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Course code J90

Master of Medical and Health Science by Research

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About this Course

Designed to build on specialised undergraduate degrees and to provide an opportunity for advanced-level study in medical, biomedical, paramedical, allied health and exercise sciences.

The award comprises two components; course work and production of a research thesis. The coursework component will provide instruction in research skills, methods and statistics to assist in the completion of the research thesis. Further, it will provide a tailored approach to providing advanced specialised knowledge for a chosen field. The thesis component allows for in-depth investigation of a specific research question within the student's chosen field. The thesis will be supervised by experienced researchers within the School of Medical and Health Science whilst catering for engagement with industry and other partners to enhance research translation. This research course aims to extend the student's knowledge relevant to their chosen specialisation, in order to develop leadership roles within their profession and open up new areas for professional development and future research studies.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Research) Award.

Course code J90

Entry requirements

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

See Course Entry for further information.

Fees

The Australian Government's Research Training Program provides tuition fee offsets for domestic students who are enrolled in Higher Degree by Research courses.

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

2 years full-time or part-time equivalent

See Course Details for further information.

Availability & Campus

Location Semester 1 Semester 2
Joondalup FT PT FT PT
Mount Lawley
South West
Online FT PT FT PT
*FT = Full-time study PT = Part-time study

About this Course

Designed to build on specialised undergraduate degrees and to provide an opportunity for advanced-level study in medical, biomedical, paramedical, allied health and exercise sciences.

The award comprises two components; course work and production of a research thesis. The coursework component will provide instruction in research skills, methods and statistics to assist in the completion of the research thesis. Further, it will provide a tailored approach to providing advanced specialised knowledge for a chosen field. The thesis component allows for in-depth investigation of a specific research question within the student's chosen field. The thesis will be supervised by experienced researchers within the School of Medical and Health Science whilst catering for engagement with industry and other partners to enhance research translation. This research course aims to extend the student's knowledge relevant to their chosen specialisation, in order to develop leadership roles within their profession and open up new areas for professional development and future research studies.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Research) Award.

Course code J90

CRICOS code 097271G

Entry requirements

ECU admission and English language requirements apply.

See Course Entry for further information.

Fees

International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $38,950

See Fees and Scholarships for further information.

Duration

2 years full-time or part-time equivalent

See Course Details for further information.

Availability & Campus

Location Semester 1 Semester 2
Joondalup FT FT
Mount Lawley
South West
Online FT PT FT PT
*FT = Full-time study PT = Part-time study

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

  • The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.

    All applicants are required to have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant science area i.e. Medicine, Medical Science, Biomedical Science, Health Science, Occupational Therapy, Occupational Health and Safety, Occupational Hygiene, Speech Pathology, Paramedicine, Physiotherapy, Exercise and Sports Science with a course Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 65 or higher, with equivalents considered.

    Academic admission requirements (Band 8) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • Bachelor degree in a cognate discipline; or
    • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.
  • English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
    • Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
    • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
    • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
    • Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

  • The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.

    All applicants are required to have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant science area i.e. Medicine, Medical Science, Biomedical Science, Health Science, Occupational Therapy, Occupational Health and Safety, Occupational Hygiene, Speech Pathology, Paramedicine, Physiotherapy, Exercise and Sports Science with a course Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 65 or higher, with equivalents considered.

    Academic admission requirements (Band 8) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • Bachelor degree in a cognate discipline; or
    • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.
  • English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

    • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
    • Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
    • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
    • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
    • Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online

Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online

Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online

Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online

Course Structure

Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
RES5115Research Preparation: Principles and Approaches20
MMS6150Medical and Health Research Proposal40
Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
MMS6151Medical and Health Research Project Initiation40
Plus one unit from:
HST6337 ^Communicable Disease20
HST6333 ^Diversity, Culture and Health20
HST6510 ^Public Health Planning and Evaluation20
SCH6245 ^Clinical Bioinformatics20
HST6335 ^Public Health Strategies20
SCH6234 ^Molecular Biology and Genomics20
MAT5212 ^Biostatistics20
MMP6100 ^Evidence-Based Practice20
HST5120 ^Epidemiology20
Year 2 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
MMS6200Master of Science Thesis
Year 2 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
MMS6200Master of Science Thesis

^ Core Option

J90|3

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Student handbook

Course notes

Course learning outcomes

  1. Apply cognitive, laboratory and creative skills to investigate complex medical, biomedical, allied health or health science constructs, ideas and issue by undertaking and evaluating research activities.
  2. Apply communication and collaboration skills to present findings, collaborate with diverse audiences and justify conclusions in professional contexts.
  3. Reflect critically on a complex body of medical, biomedical, allied health or health science knowledge, research principles and methods to demonstrate mastery in the field.
  4. Use high-level self-management skills and independent judgement to plan and execute a substantial research project.

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online

Semester 1: Study part-time Online

Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup or Online

Semester 2: Study part-time Online

Course Structure

Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
RES5115Research Preparation: Principles and Approaches20
MMS6150Medical and Health Research Proposal40
Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
MMS6151Medical and Health Research Project Initiation40
Plus one unit from:
HST6337 ^Communicable Disease20
HST6333 ^Diversity, Culture and Health20
HST6510 ^Public Health Planning and Evaluation20
SCH6245 ^Clinical Bioinformatics20
HST6335 ^Public Health Strategies20
SCH6234 ^Molecular Biology and Genomics20
MAT5212 ^Biostatistics20
MMP6100 ^Evidence-Based Practice20
HST5120 ^Epidemiology20
Year 2 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
MMS6200Master of Science Thesis
Year 2 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
MMS6200Master of Science Thesis

^ Core Option

J90|3

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Student handbook

Course notes

Course learning outcomes

  1. Apply cognitive, laboratory and creative skills to investigate complex medical, biomedical, allied health or health science constructs, ideas and issue by undertaking and evaluating research activities.
  2. Apply communication and collaboration skills to present findings, collaborate with diverse audiences and justify conclusions in professional contexts.
  3. Reflect critically on a complex body of medical, biomedical, allied health or health science knowledge, research principles and methods to demonstrate mastery in the field.
  4. Use high-level self-management skills and independent judgement to plan and execute a substantial research project.

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

If you're a domestic student enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research program, you won't be required to pay tuition fees. The Australian Government provides domestic students with tuition fee offsets under the Research Training Program (RTP) for up to 2 years full-time (or equivalent) for Master by Research courses.

Note

The RTP covers your tuition fees only. You will still be required to pay all other non-tuition fees applicable to your course, such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee. Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Find a scholarship

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities exist in research institutions, universities, research laboratories and private industry.

Possible future job titles

Medical Scientist, Medical Researcher, Biomedical Science Researcher, Paramedical Researcher, Allied Health Researcher, Speech Pathology Researcher, Exercise Science Researcher, Human Performance Researcher, Biomechanics Researcher, Research Officer

Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

  • AUD $38,950 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1

Note

1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.

Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Find a scholarship

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities exist in research institutions, universities, research laboratories and private industry.

Possible future job titles

Medical Scientist, Medical Researcher, Biomedical Science Researcher, Paramedical Researcher, Allied Health Researcher, Speech Pathology Researcher, Exercise Science Researcher, Human Performance Researcher, Biomechanics Researcher, Research Officer

Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.

Need some help deciding what to study?

Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.

Experiences

Explore your options

  • Associate Professor Erin Godecke is Senior Research Fellow in Speech Pathology and the Clinical Director of the Very Early Rehabilitation in SpeEch (VERSE) Trial for Aphasia after Stroke.

  • Professor of Occupational and Environmental Health Jacques Oosthuizen is investigating the affects of hazardous chemicals on firefighters.

Experiences

Explore your options

  • Professor of Occupational and Environmental Health Jacques Oosthuizen is investigating the affects of hazardous chemicals on firefighters.

  • Associate Professor Erin Godecke is Senior Research Fellow in Speech Pathology and the Clinical Director of the Very Early Rehabilitation in SpeEch (VERSE) Trial for Aphasia after Stroke.

Quick guide to uni-speak

    • The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.

    • ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.

    • CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.

    • A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.

    • Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.

    • If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.

    • If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.

      Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.

    • Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.

    • A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.

    • We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.

    • These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.

    • An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.

Quick guide to uni-speak

    • The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.

    • ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.

    • CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.

    • A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.

    • Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.

    • If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.

    • If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.

      Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.

    • Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.

    • A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.

    • We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.

    • These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.

    • An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.

Do you have any questions about the Master of Medical and Health Science by Research?

The Important Things

Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.

Course Entry

There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.

Fees & Scholarships

Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.

Applying

Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.

ECU Experience

Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.