Master of Philosophy (Health Professional Education)

School of Health Sciences

Are you ready to embark on a research project? A Master of Philosophy (Health Sciences) at The University of Notre Dame Australia is a research degree that combines coursework in research training with writing a major research thesis. Students from other disciplines can undertake a Master of Philosophy in Health Sciences, but additional coursework may be required to support the study process. Contact us today to discuss your options.

• Why study this degree?

  The Master of Philosophy (Health Professional Education) is a postgraduate research degree comprising both coursework and a substantial research component culminating in submitting a thesis or equivalent for independent examination. Each candidate must have a minimum of two supervisors who will support and provide academic guidance throughout the degree. Supervisors will help candidates prepare their research proposal and continue to mentor and direct their work until the thesis is submitted for examination.

• Program summary

  The coursework component comprises four compulsory research training courses to be completed as a prerequisite to the student's individual research project. The coursework courses will provide opportunities for candidates to formulate substantial elements of their planned research (e.g. topic refinement, identification and justification of the preferred research method(s), preparation of a draft proposal) and to develop personal competencies in critical analysis and scholarly writing relevant to their profession.

  The completion of the coursework is facilitated by a course delivery schedule which takes into consideration that candidates may be in full-time employment during their candidature. A Credit average must be achieved in the coursework as a prerequisite for proceeding to the research component. Within some Schools, a compulsory sequence of courses exists. The structure of the degree in these cases is as follows:

  Coursework component (1/3 of degree; 0.5 year full-time study)

  • Quantitative Research Methods
  • Qualitative Research Methods
  • Scholarly Reading and Writing
  • Developing a Research Proposal

  Research component (2/3 of degree; one year full-time study)

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

  More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions page.

• Entry requirements

  To be eligible for admission to The University of Notre Dame Australia, all applicants must meet the University’s minimum requirements for admission. The requirements for admission are detailed in the University’s Policy: Admissions.

  To be eligible for admission to the Master of Philosophy applicants must also meet the following specific requirements.

  • Possession of a Bachelor’s degree (AQF level 7 qualification); or Master of Philosophy
  • In exceptional circumstances, an equivalent academic or professional background that is considered by the National Head of School to be an appropriate preparation for independent study and research work at master’s level
  • An applicant may be required to satisfy the National Head of School of the 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 Master of Philosophy (Health Professional Education) 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.

• Supervision

  As a Master of Philosophy candidate, you are required to have a minimum of two supervisors who will provide support and academic guidance throughout their degrees. Supervisors will assist 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) will normally be one-and-a-half years full-time or three years part-time. The minimum time for completion will normally be one year and is usually only applicable for students with prior research experience or qualifications. The assessment of the coursework component consists of written assignments while the research component is assessed by examination of your thesis by external reviewers.

• Research focus

  The School of Medicine conducts research projects across Australia, including Fremantle, Sydney, Melbourne, and the University’s Rural Clinical Schools in New South Wales and Victoria. Current research projects in health professional education include:

  • Innovations in health curriculum design
  • Assessment and evaluation in health and medical education
  • Interprofessional education and collaboration
  • Reasoning and Clinical Innovation in Health Professional Education
  • Coaching and Clinical Supervision in Health
  • Learning and Facilitation in Health Professional Education
  • Health leadership development programs
  • Continuing professional development and lifelong learning in health

• 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, most 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 the maximum duration of the enrolment time published on the program requirement. 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 through the Commonwealth Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships (Fees Offset and/or Stipend), or the University International Fee Remission Research Scholarship (IFRRS), which are very competitive and awarded to students of exceptional research potential. 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:

  Research Training Program (RTP)
  The Research Training Program (RTP) provides block grants to support students who are undertaking a Higher Degree by Research such as a Research Doctorate or Research Masters degree. You will receive support for a maximum of two years for a Research Masters and a maximum of four years for a Research Doctorate degree. Your offer will specify for which purpose(s) your grant may be used. This may include offset of your tuition fees, as a stipend for general living costs or as an allowance related to the ancillary cost of research degrees.

  For indicative fees and information on Postgraduate and Research Scholarships available, please visit our HDR Scholarships page.

  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

  View application steps for a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program on How to apply - Graduate research.

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Book a 1-on-1 advice session with a career advisor or call us on 1800 878 916.

  Fremantle and Broome
  Email: future@nd.edu.au
  Address: 23 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160

  Sydney and Melbourne
  Email: sydney@nd.edu.au
  Address: 128-140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008

  International students
  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.

  Fremantle and Broome International Office
  Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
  Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
  Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959

  Sydney and Melbourne International Office
  Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
  Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
  Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007