Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
The Master of Philosophy is a degree completed by research and advanced coursework. Students undertaking this degree are assigned to a supervisor and, usually, an associate supervisor. This program consists of a supervised research component and required coursework. It is designed for students interested in pursuing research but not eligible to undertake a PhD.
MPhil candidates must complete
- one Education or Social Work core unit (6 credit points); and
- one elective unit (6 credit points) as recommended by supervisor from the Unit of Study table below
Course convenor
Dr Ruth Phillips
T 02 9351 6899
Room 741, Education Building, A35
E
Units of study tables
| Unit of study | Credit points | A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition | Session |
|---|---|---|---|
Master of Philosophy |
|||
Core units - Education |
|||
| EDPK5003 Developing a Research Project |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
Core units - Social Work |
|||
| SCWK6902 Social Research |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
Elective units |
|||
| EDPK5001 Qualitative Methods |
6 | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|
| EDPK5002 Quantitative Methods |
6 | Semester 1 |
|
| EDPK6012 Qualitative Analysis |
6 | Semester 2 |
|
| EDPK6016 Advanced Statistical Analysis |
6 | P EDPK5002 Note: Department permission required for enrolment |
Semester 2 |
Units of study descriptions
Master of Philosophy
Core units - Education
EDPK5003 Developing a Research Project
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rachel Wilson Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: weekly exercises (40%) and class presentation (20%) and research proposal (40%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This core unit is seen as the foundation unit in research methods and it provides an overview of the research process, with a focus on critical evaluation of research reports and the design of research projects. It covers a wide range of basic research techniques and introduces other research methods that are the focus of more in-depth study in other search methods units. Reseach design issues and various methods of data collection examined. Students explore the use of quantitative and qualitative approaches; various research strategies; observation, documents, questionnaires and assessments. The assessment in this unit is developed around students' own research interests and by the end of the unit students will have developed their own research proposal document.
Core units - Social Work
SCWK6902 Social Research
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Associate Professor Fran Waugh/Dr Margot Rawsthorne Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: 1x2000wd class presentation (30%); 2x250wd on-line postings (10%); and 1x3500wd research proposal (60%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit of study introduces students to a range of research methods and focus on quantitative and qualitative methods. Many other research issues in developing a research proposal will be addressed through the semester. It is intended that, at the conclusion of this unit, students will have developed a research project able to implement through either further study or in workplaces.
Elective units
EDPK5001 Qualitative Methods
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Murray Print Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: S1: 1x2hr seminar/week x 13 weeks; S2: 2 x 2 hrs/week x 6 weeks Assessment: observation and report (50%) and interview and report (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit introduces students to the major issues underlying qualitative research. It examines the relationship between research questions and appropriate study designs, as well as the issues of sampling and ethical considerations. Students will develop extensive skills in the use of various interviewing and observation techniques.
EDPK5002 Quantitative Methods
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rachel Wilson Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: portfolio of quantitative research methods (40%) and research analysis using SPSS (40%) and presentations (10%); and 2 multiple choice class tests (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit introduces students to the basic principles and procedures of quantitative research. Both experimental and survey research strategies are considered; starting with design and development of the research tools (measures, questionnaires, interviews, observation) and progressing to basic analytical statistical methods. The unit provides a thorough introduction to simple statistics and often looks at real research data examples. By the end of the semester students will have developed various research skills as well as a critical perspective on the appropriate application of those skills.
EDPK6012 Qualitative Analysis
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rachel Wilson Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Assessment: critical review (40%) and journal article draft (50%) and seminar presentation (10%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
This unit introduces students to the major forms of qualitative data arising from social science and humanities-based inquiry, and the associated analytical techniques. Links between theory and methods are emphasised. Analytical techniques associated with grounded theory, ethnography, content analysis and narrative approaches are considered. The unit is oriented towards the analysis of data already collected by students and aims to provide them with skills to complete this aspect of a research project.
EDPK6016 Advanced Statistical Analysis
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Rachel Wilson Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr seminar/week Prerequisites: EDPK5002 Assessment: critical review paper (50%) and draft publication (50%) Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Normal (lecture/lab/tutorial) Day
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit develops students' skills in multivariate analyses. Where possible student's own data sets will be the focus of analysis using SPSS. Topics include factor analysis, cluster analysis, multiple linear regression, interaction modeling, path analysis and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Students are encouraged to develop analysis plans, conceptual models for analysis and critical perspectives on statistical reports. It is recommended that students complete EDPK5002 before enrolling in this unit, or contact Coordinator to discuss suitability. A sound grasp of basic statistical concepts is needed to undertake this unit of study.
Course rules
Master of Philosophy in Education
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).
Part 1: Preliminary
1 Course codes
|
Code |
Course and stream title |
|---|---|
|
XC009 |
Master of Philosophy in Education |
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)
a Bachelor of Education (Honours) or Master of Teaching (Honours) degree of the University of Sydney; or
(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 Faculty Division of Doctoral Studies, are equivalent to those prescribed in sub-clause (1).
3 Application for admission to candidature
(b)
a proposed course of research and advanced study, approved by the Faculty Research Proposal Committee in which the work is to be undertaken; 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
Part 3: Candidature
5 Appointment of supervisor
0.
The Faculty Division of Doctoral Studies 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
7 Location of candidature and attendance
Part 5: Enrolment and progression
10 Probation
(1)
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.
(a)
complete a specified research methods unit of study from the table of units of study for the degree of Master of Philosophy;
(b)
complete a further unit of study to be chosen from the table of units of study for the degree of Master of Philosophy;
(c)
develop and present a refined research proposal to the satisfaction of the supervisor and the Faculty Research Proposal Committee; and
11 Time limits, earliest and latest submission dates
0.
The HDR Rule specifies the allowable completion times and submission dates available for full- and part-time candidates in this course.
12 Mode of attendance
0.
The attendance pattern for this course is full-time or part-time. Visa requirements commonly restrict international students to full-time study only.
13 Discontinuation of candidature
0.
A candidate may discontinue enrolment in a unit of study or the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.
14 Suspension of candidature
0.
A candidate may suspend enrolment from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.
15 Leave of absence
0.
A candidate may take leave of absence from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.
16 Progress
Part 6: Examination
17 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:
(b)
two examiners will be appointed by the Faculty, at least one of whom shall be external to the University; and
(2)
The thesis will be graded by the examiners and a 'Thesis grade' will be recorded on the academic transcript.
18 Award of the degree
Part 7: Other
19 Transitional provisions
(1)
These course resolutions apply to students who commenced their candidature after 1 January, 2012 and students who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January, 2012 who elect to proceed under these resolutions.
(2)
Candidates who commenced prior to 1 January, 2012 may complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement, provided that requirements are completed within the time limits specified in those resolutions. The Faculty may specify a later date for completion or specify alternative requirements for completion of candidatures that extend beyond this time.
Master of Philosophy in Social Work
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).
Part 1: Preliminary
1 Course codes
|
Code |
Course and stream title |
|---|---|
|
ZC081 |
Master of Philosophy in Social Work |
Part 2: Admission requirements
2 Eligibility for admission to candidature
(i) the degree of Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Sydney with first or second class honours; or
(ii) the degree of Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Sydney and other work completed that is equivalent to the qualification in sub-paragraph (i); or
(iii) the degree of Master of Social Work from the University of Sydney, completed with a weighted average mark of at least 70; and
(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 Faculty Division of Doctoral Studies, are equivalent to those prescribed in sub-clause (1).
3 Application for admission to candidature
(b)
a proposed course of research and advanced study, approved by the Faculty Research Proposal Committee in which the work is to be undertaken; 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
Part 3: Candidature
5 Appointment of supervisor
0.
The Faculty Division of Doctoral Studies 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
7 Location of candidature and attendance
Part 5: Enrolment and progression
10 Probation
(1)
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.
(a)
complete a specified research methods unit of study from the table of units of study for the degree of Master of Philosophy;
(b)
complete a further unit of study to be chosen from the table of units of study for the degree of Master of Philosophy;
(c)
develop and present a refined research proposal to the satisfaction of the supervisor and the Faculty Research Proposal Committee; and
11 Time limits, earliest and latest submission dates
0.
The HDR Rule specifies the allowable completion times and submission dates available for full- and part-time candidates in this course.
12 Mode of attendance
0.
The attendance pattern for this course is full-time or part-time. Visa requirements commonly restrict international students to full-time study only.
13 Discontinuation of candidature
0.
A candidate may discontinue enrolment in a unit of study or the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.
14 Suspension of candidature
0.
A candidate may suspend enrolment from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.
15 Leave of absence
0.
A candidate may take leave of absence from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.
16 Progress
Part 6: Examination
17 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:
(b)
two examiners will be appointed by the Faculty, at least one of whom shall be external to the University; and
(2)
The thesis will be graded by the examiners and a 'Thesis grade' will be recorded on the academic transcript.
18 Award of the degree
Part 7: Other
19 Transitional provisions
(1)
These course resolutions apply to students who commenced their candidature after 1 January, 2012 and students who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January, 2012 who elect to proceed under these resolutions.
(2)
Candidates who commenced prior to 1 January, 2012 may complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement, provided that requirements are completed within the time limits specified in those resolutions. The Faculty may specify a later date for completion or specify alternative requirements for completion of candidatures that extend beyond this time.