Which Degree?

So you want to do a higher research degree, but don't know what your options are?

There are a few things to consider when deciding.

Time Frame

Research Masters courses have a minimum time period of 4 full time semesters.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) courses are a minimum of 6 full time semesters.

You can study for a higher research degree part-time, but only full time students are eligible for scholarships.

Examinations

There are no exams. A higher degree is awarded based on your final thesis, which is considered by 2-3 examiners at the end of your candidature.

Expectations

The Faculty expects you to present your research at local, national and international conferences throughout your candidature and may offer financial support for enrolling in and travelling to these conferences.

It is also expected that you will produce papers for publication in scientific journals. This is an excellent way to get a chapter of your thesis completed and peer-reviewed before the end of your candidature - the more you do, the less you will have to write up at the end!

Eligibility

The section below details the different higher research degrees and gives information on eligibility for each course. Further information can be obtained by speaking to Tess La-Lande at the Faculty Office (see key contacts) or a postgraduate advisor (see postgrad advisors).

Eligibility for scholarships and information on who needs to pay tuition fees can be found in the money section.

Types of Higher Research Degrees

Below you will find some useful information that may help you determine which research degree best suits you. For each degree type you will find a description and the requirements for undertaking that course.

Master of Science in Veterinary Science (MSc(Vet))
Master of Veterinary Science (MVSc)
Master of Veterinary Clinical Studies (MVetClinStud)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Doctor of Veterinary Science (DVSc)

A candidate for this degree shall complete such units of study as are prescribed by the head of the department concerned and carry out research under the guidance of a supervisor for not less than one year. A thesis must be submitted, embodying the results of this research.

Entry requires:

- Bachelor's degree with honours first or second class

Applicants holding the degree of Bachelor of The University of Sydney without honours but who have completed work equivalent to a degree of bachelor with honours or who have passed a preliminary examination or examinations as prescribed by the Faculty may be accepted as candidates

A candidate for this degree shall pursue a course of advanced study and research under the guidance of an adviser or supervisor for not less than one year and submit a thesis embodying the results of his or her investigation.

Entry requires:

- Degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Science

Graduates in veterinary science from other universities may also, with the approval of the Faculty and the Academic Board, be admitted as candidates

A candidate for this degree shall, for at least two years, engage in full-time supervised advanced veterinary clinical study and research and submit a thesis embodying the results of an original investigation.

Entry requires:

- Degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Science

Graduates in veterinary science from other universities may also, with the approval of the Faculty and the Academic Board, be admitted as candidates. Candidates shall be registrable by the Board of Veterinary Surgeons of New South Wales, unless exempted by the Faculty.

The degree may be taken on either a full-time or part-time basis. In the case of full-time candidates, the minimum period of candidature is two years for candidates holding a master's degree or equivalent, or three years in the case of those holding a bachelor's degree with first class or second class honours. The maximum period of candidature is normally five years. Part-time candidature may be approved for applicants who can demonstrate that they are engaged in an occupation or other activity which leaves them substantially free to pursue their candidature for the degree. Normally the minimum period of candidature will be determined on the recommendation of the Faculty but in any case will not be less than three years; the maximum period of candidature is normally seven years.

Entry requires one of the following:

- Master of Veterinary Science
- Master of Veterinary Clinical Studies
- Master of Science in Veterinary Science or
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science with Honours

Applicants not having an honours degree may be accepted as candidates after passing a qualifying examination. Graduates of other universities may also be admitted as candidates provided that their qualifications satisfy the Academic Board of The University of Sydney.

The degree of Doctor of Veterinary Science is not conferred until the candidate is a graduate of eight years' standing from the degree that qualified him or her for candidature. The degree is awarded for published work that is recognised by scholars as a distinguished contribution to knowledge.