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Masters of Science (Research) (Advanced Research)

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Summary
Master of Science (Research) Specialisation Advanced Research (MSCR)
Study Mode
  • On-campus
  • External
Start
  • Semester 1 (February)
  • Semester 2 (July)
Number of Units
  • 12 units
Duration
  • 1.5 years or part-time equivalent
Campus
  • Ipswich
  • Toowoomba
View USQ Handbook
Program Information Set

Strengthen your science research skills

USQ’s Master of Science (Research) (Advanced Research) allows to delve in to your science research interest area whilst developing your research skills. Your studies within this specialisation include a research dissertation and research courses allowing you to focus on your research interests within the science field. 

The Advanced Research major gives students, who have already undertaken substantial prior studies, the opportunity to focus on a research project in your specific area. Throughout the Master of Science (Research), you will find emphasis to be on the development of knowledge and skills to allow you to undertake independent research and professional practice in your chosen science specialty area. Your studies within this specialisation include a research project and research courses. 

Available disciplines/qualified specialisations within the Advanced Research specialisation include:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Applied Climate Science
  • Astronomy
  • Biology
  • Computer Science
  • Counselling
  • Data Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Mathematics
  • Midwifery
  • Nursing
  • Physical Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Spatial Science
  • Sport and Exercise
  • Statistics

Enhance your science research career

The Master of Science (Research) can allow you to progress your science research career. As graduates of this degree, you could go on to further studies in your speciality science research area including PhD studies. Studying the Advanced Research major may allow you to transfer your studies in to the PhD degree. 

Other specialisations for the Master of Science (Research) include: Applied Research and Psychology Research.

Courses to be studied Units
Core courses 1
plus Research project 11
Total 12
Refer to the USQ Handbook for courses to be studied and recommended enrolment patterns.

How much will it cost?

Approximate annual costs1 for your first year of study (8 units) in this program are:

Grant to help you pay your fees

All Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and New Zealand citizens commencing a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program will have their tuition fees paid by the Australian Commonwealth Government under the Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset scheme. The RTP Fees Offset scheme covers program fees for an HDR student up to a maximum period of four years for full-time study or up to eight years part-time study for a Doctoral program, and up to a maximum period of two years for full-time or four years part-time for a Masters by Research program.
As part of the enrolment process, students are required to submit proof of citizenship or permanent residency status and transcripts of all previous academic study. This documentation enables the University of Southern Queensland to determine eligibility for an RTP Fees Offset place.

If a student's RTP Fees Offset entitlement expires before completion of the program, the student will be required to pay full tuition fees.

Students eligible for an RTP Fees Offset place are those who:

  • have not used RTP Fees Offset funding in the previous three years; or
  • have already used RTP Fees Offset funding and have successfully completed an HDR program. Once a student completes an HDR program, full entitlements of RTP Fees Offset are restored.

Scholarships and financial assistance

You may be able to apply for scholarships to help with your study costs.

1 These are indicative annual fees for 2018 and costs will vary depending on the actual courses selected during your study. Fees may also vary from year to year as they are reviewed annually.

Entry Requirements

  • completed a four-year degree at an Australian university or equivalent, with a GPA of 5.0/7.0 or above, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline
    or
  • completed a three-year degree at an Australian university or equivalent and have successfully completed a coursework masters, with a GPA of 5.0/7.0 or above, or equivalent score, in a relevant discipline
    or
  • equivalent qualification and work experience in the related field of study as determined by the program coordinator
    plus
  • acceptance will be subject to the availability of, and endorsement by, a USQ supervisor.

English Language Requirements

You are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements. This program requires a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program.

We can help

How to apply

Apply with USQ
For Australian and New Zealand students

Closing dates

Applying directly to USQ:

  • Semester 2, 2019 - applications close Friday 19 July, with semester 2 commencing on Monday 15 July 2019.
  • Semester 1, 2020 - applications close Friday 28 February, with semester 1 commencing on Monday 24 February 2020.

Credit for previous study or work experience

You may be eligible for credit if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of courses that you need to study to finish your program.

Other options for you

Master of Science (Research) Specialisation Applied Research
Master of Science (Research) Specialisation Psychology Research