Chapter 3: Conditions of candidature

3.9 Coursework and practica

3.9.1 Coursework

3.9.1.1 Additional work/ enabling units

A candidate may be required to undertake units if the main supervisor or head of the academic unit considers these necessary to enable the candidate to carry out the proposed program of research. This may be done on a case-by-case basis. Such requirements should normally be prescribed in advance, by the head of the academic unit in consultation with the candidate and the main supervisor.

3.9.1.2 Mandatory coursework

Research master’s degrees may involve a coursework component provided that the total number of units constitutes no more than 34% of the program. Candidates are generally expected to complete these coursework units at the beginning of their candidature coincident with the early phases of research. Alternatively, these units may be undertaken in conjunction with the research component of the degree in special circumstances.

Full-time candidates are normally required to undertake the coursework in their first semester, whereas part-time candidates are normally required to undertake coursework in their first year of enrolment (i.e. across two semesters).

Selection of coursework units in these degrees should be discussed with the main supervisor prior to enrolment in the units. Where there is a choice of units available, candidates should not select any that have been previously completed in another course, such as a graduate diploma or honours year.

Candidates who have not completed the pre-requisites for a unit may be exempted with the approval of the unit coordinator.

3.9.1.2.1 Master of Fine Art

A requirement of candidature for candidates enrolling in the Master of Fine Art is that they successfully complete two coursework units in the first year of their candidacy (regardless of whether the candidate is enrolled as either full-time or part-time). The units required are: ADM5001 Research Methods and ADM5002 Theory Workshop. The units help guide the discursive and documentary aspects of the research project.
In addition, all candidates enrolled in studio-based research in the Faculty are required to complete OHS1000 in their first semester.
Candidates must enrol in these units at the time they enrol in the course.

3.9.1.2.2 Master of Design (by Research)

A requirement of candidature for candidates enrolling in the Master of Design (by Research) is that they successfully complete two coursework units in the first year of their candidature (regardless of whether the candidate is enrolled as either full-time or part-time). The units required are: MDS5031 Research Methods in Design and MDS5022 Design Theory Workshop. The units help guide the discursive and documentary aspects of the research project.

In addition, all candidates enrolled in studio-based research in the Faculty are required to complete OHS1000 in their first semester.

Candidates must enrol in these units at the time they enrol in the course.

3.9.1.3 Skills training and coursework components in research master’s degrees

Commencing in 2013, various faculties are introducing a range of discipline specific components comprising skills training and coursework to their research master’s degrees. The components will be introduced over a three-year period commencing in 2013 and are mandatory if they have been established as part of a particular research master’s degree.

The components will consist of the equivalent of three months’ coursework and/or training and are designed to enhance candidates’ research and employment-related skills and knowledge.  While not all research master’s degrees will necessarily include these skills training and coursework components, they are particularly advisable for those candidates wishing to apply to transfer to a PhD degree.

Where candidates are enrolled in coursework components they are required to achieve a minimum of a distinction average in the relevant coursework units if they wish to transfer to a PhD. Any required coursework or skills training components must be completed successfully before the thesis is dispatched to the examiners for assessment. The examiner will be advised that these components have been satisfactorily completed.

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