Master of Science

Course Details

The Master of Science is for two distinct groups of students, namely the professional scientists wishing to update their industry-related skills for career advancement and students considering a research degree. The course contains a compulsory core of professional subjects relevant to all science disciplines. The subjects in the core provide a backbone of skills important to a professional scientist; be they engaged in research, science businesses, industries or government organisations. These are the skills of communication, critical analysis, project management and innovation and commercialisation. The professional strand is complemented by a choice of major study in a specific science or mathematics discipline. Students may have the option of undertaking a small research project, subject to approval by the faculty. For students with suitable achievement levels, an opportunity to undertake a more substantial research project is available by transferring into the Master of Science (Honours). For those considering a research degree, the Master of Science (Honours) provides a pathway to a PhD. The No specified major option is suitable for students seeking scientific qualifications as entry into the field or wish to gain new specialised skills in a range of theoretical and practical applications to advance their area of expertise. Students in the Marine Science and Management major are exposed to multi-disciplinary and cross-institutional coursework, with a capstone project taught at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) and multiple lecture series and practical components using real-life data from the Australian Integrated Marine Observatory System. Career options vary according to the major chosen, but all graduates have training in the professional attributes that employers seek. The skills learnt expand career horizons and enhance prospects for promotion in the rapidly evolving science professions.

Qualification: Master Degree (By Coursework)

Course structure: The course requires 72 credit points of study, comprising 24 credit points of professional stream subjects and a 48-credit-point major. A non-specified major in which cross-disciplinary subject selection is possible is also offered. The standard course duration is 18 months of full-time study. The course may also be completed in part-time mode, typically over 36 months. Part-time students must be prepared to attend some afternoon or morning classes during each teaching week.

Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.