Master of Science (Medicine)

School of Medicine

Are you a medical professional with a desire to research and enhance your knowledge of a specialised area of epidemiology, basic science, or clinical research? Our Master of Science (Medicine) will expose you to the strong and innovative research culture at The University of Notre Dame Australia. The Master of Science (Medicine) is undertaken by thesis only and is best suited if you prefer a Master’s degree to a PhD but do not require structured research training. Get in contact today to make further enquiries.

  • About this program

    If you are a career-focused medical professional, this Master by Research postgraduate research degree is recommended for students who wish to enhance their knowledge, develop their career potential, or anticipate applying for a Professional Doctorate or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the future.

    The degree comprises a substantial research project culminating in the submission of a thesis or equivalent for independent examination by two external examiners. You will be required to have a minimum of two supervisors who will provide support and academic guidance throughout your degree.

  • Program summary

    The Masters by Research is a thesis-based research degree, normally comprised exclusively of supervised research, but can include research training coursework if appropriate.

    Full details of the program are contained in the Program Requirements.

  • Research focus

    The School of Medicine has research projects across Australia in Fremantle, Sydney, Melbourne and the University’s Rural Clinical Schools in New South Wales and Victoria. Current research projects focus on:

    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
    • Basic clinical sciences
    • Bioethics
    • Clinical and applied research
    • Medical leadership and health policy
    • Medical education
    • Pain management
    • Personal development and professional matters
    • Population and public health (including social inequity, climate and human health)
    • Primary care and prevention
    • Rural medicine
  • Supervision

    As a Masters by Research candidate, you are required to have a minimum of two supervisors who will provide support and academic guidance throughout your degree. Your supervisors will assist you with the preparation of your research proposal, continuing to mentor and direct you throughout the research phase and through the process of examination.

  • Mode of study and assessment

    You may undertake the program either in a full-time or part-time capacity. The standard time for completion (not including periods of approved leave of absence) is normally two years for a full-time student, and four years for a part-time student. The minimum time for completion will normally be one year. Once completed, your Masters thesis will be assessed by two external examiners.

  • Entry requirements

    The following criteria apply to students seeking admission to the Master of Research program:

    • Possession of an undergraduate degree from a recognised university which has been completed at a superior standard and which demonstrates the applicant’s potential to undertake and complete research-based study at AQF level 9 equivalence.
    • In exceptional circumstances, an equivalent academic or professional background that is considered by the Dean of the School to be an appropriate preparation for independent study and research work at Master’s level.

    You may be required to demonstrate an ability to understand and communicate in both written and spoken English at a level adequate for the purpose of pursuing the program of study.

  • Learning outcomes

    Upon successful completion of the Masters of Science (Medicine), graduates will be able to:

    1. Apply high level cognitive and technical skills in the design and execution of a specialised research project that makes a contribution to knowledge, professional practice and/or creative practice
    2. Investigate, analyse, synthesise, and critically reflect on complex information, problems and concepts and apply established theories in the context of an advanced body of knowledge and practice
    3. Disseminate research findings, communicating a coherent and sustained argument effectively, to specialist and non-specialist audiences
    4. Apply knowledge of research integrity, ethics and the rights and safety of others in the conduct of research and dissemination of research findings; and
    5. Conduct research with creativity, initiative, autonomy, and accountability.
  • Career opportunities

    A Master of Science (Medicine) degree will enhance your knowledge, develop your career potential, or help you apply for a Professional Doctorate or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the future. Careers include roles in healthcare, medical research, public health and regulation.

  • Real-world experience

    You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. There are no practicum requirements for this program.

  • Scholarships

    Domestic Students

    In accordance with the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017, domestic research students are eligible to have all Higher Degree by Research (HDR) course fees paid for by the Commonwealth Government through a Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship for the length of their degree. Domestic students are also encouraged to apply for stipend scholarships which are very competitive and awarded to students of exceptional research potential. The scholarships designed to help with general living costs for the duration of the research degree.

    International Students

    The University is keen to support high calibre international students who are eligible to apply for Commonwealth Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships (Fees Offset and/or Stipend), and the University International Fee Remission Research Scholarship (IFRRS). Please refer to the International Prospectus or visit our Scholarships section if you would like more information. Unless in receipt of a scholarship, all international research students must pay full fees for the length of their research degree.

  • Fees and costs

    This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:


    Domestic Fee-Paying
    A domestic fee-paying place is a place at university where the student is responsible for the full cost the program.

    Eligible domestic fee-paying students may apply for the FEE-HELP loan scheme which assists eligible fee-paying students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your FEE-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.


    International Full-Fee Paying
    Tuition costs depend on an international student’s study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of your program.


    For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

  • More information

    Considering your uni options?

    Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session. Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process. Book my session.


    For more information, please contact our Prospective Students Office.

    Fremantle and Broome
    Phone: +61 8 9433 0533
    Email: future@nd.edu.au
    Sydney and Melbourne
    Phone: +61 2 8204 4404
    Email: sydney@nd.edu.au

    All international enquiries should contact the International Students Office on international@nd.edu.au.



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