Master of Philosophy - MDHS (Medicine) is an internationally recognised masters by research degree designed for students to develop advanced skills in independent and sustained research on a particular topic under academic supervision.

The graduate thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing research in the field. Research projects are available in the areas of:

• Cancer
• Cardio-respiratory
• Cell signalling
• Cellular imaging
• Infection and immunity
• Molecular mechanisms of disease
• Neuroscience
• Stem cells
• Structural biology
• Systems biology
• Therapeutics and translation

Course structure

• You will enrol in a thesis subject and undertake a research project for the duration of the degree.
• The normal period of candidature is 18 months for full-time candidates with the possibility of up to 6 months extension.
• You are required to complete a minimum of 6 months full-time research at the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up your research within a University community and environment.
• Normally the entire degree is undertaken at the University.
• You will have appropriately experienced academics available to arrange a course of supervised research designed to suit your requirements and interests.
• You may be required to supplement your research program by attendance at, or enrolment in, additional subjects if considered necessary by the supervisor(s).
• You are expected to attend departmental seminars over the period of their candidature.
• Academic progress is reviewed regularly throughout the degree.

On completion of the course you should be able to:

• demonstrate advanced learning in research skills and mastery of appropriate techniques, such as the use of archival or primary evidence, analysis of data, judgment of conflicting evidence etc;
• demonstrate specialist knowledge in the area of their research;
• present the results of your research in publishable form or work towards incorporating your findings in further research;
• proceed to a research doctorate if the Masters thesis has demonstrated appropriate research potential;
• gain admission to certain types of employment through this specialist qualification.