Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the course?
The course offers knowledge, skills and vocabulary from the world of commerce, with the aim of preparing students to pursue careers that combine science and business.
For whom is the course intended?
The course is intended for students who have at least a first degree in science or technology and have not studied business subjects. This includes students who will have, by the time classes begin, a bachelors degree in medicine, science, IT, engineering, pharmacy, or a related discipline. Students with advanced degrees (Honours, Masters, PhD) in these fields are also welcome. Business experience is not required, but students having such experience are particularly welcome. However, in general students who have already studied a substantial amount of business, commerce, or law, for example as part of a joint degree, are not eligible for this course
What is the typical background of the students?
Many students come directly from an undergraduate degree. The most common degree is medical science, including physiology and molecular biology, followed by science, engineering and IT. About one quarter of the students have an advanced degree or relevant full time work experience
What is the proportion of local and international students? Of men and women?
There is no fixed proportion, but historically the student cohorts have been about half local and half international. Many, but not all, of the international students have a first degree from an Australian university. The international students’ home countries include Malaysia, China, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, France, Somalia, Colombia, India and America. Historically, enrolments have been about equally divided between men and women.
What skills will students have after completion?
The course offers students the opportunity to acquire business related skills including financial analysis, negotiation, market and competitive analysis, commercial writing and presentation and product development. In addition, by including work done in groups as well as individually, the course offers students the opportunity to acquire interpersonal skills including leadership and teamwork.
What jobs do students get after graduation?
Employment gained after graduation depends on the individual student and overall economic conditions. Some graduates have taken up product development roles in biotechnology companies or similar organisations that are trying to bring research based products to market. However, students from previous years have also found jobs in banks, consulting firms, drug development companies, universities, pharmaceutical companies, investment firms and other related organisations.
How long is the course?
The course begins in late February and ends in late October, following the standard university calendar. However, the course also includes teaching and project work during the period between semesters so students should not plan to be away from university during this period. The course includes 12 units (72 credit points), essentially 1 ½ years’ study in a single calendar year.
Is the course full time or part time?
Currently the course is available only on a full time basis, with one course entry a year in late February. Offers of admission are made on a rolling basis until the class is full. In 2010 the course will be limited to 60 students.
Will I be able to work while I am studying?
The study workload is heavy as this is a one year intensive course covering what is normally done in 18 months. Undertaking even part time employment whilst doing this degree is not encouraged, particularly if the work is not related to the topics covered in the course.
What is the course workload?
The course presents an intense and challenging but enriching experience and is focused on problem based learning. This is very different to the typical science and technology degree, since a significant portion of the time in this course is spent in group and/or self study rather than in lectures, laboratories or tutorials. Postgraduate students are expected to perform at a higher level than undergraduates, with learning gained from a combination of seminars, problem based assignment and research work, project work, and self directed learning. Time management is critical. Students should expect to spend an average of 12 hours of class and study time per week for each unit attempted.
On what campus is the course taught?
Some units are taught at the Monash Caulfield campus and some are taught at the Monash Clayton campus. A shuttle bus runs between the two campuses which are less than 10km apart.
How much does the course cost?
The course fee is calculated at the standard rate for Monash postgraduate courses, bearing in mind that the course contains 72 credit points. See details at http://www.monash.edu.au/study/coursefinder/course/3840/
What units are in the course?
The current list of units can be found at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/courses/3840.html/ - units may change from time to time.
What are the entry requirements?
Entering students must have a first degree in science or technology from an Australian university or an equivalent overseas institution, with an overall weighted average of a Credit in the subjects you have attempted as an undergraduate.
Where can I get more information?
Consult the Monash website at http://www.monash.edu.au/research/swc/information.html/
How do I apply and get enrolment information?
You can apply online at http://www.monash.edu.au/study/coursefinder/course/3840/ for details. For enrolment information, either email gsb@buseco.monash.edu.au or speak with a Graduate Administrative Officer (Claire Dragon on +61 3 990 31354 or Sharon Bowie on +61 3 990 31942).
Can I talk with someone about the course?
Yes, ring the Centre for Science and Wealth Creation on +61 3 9902 0283 or email kristine.brown@swc.monash.edu.au to arrange an appointment.
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