25. Research degrees

Note: Information in this chapter should be read in conjunction with the Resolutions of the Senate in the University of Sydney Calendar and the University Postgraduate Research/Coursework handbook.

The faculty offers a wide range of research programs in the health sciences area. The faculty's research effort is performed in the following areas:

Research groups

• Ageing and Human Development
• Clinical and Rehabilitation Sciences
• Disability and Community
• Exercise, Health and Performance
• Health Informatics and Statistics
• Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences

Research units

• Ageing Work and Health Unit
• Health Informatics Research Evaluation Unit

Research centre

• Australian Stuttering Research Centre

Each of these bodies conducts a wide range of research and further details may be found at:
www.fhs.usyd.edu.au/research_innovation/index.shtml.

The faculty offers the following postgraduate research degrees that may be taken across any of these faculty research areas:

• Doctor of Philosophy
• Doctor of Health Science (for continuing students only)
• Master of Applied Science

Course design

The courses have different designs but there are a number of common features. All higher degree research students must complete an annual progress report and interview annually.

Students are expected to participate regularly in University and faculty forums and conferences, virtual or campus-based, as active members of the research community.

Students will be expected to present their work to their peers at least once a year in research forums.

Supervision

For each student, a supervisor who will be a member of the academic staff of the faculty will be appointed. In accordance with University policy, one or more associate supervisors will also be appointed. These supervisors are normally identified during consultations prior to admission to the research course.

Application

For local students, an application should be made on the prescribed form and should be lodged with the Research and Innovation Office (Cumberland). Forms may be downloaded from these websites:

• www.usyd.edu.au/studentcentre/admissions/app_forms.shtml
• www.fhs.usyd.edu.au/forms/research/pg_research_application.pdf

International students apply through the University's International Office (IO). See www.usyd.edu.au/internationaloffice.

Costs

The Federal Government's Research Training Scheme (RTS) provides HECS exemptions for Commonwealth-funded higher degree students for the duration of an accredited higher degree course. This means local full-time PhD and HScD students are covered by the scheme for four years full-time (or equivalent) and research Master students are covered for two years full-time (or equivalent).

For information on fees for international students, see the website: www.usyd.edu.au/internationaloffice/publications/fees.shtml.

Further enquiries

Phone: +61 2 9351 9355
Fax: +61 2 9036 7303
Email:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD is designed to provide graduates with the opportunity to undertake in-depth study in a specialised area. It is a research degree that, for most students, has a minimum period of candidature of three years. The PhD degree is important for academic appointments and research appointments in government and industrial research and development organisations.

The Faculty of Health Sciences is able to offer supervision across a broad range of research topics. Areas of research expertise are available on respective faculty research group websites. To access this information visit the faculty's website (www.fhs.usyd.edu.au) and follow the links to the research area of your choice.

Program aims

The PhD has two intents. One is to prepare a substantial piece of
research work that represents a significant contribution to the particular field of study, while the other is to train candidates in the general area of research methodology, equipping them with skills which will serve them in any area of research.

Admission requirements

The minimum admission requirement to the PhD is a master’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree with first or second class honours, from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification.

Alternatively, you may be admitted having passed a qualifying examination at an equivalent standard. This could be the completion of a period of relevant advanced study and research towards a master’s degree at the University of Sydney.

The proposed course of advanced study and research must receive approval from the Faculty research group convenor or unit director, who also certifies that appropriate supervisors and resources are available. In most instances, a period of probationary candidature of two semesters is required. Some coursework may be required, but in no case is a major component.

Supervision

PhD students are expected to work individually and under the direction of their primary supervisor and one or more associate supervisors on advanced study and research in one of the chosen research areas.

Time limits

Candidates can proceed on a full or part-time basis. The normal maximum length of candidature would be four years full-time and eight years part-time.

The University of Sydney (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)) Rule 2004 is outlined in the General University section at the back of the handbook.

Doctor of Health Science (HScD)

Note: No new intake in 2010. The information provided below is for continuing students only.

The focus of the Doctor of Health Science (HScD) program is on developing the researching professional, in comparison with the PhDs greater focus on preparing professional researchers and academics. Students extend their professional knowledge and practice, develop their research skills, and conduct relevant research in health professional settings. The program is interprofessional and multidisciplinary in its approach.

There are particular pathways between many of the faculty’s master's by coursework degree programs and this degree program. Prospective students interested in developing a plan of advanced study connecting a master’s by coursework to the Doctor of Health Science should consult with the academic coordinator for their chosen master’s course and/or the academic coordinator for the Doctor of Health Science program.

For full details see the HScD website: www.fhs.usyd.edu.au/dhs

Program aims

The broad aim is to strengthen the relationship between the university and the professional workplace through improving linkages between workplace practice and practice-based research. The program provides advanced professional development for professionals working in the health field who wish to acquire the knowledge and skills required to assume leadership. These roles might be, for example, as program planners, clinical managers, clinicians who conduct some research, and/or educators. There is an emphasis on systematic and scientific investigation to interpret theory and research, critique current methods and interventions, and translate these findings into a form which can direct present and future practice. Current health practice requires health professionals to take an evidence-based practice approach, to be more responsive to health systems issues, to be more focused on efficacy of clinical interventions, and to be more flexible in the ways services are provided. These changes require current and aspiring leaders in the health professions to develop sophisticated intellectual and practical skills that have not, until recently, been in high demand, and to develop new ways of organising the delivery of care to clients in organisations with diminishing resources.

Graduates will have developed high quality research and inquiry skills. These skills will enable them to conduct research that will contribute to the development of their professions and enhance health practice generally by means of promoting a greater understanding amongst health professionals of the knowledge, roles and practices necessary for high quality health service delivery. This will enable them, for instance, to design, implement and evaluate health care programs to ensure they are responsive to meeting current health needs. The degree is thus not intended to be just profession specific: rather it is premised on the idea of greater professional flexibility and the development of new forms of practical knowledge through disciplinary and/or multidisciplinary study. The Doctor of Health Science program offers a path for professionals in health related areas to extend their expertise and to initiate research in workplace settings.

Admission requirements

The Dean may admit an applicant to candidature for the degree if the applicant holds or has fulfilled the requirements for:

• Bachelor of Applied Science or the Bachelor of Health Sciences with First or Second Class honours from the University of Sydney, or an undergraduate degree in the health sciences deemed to be equivalent, or
• Master of Applied Science from the University of Sydney, or
• Master of Health Science from the University of Sydney with a credit average of at least 70, or equivalent, and
• a minimum of three years recent, full-time experience in the health field, or equivalent.

Course design

The program, primarily designed for part-time study, has a normal expectation of the equivalent of three years full-time study, consisting of up to one-third coursework and the remaining in independent research and study, leading to production of a thesis. While a full-time study program is detailed in Table 25.1 below, units of study to suit an individual student’s needs may not always be available.

The coursework component, comprising a minimum of 6 to a maximum of 8 units of study, assists students to develop their expertise. Students are able to specialise in any of the profession-specific areas within the faculty, although not all areas will be available for any one intake. An outline of the coursework component is presented in Table 25.1. Course work is typically completed in the first third of candidature; however, this may be varied with the supervisor’s approval where appropriate.

The research component is the conduct of a research project under the direction of a supervisor and one or more associate supervisors appointed by the University. The outcomes will be scholarly, reflect rigorous research and will make an original contribution to knowledge.

The degree is awarded when the candidate has completed all course requirements and the candidate’s thesis has been successfully examined. (Details of the examination process are found in Chapter 28 of this handbook.)

Coursework units of study

Core units
BACH5026 Special Investigation
DHSC7001 Theory in the Health Professions
DHSC7003 Foundations for Doctoral Studies
DHSC7005 Developing a Research Proposal
DHSC7006 Leading in the Health Professions

Required research methods unit of study
One unit selected from the following list and approved by the student’s supervisor:
BACH5011 Survey Research Methods
BACH5068 Statistics for Clinical Research
BACH5253 Intermediate Statistics
BACH5255 Qualitative Research Methods
BACH5328 Evaluating Health Interventions
PUBH5018 Introductory Biostatistics
PHTY5190 Evidence-Based Decision Making

For descriptions of these units, see Chapter 26.

Students should note that some of the above may only be available by distance mode while others may only be available in on-campus mode. Details of mode and semester of availability are included in the unit of study descriptions. Students may also select a research unit of study offered elsewhere in the University, but not on this list, with permission of their supervisor.

Elective unit/s of study
Students will normally complete one or two electives, approved by the student’s supervisor, to extend their knowledge and capabilities in relevant research and/or practice in keeping with the aims of the Doctor of Health Science program.

Electives will usually be chosen from the range of graduate units of study currently offered within the faculty and University. Unit of study descriptions and a list of faculty electives are found in Chapter 26.

Students will select their electives in consultation with their supervisors. An initial agreed coursework program must be specified in the application for admission.

Students should note that some of the above may only be available by distance mode while others may only be available in on-campus mode. Details of mode and semester of availability are included in the unit of study descriptions.

Research and thesis

Thesis
The primary product of the student’s research and study is the thesis. The topic of the research and thesis shall be approved by the faculty. The student shall submit for examination a thesis of 60,000 words (or equivalent), which shall be a substantial and original contribution to the subject concerned. The thesis may be presented in traditional form or as thesis including publication/s according to University rules.

Research presentations
Students will be expected to present their work to their peers at least three times in research forums (one of which should be external to the University). Two will take the form of 'work in progress' colloquia. The last might be analogous to an oral defence of the nearly completed thesis.

Opportunities internal to the University will include both faculty research forums and University research conferences open to all health sciences researchers. Students are expected to participate regularly in University and faculty forums and conferences, virtual or campus-based, as active members of the research community. Flexible modes of communication are sometimes used to involve students located at a distance in on-campus activities. The level and frequency of participation is agreed in principle on admission.

Students completing the program in off-campus mode are normally expected to attend the faculty forums. During that period of residence and at other times by mutual agreement they are expected to make contact with significant academic staff within the faculty.

Credit transfer

An applicant applying for credit transfer will have satisfied the admission criteria listed above and have demonstrated a high level of competency. In general, no more than 50 per cent of the total coursework credit points for the award of the degree will be granted credit transfer. Credit transfer will only be granted for units of study undertaken within the last five years. Application for credit transfer is made as part of the Application for Admission to the HScD program.

For credit for coursework, academic achievement will be at credit level of at least 70 in any unit of study for which credit transfer is sought, with the exception of BACH5186 Professional Development Skills where a distinction level of at least 75 is required. Approval for credit transfer will be granted by the Sub Dean (Research Students) on the recommendation of the Doctor of Health Science Program Coordinator, in consultation with the student’s supervisors.

Normally, credit transfer will only be granted for previously completed units of study that can be demonstrated as directly contributing to the student’s total program of study in the Doctor of Health Science degree. General faculty policy on credit transfer for the professional doctorate, together with specific policy in relation to core, elective and research units of study is listed below.

Core units of study
Credit transfer is granted for core units of study only in certain circumstances. Credit may be granted if the units of study were undertaken while enrolled in a Master’s by coursework in the Faculty of Health Sciences as part of a planned pathway to doctoral research degree candidature. In exceptional circumstances, credit may be granted if students can show that they have completed these units of study, or highly equivalent units of study, at the required level in another award program.

Elective units of study
Prospective students will consult with their supervisor regarding credit transfer for elective units of study. Credit transfer will be granted for already completed units of study if the supervisor in consultation with the academic coordinator considers the completed units as relevant to the student’s thesis research project. Credit transfer applications must be signed off by the student’s supervisor and the program’s academic coordinator and approved by the Sub Dean (Research Students).

Research units of study and thesis
For those with a part-completed candidature in a research master's degree, up to two semesters (full-time equivalent) credit transfer may be granted for the research thesis component. Students should take into account that while such credit transfer will reduce the minimum time of thesis submission, it may also reduce the amount of HECS exemption. The amount and nature of credit transfer in the research thesis will generally be given by the Sub Dean (Research Students) on the recommendation of the HScD program coordinator after consultation with the student's supervisor.

Progression

All higher degree research students complete an annual progress report and are interviewed annually. Satisfactory progress is indicated by:

• Completing coursework requirements at the rate of two units of study per semester (part-time enrolment) or four units of study per semester (full-time enrolment).
• Achieving at least a credit average in units of study undertaken in the course to date.
• Presenting to peers at least once in approximately the first, middle and final thirds of candidature.
• Achieving approval of the student’s research proposal.
• Achieving objectives agreed with the supervisor for the year or other outcomes agreed equivalent.

Unsatisfactory progress is indicated by failure to achieve the milestones above. Additionally, requiring leave of absence for more than 12 months would be taken to indicate unsatisfactory progress.

Costs

Local students should note that under the Research Training Scheme (RTS) a maximum of four years full-time equivalent enrolment in the course is allowable. During local student’s enrolment the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) exemption applies at either a full-time rate (for local students enrolled full-time) or a part-time rate (for local students enrolled part-time).

International students must pay fees for part-time or full-time study.

Thus, full-time students enrolled in the coursework component are required to enrol in four units of study per semester (24 credit points) and part-time students are required to enrol in two units of study per semester (12 credit points). Student should take this into account when planning their research and study program. Students who are unable to meet these requirements or wish to seek further information about progression rate in the program should seek advice.

Further enquiries

Phone: +61 2 9351 9355
Fax: +61 2 9036 7303
Email:

Course outline

The course outline for the Doctor of Health Science is presented in Table 25.1. Unit of study descriptions and a list of faculty electives are found in Chapter 26.

Table 25.1: Doctor of Health Science

Master of Applied Science (MAppSc)

The master's degree offers candidates, from a wide range of disciplines and training, the opportunity to pursue their research interests within the faculty. Candidates are expected to work individually and under the direction of a primary supervisor and one or more associate supervisors on advanced study and research in one of the chosen research areas. At the end of the candidature, a student is expected to present a thesis for examination.

The minimum admission requirement to the master's degree is a relevant bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney or other Australian university or an overseas institution of higher education, equivalent to an Australian bachelor's degree or present such evidence of general or academic qualifications as will satisfy the faculty that the applicant possesses the educational preparation and capacity to pursue graduate studies.

The proposed research topic must receive approval from the convener of the appropriate research group or unit director within the faculty who will also certify that appropriate supervisors and resources are available.

The faculty can offer supervision over a broad range of research topics. Areas of research expertise are available on the respective Faculty Research Group websites. To access this information visit the Faculty of Health Sciences at www.fhs.usyd.edu.au, and follow the links to the research area of your choice.

Research thesis and research electives are the major components of the course. Additional coursework may be required where this is considered necessary for the development of the thesis.

Applications

• An application for admission to a master’s degree program is accepted subject to the availability of facilities and supervision. Courses and arrangements as stated in the handbook or any other publication, announcement or advice of the faculty are expression of intent only and are not to be taken as a firm offer or undertaking. The faculty reserves the right to discontinue or vary such courses, or arrangement of staff allocations at any time without notice.
• An application shall be made on the prescribed form and shall be lodged with the Research and Innovation Office (Cumberland).
• An application shall normally be made by the end of October immediately preceding the year in which the applicant wishes to register, except that, for a program being conducted for the first time, application for admission shall be made by the specified closing date, as determined by the head of the Research and Innovation Office (Cumberland), from time to time.
• An applicant may seek admission to a master’s degree program either as a full-time or part-time on-campus or full-time or part-time off-campus student.

Time limits

Candidates can proceed on a full or part-time basis. The maximum length of candidature would be four semesters full-time and eight semesters part-time.

Enrolment

Course requirements

Research thesis

Examination of thesis

Master of Applied Science – SC108

This generic degree is offered to candidates from a wide range of disciplines and training to pursue their research interest in this faculty. Students should refer to the academic chapters to identify appropriate supervisors. Coursework may be required where this is considered necessary for the development of the thesis. However the admission criteria for this program may differ from each area of study.

Admission requirements

To qualify for admission to the Master of Applied Science degree, applicants must possess:

• A relevant bachelor’s degree from the University of Sydney or other Australian university or an overseas institution of higher education equivalent to an Australian bachelor degree.
• Evidence of general and academic qualifications and experience as will satisfy the faculty that the applicant possesses the educational preparation and capacity to pursue independent research.

Master of Applied Science (Communication Sciences and Disorders) – SC052

Note: For continuing students only

The Master of Applied Science course in Communication Sciences and Disorders is a research program designed to prepare individuals to pursue their career objectives as specialist clinicians, administrators, academics or researchers in the field of communication sciences and disorders. Completion of the course requires submission of an acceptable thesis.

Admission requirements

In order to qualify for admission to the degree, applicants shall possess:

• a bachelor’s degree in an area of relevance such as speech pathology, psychology, linguistics, education, computer studies, audiology, from an Australian tertiary institution, or
• evidence of general and academic qualifications and experience as will satisfy the faculty that the applicant possesses the educational preparation and capacity to pursue independent research, and satisfy such additional requirements for admission to the program, if any, as may be prescribed by the faculty.

Master of Applied Science (Medical Radiation Sciences) – SC045

Note: For continuing students only

The Master of Applied Science (Medical Radiation Sciences) course is designed to provide an opportunity for research and scholarship in medical radiation sciences and aims to prepare individuals to pursue their career objectives as specialist practitioners, administrators, academics, or researchers. An important element of the program is the presentation by students on an aspect of their research at the annual faculty research forum.

Admission requirements

Applicants may enter the research master’s program with any of the following requirements:

1. a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline from an Australian tertiary institution, or
2. a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline from an overseas institution equivalent to an Australian bachelor’s degree, or
3. a Diploma of Applied Science and a Graduate Diploma of Health Science (Sonography), or
4. A Diploma of Applied Science and a Graduate Diploma of Health Science (Medical Radiation Sciences).

A student entering through (1), (2), (3) or (4) must also additionally be able to demonstrate a capacity to pursue graduate studies and would normally have completed a minimum of twelve months professionally relevant postgraduate experience. Applicants in the above categories, particularly for students entering through (3) or (4), may be required to complete a qualifying course program.

Admission to the course is subject to the availability of suitable supervisors in the discipline.

Master of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) – SC008

Note: For continuing students only

The Master of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) has an applied research thesis format supplemented with a set of enabling components. The course is designed to provide opportunity for advanced study, critical evaluation, and research in specific areas of occupational therapy. The course may be completed full-time or part-time.

Admission requirements

To qualify for admission, applicants shall possess:

1. an award of Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) from Cumberland College of Health Sciences or the University of Sydney, or
2. an award of Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) in Occupational Therapy from the University of Sydney, or
3. an award of Bachelor of Science with a major in Anatomy from the University of New South Wales and a Graduate Diploma in Occupational Therapy from Cumberland College of Health Sciences, or
4. an award of Master of Occupational Therapy from The University of Sydney, or
5. Possess such qualifications as are deemed equivalent to (1), (2) or (3) or (4), or
6. Submit such other evidence of general and/or professional qualifications as will satisfy the faculty that the applicant possesses the educational preparation and capacity to pursue graduate studies.

Occupational therapists without these qualifications may be admitted to candidature for the MAppSc(OT) degree by first enrolling in the MHlthSc(OT) pass course. Following completion of the equivalent of one semester of part-time enrolment, students may apply to transfer to candidature for the MAppSc(OT) degree.

Master of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) – SC025

Note: For continuing students only

Course aims

The Master of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) course is a research degree designed to provide an opportunity for research and scholarship in specific areas of physiotherapy.

Admission requirements

The faculty may, on the recommendation of the head of academic unit concerned, admit to candidature for a degree of Master, an applicant:

• who has completed courses appropriate to the area of study* in which the applicant seeks to proceed, provided that the applicant’s work is of sufficient merit, or who has submitted evidence of general and professional qualifications to satisfy the faculty that the applicant possesses the educational preparation and capacity to pursue graduate studies.
• who, in addition, meets any other requirements for admission to a particular program that has been prescribed by the faculty.

* Appropriate courses are those deemed equivalent to the Bachelor degree in Physiotherapy from Cumberland College of Health Sciences or the University of Sydney.