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Master of Science (Research) (MSCR) - MSCR

CRICOS code (International applicants): 070618G

 On-campus^External^
Semester intake:Semester 1 (February)
Semester 2 (July)
Semester 1 (February)
Semester 2 (July)
Campus:Ipswich, Toowoomba -
Fees:Domestic full fee paying place
International full fee paying place
Research training scheme (RTS)
Domestic full fee paying place
International full fee paying place
Research training scheme (RTS)
Residential school:Toowoomba or Ipswich campus
Psychology Research specialisation 
Toowoomba or Ipswich Campuses (compulsory)
Psychology Research specialisation 
Standard duration:1.5 years full-time, 3 years part-time maximum 
Footnotes
^The Applied and Advanced specialisations are available externally and on-campus in Toowoomba. The Psychology Research specialisation is available externally (with a compulsory residential school) and on-campus in Ipswich (with a compulsory residential school).

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Contact us

Future Australian and New Zealand students  Future International students  Current students 

Freecall (within Australia): 1800 269 500
Phone (from outside Australia): +61 7 4631 5315
Email: study@usq.edu.au  

Phone: +61 7 4631 5543
Email: international@usq.edu.au 

Freecall (within Australia): 1800 007 252
Phone (from outside Australia): +61 7 4631 2285
usq.support@usq.edu.au  

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Professional accreditation

The Master of Science (Research) Psychology Research specialisation is not accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

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Program aims

This program provides opportunities for motivated and highly qualified students to undertake advanced study and to produce a research-based thesis. Students will develop appropriate research skills and specialist area knowledge that will enhance their career prospects or allow them to proceed to further appropriate higher degree studies.

Applied Research specialisation

The specialisation is designed to provide students with a combination of coursework and related research which will provide and enhance student knowledge across a range of science based disciplines.

Psychology Research specialisation

This specialisation is designed to provide students with extended psychology research training which will provide and enhance student knowledge in psychology research and professional psychology practices.

Advanced Research specialisation

This specialisation is designed to provide students who have already undertaken substantial prior studies in a relevant area with the opportunity to focus on a significant research project in a related area.

Transfer between specialisations within this program is not possible.

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Program objectives

General objectives

Successful completion of this program will enable graduates to:

  • identify, interpret and evaluate major issues of contemporary theory and practice in their discipline area

  • comprehend and evaluate developments in a chosen discipline area and critically examine the relationships between such developments and contemporary theory

  • apply a knowledge of the principles and ethics of research within their chosen discipline area

  • identify research topics and undertake research using appropriate methodology and current techniques

  • report and publish research outcomes.


Specialisation Objectives

Applied Research specialisation

Successful completion of the program will enable a graduate to:

  • extend the knowledge and research expertise of students entering the specialisation with a three year degree

  • demonstrate an enhanced understanding of a selected area of science

  • identify, interpret and evaluate major issues in contemporary theory and practice of scientific research in the disciplines within the Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences

  • apply current research techniques and methodology to the pursuit of specific research goals.


Psychology Research specialisation

Successful completion of the program will enable a graduate to:

  • extend their knowledge, skills, and research expertise in the discipline of psychology

  • apply the specialised knowledge and skill in a range of contexts gained in the program to psychology with a high degree of proficiency in research, professional practice, or in pursuit of further learning

  • meet the academic requirements for Associate Membership of the Australian Psychological Society or provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychologists Board of Australia

  • demonstrate awareness of and apply a wide range of research methods and the ethical and social responsibilities of a practising scientist planning and executing substantial elements of research

  • analyse and synthesise complex information and apply establish theories as part of undertaking research-oriented careers or progressing to higher level studies in psychology

  • identify, interpret and critically evaluate major issues in contemporary theory and practice of scientific research in psychology

  • demonstrate high levels of proficiency in research and specific methodology including research planning and implementation, analysis, interpretation and evaluation of research results, and the presentation and communication of research findings to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.


Advanced Research specialisation

Successful completion of the program will enable a graduate to:

  • identify, interpret and evaluate major issues in contemporary theory and practice of scientific research in the disciplines within the Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences

  • apply current research techniques and methodology to the pursuit of specific research goals

  • extend and develop the research expertise and techniques of students entering the specialisation with a four year degree or equivalent. Eligible students may apply to transfer to a PhD from this specialisation.


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Australian Qualifications Framework

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a single national, comprehensive system of qualifications offered by higher education institutions (including universities), vocational education and training institutions and secondary schools. Each AQF qualification has a set of descriptors which define the type and complexity of knowledge, skills and application of knowledge and skills that a graduate who has been awarded that qualification has attained, and the typical volume of learning associated with that qualification type.

This program is at AQF Qualification Level 09. Graduates at this level will have specialised knowledge and skills for research, and/or professional practice and/or further learning.

The full set of levels criteria and qualification type descriptors can be found by visiting .

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Admission requirements

Application for Admission

The degree is centred on a research project, supervised by a principal and an associate supervisor. It is therefore essential that intending candidates clarify their topic for research and seek an academic staff member able to provide principal supervision. Application forms and advice on procedures for enrolment may be obtained from the Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences. Intending candidates are advised to allow several months for discussion with potential supervisors and for consideration of the application prior to the commencement of candidature.

Intending applicants must consult the Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences before they apply. Applicants must then submit a form together with other information as specified by the Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences. The applicants must receive approval from the Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences for the proposed study plan, and may also be required to attend an interview with the Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences prior to confirmation of acceptance. A satisfactory level of English (IELTS of 6.5 or equivalent) is essential as per normal 精东传媒app research degree entry requirements.

Admission Criteria

Master of Science (Research) (Applied Research)

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Science (Research) (Applied Research), applicants must have:

  • completed a three-year degree in the related field of study awarded by an Australian university or equivalent, with a GPA of 5.0 out of 7.0, or equivalent score, or a GPA of 5.5 out of 7.0 for the last 2 full years of the degree in a relevant discipline


or

  • equivalent qualification and work experience in the related field of study as determined by the program coordinator


and

  • acceptance will be subject to the availability of, and endorsement by, a USQ supervisor.


Master of Science (Research) (Psychology Research)

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Science (Research) (Psychology Research), applicants must have:

  • completed a program of study approved by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as constituting the first three years (or equivalent) of study in psychology within the last three years

  • achieved a GPA of 5.0/7.0 or better in the psychology courses in an APAC accredited undergraduate program


and

  • acceptance will be subject to the availability of, and endorsement by, a USQ supervisor.


Master of Science (Research) (Advanced Research)

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Science (Research) (Advanced Research), applicants must have either:

  • completed a four-year degree in the related field of study awarded by an Australian university or equivalent, with a GPA of 5.0 out of 7.0, or equivalent, or a GPA of 5.5 out of 7.0 for the last 2 full years of the degree 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 minimum GPA of 5.0 out of 7.0, 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


and

  • acceptance will be subject to the availability of, and endorsement by, a USQ supervisor.


Pre-requisite Knowledge

Eligible students who are not considered to have sufficient previous knowledge may be required to undertake a limited number of additional relevant courses. All students must discuss their enrolment pattern with the Program Coordinator prior to nominating courses on their enrolment form.

All students are required to satisfy the applicable .

If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a 精东传媒app-approved . On successful completion of the English language program, you may be admitted to an award program.

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Program fees

Domestic full fee paying place

Domestic full fee paying places are funded entirely through the full fees paid by the student. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the
Domestic full fee paying students may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government loan called provided they meet the residency and citizenship requirements.
Australian citizens, Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders, Permanent Resident visa holders and New Zealand citizens who will be resident outside Australia for the duration of their program pay full tuition fees and are not eligible for .

International full fee paying place

International students pay full fees. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken and whether they are studied on-campus, via distance education/online. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the .

Research training scheme (RTS)

Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and New Zealand citizens commencing a higher degree research program may have their tuition fees paid for by the Australian Federal Government under the Research Training Scheme (RTS). A RTS place entitles a student an exemption on tuition fees for a maximum period of 4 years full-time or 8 years part-time for a Doctorate program and 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time for a Masters by Research program. As part of the enrolment process students are required to submit proof of citizenship and transcripts of all previous academic study. It is with this documentation that USQ can determine a student's eligibility for a RTS place. Students who are eligible for RTS are:

  • those who have not consumed a RTS allocation previously;

  • those who have already utilised the RTS to successfully completed a research program. Once a student completes a higher degree research program full entitlements of the RTS are restored.


If a student's RTS entitlement expires before they have completed their program they will be required to pay full tuition fees for the remainder of the program. As there may be limited RTS places available, some students may be required to pay fees for all or part of their program. The Office of Research Graduate Studies will advise students of their eligibility for an RTS place.

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Program structure

Applied Research specialisation

There are 12 units in the program. There are four coursework units which will include a research training course. Courses are normally at level 3 or above and are selected in consultation with the supervisor to reflect additional training complementary to the area of research to be undertaken. The research training course will consist of or or or equivalent (as approved by the Program Coordinator).

The remaining 8-unit research project will be undertaken in consultation with an approved supervisor. The first research project course is evaluated by a progress report and a thesis proposal.

The student will prepare a thesis based on independently conducted research. To successfully complete the thesis, students will be required to select a research topic, carry out supervised research on the chosen topic using an appropriate research method and present and defend the results.

Available disciplines/qualified specialisations/majors

  • Agricultural Science

  • Astronomy

  • Biology

  • Data Science

  • Environmental Science

  • Mathematics

  • Midwifery

  • Nursing

  • Physical Sciences

  • Spatial Science

  • Sport and Exercise

  • Statistics


Psychology Research specialisation

There are 12 units in the program. There are four compulsory Level 4 psychology coursework units.

The remaining 8-unit research project will be undertaken in consultation with an approved supervisor. The first research project course SCI9017 Master of Science Psychology Research Project is evaluated by a progress report and a thesis proposal.

The student will prepare a thesis based on independently conducted research. To successfully complete the thesis, students will be required to select a research topic, carry out supervised research on the chosen topic using an appropriate research method and present and defend the results.

Advanced Research specialisation

Candidates will be expected to conduct their studies in areas of science research that reflect the expertise of current staff in the Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences. Most research active staff are also members of a USQ Research Centre. Details of current research programs and potential supervisors can be found on the webpage.

The emphasis of the program will be on developing the appropriate knowledge and skills to undertake independent research and professional practice. Accordingly, a major component of the program will be a supervised research project.

There are 12 units in the program. There is one unit of coursework research training and an 11-unit research project. Progress in the research courses is monitored via research reports co-ordinated by the Office of Research and Higher Degrees. In addition two of the research project courses ( and ) are formally evaluated. In the case of SCI9012 evaluation is by both a confirmation seminar and written confirmation proposal and in the case of SCI9013 by a progress seminar. The student will prepare a thesis based on independently conducted research. To successfully complete the thesis, students will be required to select a research topic, carry out supervised research on the chosen topic using an appropriate research method and present and defend the results.

The research training course will consist of or for the Human Sciences or or equivalent (as approved by the Program Coordinator).

Available disciplines/qualified specialisations/majors

  • Agricultural Science

  • Astronomy

  • Biology

  • Data Science

  • Environmental Science

  • Mathematics

  • Midwifery

  • Nursing

  • Physical Sciences

  • Spatial Science

  • Sport and Exercise

  • Statistics


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Required time limits

Students have a maximum of 2 years (full-time) or 4 years (part-time) to complete this program.

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Residential schools

The Psychology Research specialisation may be studied externally, however compulsory attendance at the scheduled residential schools will be required on-campus in Toowoomba or Ipswich during the first year of the program. The number of days required at each residential school will depend on enrolment mode (number of courses taken per semester).

Elective course options within the Applied Research and Advanced Research specialisations may have residential schools and students should seek confirmation of the requirements when selecting their electives.

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Exit points

Students enrolled in the Applied Research specialisation, who have successfully completed four coursework units and wish to exit without completing the program, may seek, with approval of the Program Coordinator, to exit via the Graduate Certificate of Science. Students must successfully complete this specialisation prior to application for entry to the PhD program.

Students enrolled in the Psychology Research specialisation must successfully complete this specialisation prior to application for entry to the PhD.

PhD Transfer

Eligible students may apply for transfer to the PhD or Doctor of Applied Science program following satisfactory completion of and subject to support from their supervisor. As such, a transfer will involve an extension of the scope of the existing approved Master of Science (Research) project, any such transfer will require the evaluation of a full confirmation proposal and seminar. The material will be assessed via a Faculty confirmation panel. As a result, a recommendation may be made to the 精东传媒app with respect to transfer to the PhD program with credit being given for the 8 units successfully undertaken with the Master of Science (Research). Students wishing to transfer as above must discuss the procedures with the Program Coordinator.

Students enrolled in the Advanced Research specialisation, who wish to transfer without completing the program, may on the basis of outstanding performance, seek to transfer to the PhD or Doctor of Applied Science program on the completion of at least eight units within this specialisation. To be eligible for transfer, students will have obtained an overall GPA of at least 6.0 averaged across both and .

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Credit

There will be no Credit or Exemptions for research project units in any specialisation of this program. Exemption for up to 4 units of relevant coursework undertaken as part of a Masters program may be approved within the Master of Science (Research) (Applied Research). Exemption for 1 unit of relevant coursework undertaken as part of a Masters program may be approved within the Master of Science (Research) (Advanced Research). There will normally be no Credit or Exemptions for the compulsory coursework units in the Psychology Research specialisation.

Recommended enrolment patterns

In this section:

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Recommended enrolment pattern - Applied Research specialisation (full-time)

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.


CourseYear of program and semester
in which course is normally studied
Enrolment requirements
On-campus
(ONC)
External
(EXT)
Online
(ONL)
YearSemYearSemYearSem

Year 1

^~11,211,2

or

11

or

&1,21,2

or

Equivalent approved by the Program Coordinator

Elective Course 1**11,211,2
Elective Course 2**11,211,2
Elective Course 3**11,211,2
*#11,211,2Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR
*~11,211,2Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR

Year 2

*~21,221,2Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR
*~21,221,2Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR

Footnotes
^One unit of credit
~Pass/Fail course
&Required for Spatial Science students and must be completed satisfactorily during the first semester of study
**Courses will normally be at level 3 or above and are selected in consultation with the project supervisor and approval of the Program Coordinator. Sport and Exercise: the recommended coursework courses are , (compulsory residential school for external students) and (compulsory residential school for external students), however an alternate course from within a relevant Science or Health and Wellbeing discipline, selected in consultation with the project supervisor, may be approved by the Program Coordinator.
*Two units of credit
#Graded Course

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Recommended enrolment pattern - Applied Research specialisation (part-time)

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.


CourseYear of program and semester
in which course is normally studied
Enrolment requirements
On-campus
(ONC)
External
(EXT)
Online
(ONL)
YearSemYearSemYearSem

Year 1

^~11,211,2

or

11

or

&1,21,2

or

Equivalent approved by the Program Coordinator

Elective Course 1**11,211,2
Elective Course 2**11,211,2
Elective Course 3**11,211,2

Year 2

*#21,221,2Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR
*~21,221,2Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR

Year 3

*~31,231,2Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR
*~31,231,2Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR

Footnotes
^One unit of credit
~Pass/Fail course
&Required for Spatial Science students and must be completed satisfactorily during the first semester of study
**Courses will normally be at level 3 or above and are selected in consultation with the project supervisor and approval of the Program Coordinator. Sport and Exercise: the recommended coursework courses are , (compulsory residential school for external students) and (compulsory residential school for external students), however an alternate course from within a relevant Science or Health and Wellbeing discipline, selected in consultation with the project supervisor, may be approved by the Program Coordinator.
*Two units of credit
#Graded course

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Recommended enrolment pattern - Psychology Research specialisation (full-time)

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.

For students who wish to start the program in S2, please contact the Psychology specialisation coordinator for a recommended enrolment pattern.

The Psychology Research specialisation may be studied externally, however compulsory attendance at the scheduled residential schools will be required on-campus in Toowoomba or Ipswich during the first year of the program. The number of days required at each residential school will depend on enrolment mode. There are 7 compulsory courses (worth eleven units) and students then select one other course from a choice of two (worth one unit). The courses are as follows.


CourseYear of program and semester
in which course is normally studied
Residential schoolEnrolment requirements
On-campus
(ONC)
External
(EXT)
Online
(ONL)
YearSemYearSemYearSem

Year 1

#^1111CPre-requisite: Students must be enrolled in one of the following Programs: BSCH in Psychology major (12302) or BPSH. BPSH students, completion of the first 3 years with a GPA of 5.0 across levels 1 to 3 psychology courses.
#^1111CPre-requisite: Students must be enrolled in one of the following Programs: BSCH in Psychology major (12302) or BPSH. BPSH students, completion of the first 3 years with a GPA of 5.0 across levels 1 to 3 psychology courses.
+*#1111C
#^1212CPre-requisite: Students must be enrolled in one of the following Programs: BSCH in Psychology major (12302) or BPSH. BPSH students, completion of the first 3 years with a GPA of 5.0 across levels 1 to 3 psychology courses.
~*1212Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR
^#12CPre-requisite: Students must be enrolled in one of the following Programs: MSCR (Psychology Research) or BSCH (Psychology) or BPSH. BPSH students, completion of the first 3 years with a GPA of 5.0 across levels 1 to 3 psychology courses.

Year 2

*~2121Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR
*~2121Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR

Footnotes
#Students intending to study this course by distance education must attend the compulsory residential schools, in the relevant semester.
^One unit of credit
+Graded course
*Two units of credit
~Pass/Fail course

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Recommended enrolment pattern - Psychology Research specialisation (part-time)

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.

The Psychology Research specialisation may be studied externally, however compulsory attendance at the scheduled residential schools will be required on-campus in Toowoomba or Ipswich during the first year of the program. The number of days required at each residential school will depend on enrolment mode. There are 7 compulsory courses (worth eleven units) and students then select one other course from a choice of two (worth one unit). The courses are as follows.


CourseYear of program and semester
in which course is normally studied
Residential schoolEnrolment requirements
On-campus
(ONC)
External
(EXT)
Online
(ONL)
YearSemYearSemYearSem
#^1111CPre-requisite: Students must be enrolled in one of the following Programs: BSCH in Psychology major (12302) or BPSH. BPSH students, completion of the first 3 years with a GPA of 5.0 across levels 1 to 3 psychology courses.
#^1111CPre-requisite: Students must be enrolled in one of the following Programs: BSCH in Psychology major (12302) or BPSH. BPSH students, completion of the first 3 years with a GPA of 5.0 across levels 1 to 3 psychology courses.
#^1212CPre-requisite: Students must be enrolled in one of the following Programs: BSCH in Psychology major (12302) or BPSH. BPSH students, completion of the first 3 years with a GPA of 5.0 across levels 1 to 3 psychology courses.
^#12CPre-requisite: Students must be enrolled in one of the following Programs: MSCR (Psychology Research) or BSCH (Psychology) or BPSH. BPSH students, completion of the first 3 years with a GPA of 5.0 across levels 1 to 3 psychology courses.

Year 2

+*#2121C
~*2222Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR

Year 3

*~3131Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR
*~3232Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR

Footnotes
#Students intending to study this course by distance education must attend the compulsory residential schools, in the relevant semester.
^One unit of credit
+Graded course
*Two units of credit
~Pass/Fail course

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Recommended enrolment pattern - Advanced Research specialisation (full-time)

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.


CourseYear of program and semester
in which course is normally studied
Enrolment requirements
On-campus
(ONC)
External
(EXT)
Online
(ONL)
YearSemYearSemYearSem

Year 1

^~11,211,2

or

11

or

&1,21,2

or

Equivalent or elective course approved by the Program Coordinator**

^11,211,2Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR
*#11,211,2Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR
*#11,211,2Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR
*~11,211,2Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR

Year 2

*~21,221,2Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR
*~21,221,2Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR

Footnotes
^One unit of credit
~Pass/Fail course
&Required for Spatial Science students and must be completed satisfactorily during the first semester of study
**Elective courses will normally be at level 3 or above and are selected in consultation with the project supervisor and approval of the Program Coordinator. Sport and Exercise:students who have already met the research methods/training requirements may choose an elective and are recommended to choose from , (compulsory residential school for external students) and (compulsory residential school for external students), however an alternate course from within a relevant Science or Health and Wellbeing discipline, selected in consultation with the project supervisor, may be approved by the Program Coordinator.
*Two units of credit
#Graded course

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Recommended enrolment pattern - Advanced Research specialisation (part-time)

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.


CourseYear of program and semester
in which course is normally studied
Enrolment requirements
On-campus
(ONC)
External
(EXT)
Online
(ONL)
YearSemYearSemYearSem

Year 1

^~11,211,2

or

11

or

&1,21,2

or

Equivalent or elective course approved by the Program Coordinator**

^11,211,2Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR
*#11,211,2Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR

Year 2

*#21,221,2Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR
*~21,221,2Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR

Year 3

*~31,231,2Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR
*~31,231,2Pre-requsite: Student must be enrolled in the following Program: MSCR

Footnotes
^One unit of credit
~Pass/Fail course
&Required for Spatial Science students and must be completed satisfactorily during the first semester of study
**Elective courses will normally be at level 3 or above and are selected in consultation with the project supervisor and approval of the Program Coordinator. Sport and Exercise:students who have already met the research methods/training requirements may choose an elective and are recommended to choose from , (compulsory residential school for external students) and (compulsory residential school for external students), however an alternate course from within a relevant Science or Health and Wellbeing discipline, selected in consultation with the project supervisor, may be approved by the Program Coordinator.
*Two units of credit
#Graded Course