Master of Arts (Research)

These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 (the 'HDR Rule'), the Academic Board resolutions relating to the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy and the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended).

Course resolutions

Part 1: Preliminary

1 Course codes

Code	Course and stream title
DC080	Master of Arts (Research)

Part 2: Admission requirements

2 Eligibility for admission to candidature

(1)

To be eligible to be admitted to candidature by the Dean or Associate Dean, an applicant must hold or have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent institution, with a major in a relevant subject area, completed with a distinction average.

(2)

The Dean or Associate Dean may admit to candidature an applicant who does not meet the requirements of sub-clause (1), provided that the applicant holds a qualification or qualifications that, in the opinion of the Dean or Associate Dean, are equivalent to those prescribed in sub-clause (1).

3 Application for admission to candidature

(1)

An applicant for admission to candidature must submit to the Faculty:

(a)

satisfactory evidence of the applicant's eligibility for admission;

(b)

a proposal for a course of research and advanced study of not less than 1,000 words; and

(c)

a statement certifying the applicant's understanding that, subject to the HDR Rule, if the candidature is successful, his or her thesis will be lodged with the University Librarian and made available for immediate public use.

(2)

In addition, an applicant for admission to part-time candidature must submit a statement that he or she will have sufficient time available to complete the requirements of the degree in accordance with these resolutions.

4 Credit transfer

(1)

The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the granting of credit for previous studies, including the effect on completion times, except that:

(a)

any research credit granted shall ordinarily not exceed one semester full-time or equivalent part-time candidature; and

(b)

for coursework:

(i) no more than 12 credit points may be credited; and

(ii) the coursework should have been completed with a high level of competency (normally at least at Distinction level) and be relevant to the candidate's program of study.

Part 3: Candidature

5 Appointment of supervisor

The Head of Department will appoint a supervisor and associate supervisor for each candidate in accordance with the HDR Rule and Academic Board policies for postgraduate research higher degree supervision.

6 Control of candidature

The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the control of candidature by the University.

7 Location of candidature and attendance

The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the location of candidature and attendance by candidates at the University.

Part 4: Requirements

8 Degree requirements

(1)

To satisfy the requirements of the degree candidates must:

(a)

complete any specified probationary requirements;

(b)

complete any prescribed units of study;

(c)

conduct research on the approved topic; and

(d)

write a thesis embodying the results of the research.

9 The units of study

(1)

A candidate may complete either 6 or 12 credit points of units of study, depending on the length of the thesis.

(2)

The units of study are chosen from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Postgraduate Coursework Table of Units of Study.

(3)

Any such units of study must be completed prior to submission of the thesis.

10 The thesis

(1)

A candidate shall produce a thesis that meets the requirements specified in the HDR Rule.

(2)

The thesis will be in the range of:

(a)

26,000 to 28,000 words if the degree requirements are completed by thesis and 12 credit points of coursework; or

(b)

28,000 to 30,000 words if the degree requirements are completed by thesis and 6 credit points of coursework; or

(c)

30,000 to 35,000 words if the degree requirements are completed by thesis.

Part 5: Enrolment and progression

11 Probation

A candidate is normally accepted for candidature on a probationary basis for a period not exceeding one year according to the provisions of the HDR Rule.

12 Time limits, earliest and latest submission dates

The HDR Rule specifies the allowable completion times and submission dates available for full- and part-time candidates in this course.

13 Mode of attendance

The attendance pattern for this course is full-time or part-time according to candidate choice.

14 Discontinuation of candidature

A candidate may discontinue enrolment in a unit of study or the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.

15 Suspension of candidature

A candidate may suspend enrolment from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.

16 Leave of absence

A candidate may take leave of absence from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.

17 Progress

A candidate is required to maintain satisfactory progress towards the timely completion of the degree. Progress will be reviewed annually according to the provisions of the HDR Rule.

Part 6: Examination

18 Examination of the thesis

(1)

Examination of the thesis will be conducted in general accordance with standards prescribed by Academic Board for the Doctor of Philosophy, except that:

(a)

three copies of the thesis shall be submitted by the candidate, together with three copies of the thesis summary of about 300 words in length;

(b)

two examiners will be appointed by the Faculty, at least one of whom shall be external to the University; and

(c)

the Faculty Postgraduate Research Committee will approve the appointment of examiners, make decisions on the examiners' reports, the result of the examination, and the award of the degree.

(2)

The thesis will be graded by the examiners and a 'Thesis grade' will be recorded on the academic transcript.

19 Award of the degree

The degree is awarded at the Pass level only.

Part 7: Other

20 Transitional provisions

These course resolutions apply to students who commenced their candidature after 1 January, 2012.

University of Sydney Handbooks - 2013 Archive

The University of Sydney - Arts and Social Sciences (Postgraduate) Handbook 2013

Master of Arts (Research)