School of Psychological Science
Postgraduate Degrees by Research
Bundoora Campus

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Master of Behavioural Science (MBSc)
Master of Science (MSc)

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 MBSc 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 Dr Kinsella.

Progress
Progress requirements of full-time PhD students are:

1. 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.
2. Within 12 months of candidature, present in the Postgraduate Seminar series a 30-minute seminar on the proposed research program.
3. Within 12 months of candidature submit a literature review providing evidence of expert knowledge of theory, data and method in the field of research being pursued, and also submit an application for ethics approval.
4. 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 and literature 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.

MBSc/MSc candidature
The scope of a Masters (research) thesis is smaller than for the PhD. The expectation is that students enrolled for the MBSc 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. MBSc candidates must have a BBSc (Hons) degree from La Trobe University (or equivalent) and MSc candidates must have an Honours degree (or equivalent) in psychology or related discipline.

Research Degrees
Fee waived enrolment in the MBSc, MSc or PhD degree is provided to Commonwealth-funded higher degree by research (HDR) students 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. A Commonwealth-funded 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. The course must include a minimum of two-thirds of its assessable content by research and the assessment process must involve at least one qualified examiner external to the institution.

Scholarships
La Trobe University offers an extensive scholarship and candidature program for postgraduate students who are undertaking higher degrees by research. The Research and Graduate Studies 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 MBSc, 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 2008 is $20,007*. The LTUPRS are open to citizens of all countries including Australia and New Zealand and provide a stipend of $20,007* per annum (in 2008). The APA and LTUPRS also provides other allowances for relocation, travel, dependant child and thesis production.
(* per annum, full-time, tax exempt)

International
Postgraduate students other than Australian citizens or persons with permanent resident status may be liable for substantial academic tuition fees, in addition to the general service fee (which has to be paid by all students). However, such students can apply for an International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) as well as the La Trobe University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (LTUPRS). Applications for scholarship are considered once a year. The due date for international applications is 30 September. The IPRS covers academic tuition fees for a period of two years during MBSc or MSc candidature and three years during PhD candidature. The LTUPRS provides a stipend of $20,007 per annum (in 2008) and other allowances for relocation, travel, dependant child and thesis production.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, as well as liability for fees can be obtained from the Research and Graduate Studies Office (RGSO), La Trobe University, Bundoora, (+61 3) 9479 1831 or email: rgs@latrobe.edu.au. There are other agencies which offer postgraduate scholarships (e.g. National Health and Medical Research Council; private organisations). Applicants should inquire at the RGSO for eligibility conditions and application deadlines. See website: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/rgso/

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 RGSO 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 MBSc, MSc, or PhD candidates in Psychology should, before lodging a formal application form, discuss their plans for candidature with Dr Kinsella.

For procedural information contact Anne Borlase, Administrative Officer, phone (03) 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 and Graduate Studies Office website: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/rgso/scholarships.htm

Content Approved by: Head of School
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Last Updated: 11 April, 2008