Course Title: Master Degree Thesis A

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Master Degree Thesis A

Credit Points: 24.00


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

NURS1243A

Bundoora Campus

Research

150H Health Sciences

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2006,
Sem 2 2006,
Sem 1 2007,
Sem 1 2008,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 1 2010,
Sem 1 2011,
Sem 1 2012

Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Phillip Maude

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7447

Course Coordinator Email: phillip.maude@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 201:7:16

Course Coordinator Availability: By Appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

In order to be eligible for direct entry into a Master by Research program within the Division of Nursing & Midwifery, you must:

(a) have qualified for a first degree of RMIT with at least a B (75%) in the final undergraduate year; or
(b) have qualified for another recognised award deemed to be equivalent in character and standard to a first degree of RMIT with at least a B (75%) in the final undergraduate year; or
(c) have produced evidence of appropriate experience which satisfies the Division and Portfolio that you have developed knowledge of the field of study sufficient to undertake the proposed program (eg have had research experience relevant to the discipline in the form of publications and conference presentations).

Candidates are also expected to successfully complete a postgraduate research methods subject, normally in the first semester of enrolment. Applications for exemptions from this requirement should be made to the Portfolio Board.

For further information, please refer to the RMIT Policy, Procedure and Regulation companion for Higher Degrees by Research: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master by Research (2002). This document can be viewed via the RMIT Home Page located at the following website address: http://www.rmit.edu.au  [click on Research/Prospective Students/Higher Degrees by Research – Policies and Procedures]).


Course Description

Candidates must present a thesis (upper limit 55,000words) based on original research which demonstrates competence in:

(a) Reviewing literary and other sources relevant to the thesis, and designing an investigation;
(b) Gathering and analysing information, evaluating evidence and synthesising, drawing conclusions;
(c) Presenting information in a manner consistent with publication in the relevant discipline;
(d) Critical appraisal of his/her own work relative to that of others; and
(e) The ability to carry out supervised research in the field.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Ability to:

  • undertake, manage and successfully complete an original research project under supervision
  • uphold agreed research ethics standards
  • through research extend the boundaries of knowledge
  • develop personal knowledge and diversity of experience - particularly in the skills of problem solving, creative endeavour and presentation of original research.

For further information, please refer to the RMIT Policy, Procedure and Regulation companion for Higher Degrees by Research: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master by Research (2002). This document can be viewed via the RMIT Home Page located at the following website address: http://www.rmit.edu.au  [click on Research/Prospective Students/Higher Degrees by Research – Policies and Procedures]).



For information on the expected learning outcomes of your program, please refer to the RMIT Policy, Procedure and Regulation companion for Higher Degrees by Research: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master by Research (2002). This document can be viewed via the RMIT Home Page located at the following website address: http://www.rmit.edu.au [click on Research/Prospective Students/Higher Degrees by Research – Policies and Procedures]).


At the completion of your program should be able to:

  • Identify a significant research problem/issue relevant to the fields of nursing, midwifery, and/or health care
  • Develop appropriate research questions
  • Search, evaluate and critique (review) the relevant literature
  • Choose an appropriate methodology and method to advance the study
  • Develop a research proposal
  • Obtain formal approval of the research proposal from both institutional research and human research ethics committees
  • Implement, manage and complete the study
  • Analyse and interpret the findings of the study in accordance with academic standards expected of Master by Research level program
  • Ensure the rigour/credibility of research undertaken
  • Present the findings of the study in a form consistent with University regulations.
  • Communicate and disseminate research findings
  • Apply knowledge of the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NH&MRC) standards of ethical human research
  • Evaluate and apply research findings to relevant domains.


Overview of Learning Activities

In consultation with an approved supervisors, candidates will be expected to:
• Identify a significant research problem relevant to the fields of nursing, midwifery, and mental health
• Develop appropriate research questions
• Choose an appropriate methodology and method to address the research questions identified
• Prepare a research application for approval by the University Higher Degrees by Research Committee
• Prepare an ethics application for approval by the Portfolio Human Research Ethics Committee (and other external ethics committees as required)
• Commence and complete the research program (once all approvals have been received)
• Present the findings of the study in a form consistent with the Division and University regulations.
• Submit annual and final ‘ethics monitoring’ reports to the Portfolio HREC
• Attendance at relevant research seminars/professional conferences

For further information, please refer to the RMIT Policy, Procedure and Regulation companion for Higher Degrees by Research: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master by Research (2002). This document can be viewed via the RMIT Home Page located at the following website address: http://www.rmit.edu.au [click on Research/Prospective Students/Higher Degrees by Research – Policies and Procedures]).



Overview of Learning Resources

  • Appointed supervisors
  • Library and electronic data base access to journals and relevant literature
  • Relevent research seminars/forums


Overview of Assessment

For detailed information on the assessment requirements for your program, please refer to the RMIT Policy, Procedure and Regulation companion for Higher Degrees by Research: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master by Research (2002). This document can be viewed via the RMIT Home Page located at the following website address: http://www.rmit.edu.au  [click on Research/Prospective Students/Higher Degrees by Research – Policies and Procedures]).


Formative:

  • Six (6) monthly progress reports attesting to timely achievement of program milestones (received and endorsed by the HDR Committee)
  • At least one presentation of thesis research at a research or professional development seminar
  • Annual and final reporting to the Portfolio’s Human Research Ethics (Sub)Committee (HREC)
  • Six (6) monthly progress reports attesting to timely achievement of program milestones (received and endorsed by the HDR Committee)

 

Summative:

Master Thesis of 55,000 words (maximum upper limit) being the final report of the Master by Research research project completed under supervision and submitted for examination in accordance with the University’s guidelines.