript(s) and certificate(s) for all previous secondary and tertiary study. You do not need to provide transcripts for any previous study completed at UNE. For information on getting your documents certified/notarised, please refer to our Document Certification Guidelines.
- Evidence of supervision. You must provide evidence that at least one UNE academic staff member has agreed to support your application/supervise your research. For example, email communication with your proposed supervisor.
- Research proposal. You must submit a research proposal which you will complete in consultation with your potential supervisor. Your proposal must not be longer than three A4 pages. Please refer to the HDR Application Guidelines for the suggested format.
- Referee reports. You must nominate two people (preferably external to UNE) who can testify to your academic achievements. You will need to contact your referees prior to lodging your application and request that they complete the online HDR Referee Report form. UNE cannot request these reports on your behalf.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. All documents provided must be a certified/notarised copy. Australian citizens must provide a birth certificate, passport or citizenship certificate. New Zealand citizens must provide a passport and visa. Australian Permanent Residents must provide a passport and visa, and the date you became a permanent resident. International applicants must provide a passport, and evidence of the country you hold citizenship in; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved English test within the past two years, please provide a copy of the test results with your application.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
You can apply for Advanced Standing for coursework already completed as part of other qualifications. The relevant Associate Dean Research or delegate will assess and approve Advanced Standing as part of your admission to candidature.
Fees and scholarships
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| International | $36,226* |
| Research Training Program | $0* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $351 |
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both Domestic and International Higher Degree Research (HDR) Students. HDR scholarships can include funding for many things including tuition fees, living allowance stipends, relocation, travel and research specific projects. There are also targeted scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
HDR Scholarships are confidential and the application process is free. Please visit the HDR scholarships webpage for current scholarship opportunities.
Your career
Strong future growth is predicted in many science and technology sectors by the Australian Government.
Research experience can lead to enhanced employment opportunities in:
- research and higher education institutions
- health, medical, environmental, forensic and analytical laboratories
- data science, statistics, analysis and information technology
- agricultural science and technology services and industries
- government agencies including CSIRO, ANSTO, and regulatory agencies (e.g. the APVMA, TGA, FSANZ)
- mathematics and science teaching
- leadership and management
- sales and marketing.
With internationally-recognised supervision teams available in more than 20 specialities ranging from biomedical science and computational science to x-ray imaging and zoology, you have the opportunity to pursue your passion and interests. Future proof your career in the rapidly-changing world with research training and advanced discipline knowledge, as well as critical-thinking, problem-solving and communication skills.
Course outcomes
- exhibit a mastery of a scientific field of knowledge by: (a) having systematically acquired intellectual skill and experience that is grounded in contemporary developments in a scientific field; (b) creating and communicating scholarship of a quality to satisfy peer review, extending the frontier of the field of knowledge and potentially meriting publication; (c) demonstrating knowledge of research principles and methods applicable in advanced academic inquiry;
- conduct research independently and systematically by: (a) conceptualising, designing and implementing a project which will increase knowledge that is applicable or contributes new insights to a scientific field; (b) evaluating ideas and making informed judgements on complex issues or challenges in the scientific field of specialisation; (c) communicating ideas, methodologies and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences; and
- be accountable for their own learning and professional training by: (a) demonstrating the capacity to undertake further learning and/or a further career in or around research at an advanced level, and contributing substantially to the development or dissemination of new techniques, ideas, or approaches; (b) displaying the qualities and attributes necessary to exercise personal responsibility and autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations, whether in professional environments or in the public domain.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
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Why study with us?
The delivery of content really is geared towards maximising your understanding of the topic. The lecturers encourage you to ask questions and are always happy to help in a non-judgmental way.
How to apply
Applying to UNE is quick and easy. You can apply for this course at any time — there are no closing dates for applications.
If you would like to apply for a scholarship, closing dates do apply and are specific to each individual scholarship. Please see the HDR Scholarships webpage for further information.
Preparing to apply
The documents you will need to include in your application depend on:
- Your chosen HDR program
- Your personal circumstances
Please review the course rules and entry requirements above before you apply. If you have any questions or need help with your application please contact the Graduate Research School team.
Important Notice for Prospective Students
For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.
