Master by Research

Schedule of Qualification Categories

Research Masters Degrees normally involve a research project leading to the presentation of a thesis, which represents no less than 66% of the requirements of the course.

Entrance Standard

The normal requirement for admission is a course sequence of major study in the same discipline (or study area) or a closely related discipline (or study area) at the honours bachelor level at class IIA or above, or equivalent. This would include a Bachelor Degree followed by either an honours year, a master qualifying/preliminary year or a master Part 1 at fourth year academic level; or a qualification deemed equivalent.

Duration

Between one to two years of full-time study or equivalent (or a minimum of one year full-time equivalent study to a maximum of two years full- time equivalent study).

Exit Standard

Research Masters Degrees normally involve a research project leading to the presentation of a thesis, which represents no less than 66% of the requirements of the course.

These degrees generally have the objective of training students in research methodology and techniques, in critical evaluation (appropriate to the field of study) and in the application of such methodology by conducting a specified program of research under appropriate supervision.

Examiners of a Masters Degree should satisfy themselves that the student has:

1. a thorough understanding of the relevant techniques in the field demonstrated both by their application and a thorough review of the literature;
2. managed to demonstrate competence in the chosen field through judicious selection and application of methods to yield fruitful results;
3. the capacity to evaluate critically these results; and
4. the capacity to present well-written work.

Successful completion would enable articulation to a PhD program.  Upgrade to a doctoral program without completion of the masters program may also be approved subject to established university guidelines.