The Master of Philosophy - (Psychological Sciences) (MPhil) is an internationally recognised masters by research degree. It is designed for students to develop advanced skills in carrying out independent and sustained research. Students will produce a thesis which will demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing scholarship. You will enrol in a thesis subject and undertake a research project for the duration of the degree. The normal period of candidature is 18 months for full-time candidates with the possibility of up to 6 months extension. You are required to complete a minimum of 6 months full-time research at the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up your research within a University community and environment. Normally the entire degree is undertaken at the University. You will have appropriately experienced academics available to arrange a course of supervised research designed to suit your requirements and interests. You may be required to supplement your research program by attendance at, or enrolment in, additional subjects if considered necessary by the supervisor(s). You are expected to attend departmental seminars over the period of their candidature. Academic progress is reviewed regularly throughout the degree. You will be examined on the basis of your thesis which is examined externally. The thesis should normally be between 30,000 and 40,000 words in length excluding tables, illustrations and bibliography. You should refer to the University policy library and the Graduate Research Hub for further information regarding candidature, academic progress, ethics, thesis preparation and examination. To be eligible to submit a thesis for examination, you must be enrolled in their course for the minimum period of 6 months full-time equivalent. Intended learning outcomes Research Masters degrees at the University of Melbourne are designed for students to develop advanced skills in carrying out independent and sustained research. The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing scholarship in the area of research. On completion of the course you should be able to: demonstrate advanced learning in research skills and mastery of appropriate techniques, such as the use of archival or primary evidence, analysis of data, judgment of conflicting evidence etc; demonstrate specialist knowledge in the area of their research; present the results of their research in publishable form or work towards incorporating their findings in further research; proceed to a research doctorate if the Masters thesis has demonstrated appropriate research potential; gain admission to certain types of employment through this specialist qualification; apply the research skills acquired to other projects; demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, research ethics or code of practice.