Master of Philosophy

Testamur Title:	Master of Philosophy
Abbreviation:	MPhil
My University:	Asia Pacific, Australian Studies, Communication and Media, Comparative Indigenous Studies; Culture and Identities, Digital Communication, English Literatures, English Language & Linguistics, Ethics, Gender Studies, , Global Labour, Global Media, History, Human Security, International Relations, Languages, Masculinities, Peace keeping, Philosophy, Politics, Postcolonial, Resource & Environmental, Sociology & Social Change, Science & Technology
Duration:	2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Total Credit Points:	96
Delivery Mode:	On campus
tarting Session(s):	Autumn/Spring *Course on offer from Spring 2013
Location:	Wollongong
UOW Course Code:	1350
CRICOS Code:	078343K

Overview

Master of Philosophy candidates undertake both coursework and research. The coursework helps to prepare students to undertake in-depth research in order to make an original contribution to the body of knowledge in a chosen field of study. This qualification can lead to, or enhance, an academic career and is also highly regarded by public and private sector employers.

Entry Requirements

A Bachelor plus a coursework Masters degree with a minimum credit average (65% or GPA 3.0 out of 4.0), or a four year Bachelor Honours degree (with a minimum of 2-2 Honours) are the typical entry requirements for the Master of Philosophy. A three year Bachelor degree (without Honours), but with a distinction average (75%) may also be a suitable entry requirement, if in the same discipline as the proposed program.

Research related and professional experience will also be considered when assessing qualifications. The Head of Postgraduate Studies for the relevant unit will approve entry into the Master of Philosophy, based on academic results, research and professional experience.

For International students the English language entry criteria will be as indicated on the University website: www.uow.edu.au/prospective/international/english/index.html

Candidates with a coursework masters degree or a four year Bachelor (Honours) degree in the same discipline may be granted up to 24cp of advanced standing for the coursework component of the Masters of Philosophy.

Course Requirements

Students will complete 24 credit points of coursework (ARTS901 Master of Arts Research Methods or equivalent) and a 72 credit point thesis in their chosen field of study. Students who achieve 70% or higher in the coursework component will proceed to the research thesis. The precise thesis topic will be determined in consultation with supervisors and the HPS. Students who achieve a Pass result lower than 70% will either need to re-enrol in the coursework subjects before proceeding to the research thesis, or they may withdraw from the Master of Philosophy and enrol in a relevant Master by coursework degree, where they can apply for Advanced Standing for 24 credit points of coursework.

The 24 credit point coursework subject ARTS901 Master of Arts Research Methods provides students with training in the theories and methodologies which inform research in the humanities and social sciences. This training includes theoretical perspectives as well as an introduction to research techniques and work towards a detailed proposal leading up to the thesis. Other coursework subjects may be accepted by the HPS as equivalent to ARTS901.

Students entering from a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or equivalent may apply for advanced standing for ARTS901. Students will complete a 72 credit point thesis in their chosen field of study. The precise thesis topic will be determined in consultation with supervisors and the HPS.

Specialisations

For further information about the Faculty's areas of research strengths and topics available to candidates, please consult the Faculty's website at www.uow.edu.au/arts/

Assessment

Coursework

The 24 credit point coursework component (ARTS901 or equivalent) will be assessed by written assignments (essays, literature reviews) and seminar papers.

Thesis

Students work with a supervision team to complete a substantial research thesis between 40, 000 - 50, 000 words. On commencement of the 72 credit point research component of the course, candidates and their supervisors complete a Confirmation of Candidature Form that identifies the topic, a plan and timetable for the thesis, resource needs and skills required to complete the project. Students meet regularly with their supervisor(s) to ensure that their progress is in line with the agreed plan. Within the first six months of candidature, the student will meet with supervisor(s) and the HPS for a Proposal Review. If the candidature goes over more than one year, students and supervisors must submit an Annual Progress Report (APR). The APR is the means by which the University assesses the progress of the candidature and decides whether it will continue into the following year. Supervisors who have concerns about a student's progress may also initiate a progress review at other times during the candidature. When the thesis is submitted it is examined by two scholars in the field chosen from a list prepared by the supervisor(s) in consultation with the student.

Other Information

Students are advised to consult the University's Code of Practice - Supervision at the following web address: www.uow.edu.au/handbook/codesofprac/cop_supervision.html

For more technical information about the degree progress, please consult the website of the University's Office of Research at http://www.uow.edu.au/research/grs/

Further information is available at http://coursefinder.uow.edu.au/ or email: fac-arts@uow.edu.au

l: fac-arts@uow.edu.au