Master of Science

Studying for an MSc is an opportunity for committed scientists to focus on a relevant area of interest or practice and pursue an advanced qualification. While a taught masters will provide you with specialist training in your chosen field, a research masters will develop advanced research skills, working alongside Faculty of Science researchers - many of whom are major contributors in their field.

120-point MSc

Most students enter an MSc following completion of a PGDipSci. You will need to complete 120 points (maximum of 160 points) in a specialisation within one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study (research masters) or four years of part-time study (taught masters). Not all specialisations offer both taught and research options.

Taught masters

• A taught masters comprises 120 points of coursework at 700-level (postgraduate level). This may include a dissertation

Research masters

• A 120-point research thesis, or
• A 90-point research thesis or research portfolio and 30 points of coursework at 700 level (postgraduate level)

240-point MSc

If you enter a MSc directly from an undergraduate degree you will need to complete 240 points (maximum of 280 points) in a specialisation in two years of full-time study or four years of part-time study (research masters) or six years of part-time study (taught masters). Not all specialisations offer both taught and research options.

The first 120 points will comprise coursework. The second 120 points will follow the structure of the 120-point MSc (outlined above).

The Faculty of Science postgraduate specialisations page will provide you with more information about each specialisation's course structure.

Please note that Clinical Exercise Physiology students need to apply for a Semester One start for both the PGDipSci and MSc (120 and 240 point) programmes as each course is offered in one semester only, and the mandatory Semester One courses EXERSCI 771 and EXERSCI 773 are prerequisites for the Semester Two courses EXERSCI 772 and EXERSCI 774.

Postgraduate pathway

Download the Science postgraduate pathway (117KB, PDF)