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School of Psychological Science
Postgraduate Degrees by Research
Bundoora Campus
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Master of Behavioural Science (MPsySc)
Master of Science (MSc)
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Enquiries:
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Director of
Postgraduate Programs
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PhD Candidature
Research can be undertaken
in any area where the candidate is appropriately qualified and the
School of Psychological Science can provide adequate resources, including
supervision. The expectation is that students enrolled for the PhD
degree will aim to submit a thesis for examination within three years
in the case of full-time candidature (or an equivalent period of part-time
candidature). Copies of completed PhD theses are kept in La Trobe
University Library. The PhD degree is awarded on the basis of examination
of a thesis reporting research undertaken during candidature. The
PhD degree is awarded primarily for completion of a program of research
that results in an original and significant contribution to knowledge.
Admission requirements
Graduates with an honours degree at H1 level and graduates with a Masters degree (research or coursework) including “a dissertation demonstrating the ability to undertake research at doctoral level” can apply to enrol directly as PhD candidates. Graduates with an honours degree at upper H2A level must enrol initially as an MPsySc or MSc candidate, but can seek transfer to PhD enrolment six months from the commencement of masters candidature.
The School of Psychological Science will support
applications for higher degree candidature when appropriate supervision
and research facilities are available. Intending applicants should in
the first instance discuss issues such as supervision and research facilities
with Professor Kinsella.
Progress
Progress requirements of full-time
PhD students are:
- Within 6 months of candidature submit a research proposal (including timetable for conduct of the research and writing of the thesis) and a proposed budget.
- Within 10 months of candidature, submit an application for ethics approval
(if required).
- Within 12 months of candidature, present in the Postgraduate Seminar series a 30-minute seminar on the proposed research program.
- Within 12 months of candidature submit a critical review providing evidence of expert knowledge of theory, data and method in the field of research being pursued.
- Within 36 months of candidature, present a one-hour seminar based on the research to that date.
In addition candidates are required to attend
Postgraduate Seminars and the School Colloquia on a weekly basis.
Part-time
candidature
All students must maintain regular contact with their supervisor and the School of Psychological Science. Part-time candidates are expected to meet the progress requirements as outlined above (seminar presentations, research proposal/budget, ethics approval and critical review) within an extended timetable. Part-time candidates are also requested to attend Postgraduate Seminars and the School Colloquia on a regular basis. Our experience is that effective part-time candidature entails a commitment of about 20 hours per week, including at least half a day per week in the School.
MPsySc/MSc candidature
The scope of a Masters (research) thesis is smaller than for the PhD. The expectation is that students enrolled for the MPsySc or MSc degree will submit a thesis for examination within two years of full-time candidature (or an equivalent period of part-time candidature). Copies of completed Masters theses are kept in
La Trobe University Library. MPsySc candidates must have a BPsySc (Hons) degree from La Trobe University (or equivalent) and MSc candidates must have an Honours degree (or equivalent) in psychology or related discipline, at upper H2A level or above.
Research Training Scheme (RTS)
Candidature in the MPsySc, MSc or PhD degree is offered under the Research Training Scheme. The RTS will provide Commonwealth-funded higher degree by research (HDR) students with an ‘entitlement’ to a HECS exemption for the duration of an accredited HDR course, up to a maximum period of four years’ full-time equivalent study for a Doctorate by research and two years’ full-time equivalent study for a Masters by research. An RTS student must be: (1) an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen; and (2) enrolled in an accredited HDR course leading to a Doctorate by research (including a professional Doctorate) or a Masters by research, on a full-time or part-time basis.
Scholarships
La Trobe University offers an extensive scholarship and candidature program for postgraduate students who are undertaking higher degrees by research. The Research Services Office coordinates the administration of Masters by research and Doctoral candidature, and scholarships for these degrees. Scholarships are available for Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents, and a limited number of awards are available to overseas applicants.
Local
Applications for scholarship are considered once a year. The due date for local applications is 31 October. Students enrolled for a research degree (such as MPsySc, MSc, and PhD) can apply for an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) or a La Trobe University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (LTUPRS). Applicants for an APA must be Australian citizens or have permanent resident status and have lived in Australia continuously for the 12 months prior to the closing date for application. The value of an APA in 2009 is $20,427. The LTUPRS are open to citizens of all countries including Australia and New Zealand and provide a stipend of $20,427 per annum (in 2009). The APA and LTUPRS also provide other allowances for relocation, travel, dependent child and thesis production.
International
Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scheme (EIPRS) and La Trobe University Fee Remission Research Scholarship (LTUFRRS) awards are open to international students who want to study a higher degree by research at a Masters or PhD level. Both scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and are designed to cover tuition fees for a period of two years for a Masters by Research degree and three years for a Doctoral (PhD) degree.
Applicants who are currently studying on a scholarship sponsored by AusAID or have just completed study on such a scholarship are NOT ELIGIBLE to apply for the EIPRS.
International applicants for the EIPRS are also advised to apply for a La Trobe Postgraduate Research Scholarship (LTUPRS). These awards in 2009 are valued at $20,427 per annum for full-time study and are designed to assist with cost of living (cannot be used to pay tuition fees).
The closing date for the EIPRS, LTUFRRS AND LTUPRS awards is 30 September for students who wish to begin their studies the following year.
Information about research opportunities for international candidates can be found at www.latrobe.edu.au/international
Information about postgraduate scholarships and awards, including the conditions under which they are held, can be obtained from the Research Services Office (RSO), La Trobe University, Bundoora, (+61 3) 9479 1831 or email: teamsrgso@latrobe.edu.au
Australian Postgraduate Awards and La Trobe University Postgraduate Research Scholarships are awarded for three years, subject to satisfactory progress. Although application can be made to the RSO for extension of the scholarship for six months (42 months overall), extensions are approved only if progress towards completion of requirements for the degree has been affected by circumstances outside the control of the candidate.
Applications
Graduates intending to enrol as MPsySc, MSc, or PhD candidates in Psychology should, before lodging a formal application form, discuss their plans for candidature with Professor Glynda Kinsella.
For procedural information contact Anne
Borlase, Administrative Officer, phone +61 3 9479 1984; e-mail: pgpsychinfo@latrobe.edu.au
For further details on scholarships and
candidature, and to download application forms and academic referee report
forms, see the Research Services Office website: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/research/future/scholarships
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