Research Degrees
The Department of Health & Chiropractic conducts and promotes interdisciplinary research in a wide variety of areas covering the health sciences. For information on the range of projects being carried out by students and staff, often in collaboration with government or industry partners see staff and student profiles.
Applications for all research programs may be lodged during the course of the academic year, there are semester 1 and semester 2 intakes for each program.
Postgraduate Certifcate in Research Preperation (PGCertResPrep)
Postgraduate Certificate in Research Preperation
The Post Graduate Certificate in Research Preparation which can be completed in six months (one semester). Applications are lodged with the Postgraduate Studies Section, an application form may be downloaded from here.
This course is comprised of the following two reading units:
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Admission Requirements
A recognised Chiropractic degree (or equivalent) with evidence of significant research ability. Evidence of this background includes: a first-class or second-class Honours degree, completion of a recognised research degree, successful completion of the Post Graduate Certificate in Research Preparation or equivalence by publication (determined on a case by case basis). Guidelines for other evidence of research ability are specified below.
Length of Candidature
1-2 years full-time, 2-4 years part-time
The minimum period of candidature for full-time candidates is one year, the maximum period two years. For part-time candidates the minimum is two years, the maximum four years. Full-time candidates are expected to commit a minimum of 40 hours per week on their research study program. Part-time candidates must be able to spend on average throughout the year at least 20 hours a week on a program of research and study and attend the University on average at least once a week for consultation with their supervisors.
Units
Candidates are expected to present a report of their work twice per year. The first review occurs half way through the year and is designed to assess progress and assist candidates where impediments to their progress are identified. The second (and main review) generally occurs in November of each year where candidates present to Faculty and other students a synopsis of their work for that year. This will take the form of a 20 minute powerpoint presentation followed by interview by a panel of assessors (internal and external to the Department). The Department has achieved a high reputation for quality in the content of the presentaitons and the conduct of the seminar series.
- CHIR901 Seminar Presentation
All higher degree research students are required to give one seminar each year, at
the Research Student Seminar Series, which is usually conducted during
October/November. The seminars will be assessed by a panel of academics drawn
from within and outside the department. This unit is a proofing mechanism to test
the viability of proposed and ongoing work. It provides: a forum for cross-fertilisation
of ideas within the department; a critical review of research activities; feedback to
students on their research project and the opportunity to develop research
presentation skills.
- CHIR905 Research Student Report
All higher degree research students must submit a written report of their research
work to their supervisor each academic year to be assessed by both the supervisor
and the Research Director. This unit documents completed and proposed activities
and assists in monitoring performance to ensure that student progress is timely for
successful completion . The report should be concise and include an outline of all
research related activities of that year ie: ethics submissions; completed tasks;
evidence of research output such as papers, conference presentations, abstracts;
an outline of any difficulties encountered and strategies to address same; discussion
of background, current tasks and future planned activities.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Facilities for the completion of PhD degrees by research are available in all Departments. The minimum period of candidature is two years and the maximum period is four years for full-time candidates and eight years for part-time candidates. Extensions may be granted in special circumstances. Part-time candidates must be able to spend on average throughout the year at least 20 hours a week on a program of research and advanced study and attend the University on an average of at least once a week for consultation with their supervisors.
Admission requirements:
- A Bachelor degree with first class-honours or second class, division 1, OR
A Masters degree with a substantial research component in any field relevant to the program of study.
- A Masters degree with a substantial record of peer reviewed publication (not less than 2 peer reviewed papers)
Before submitting an application for admission to candidature, an applicant must acquire a potential supervisor from the staff of the Department. Background on staff may be obtained by accessing the Staff Interests on this website.
Length of candidature:
2-4 years full-time,
2-8 years part-time.
The program of advanced study and research for the degree includes the presentation of a thesis embodying the results of the student's work. The thesis for a PhD must form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the subject and afford evidence of originality by the discovery of new facts or the exercise of independent critical power. A candidate's program of study must be supervised by a member of the fulltime academic staff of the University, or an approved part-time member of academic staff, and will normally be carried out within the University. There is, however, provision for a candidate to be permitted to carry out much of the program outside the University as an external candidate. In this case the place of study, method of supervision and periods of attendance at the University must be approved by the University.
Before submitting a thesis, all students, including external candidates, must have followed an approved program of advanced study and research within the University for a period determined by the Postgraduate Studies Committee and normally not less than 2 years.
Candidates are expected to present a report of their work twice per year. The first review occurs half way through the year and is designed to assess progress and assist candidates where impediments to their progress are identified. The second (and main review) generally occurs in November of each year where candidates present to Faculty and other students a synopsis of their work for that year. This will take the form of a 20 minute powerpoint presentation followed by interview by a panel of assessors (internal and external to the Department). The Department has achieved a high reputation for quality in the content of the presentaitons and the conduct of the seminar series.
- CHIR901 Seminar Presentation
All higher degree research students are required to give one seminar each year, at
the Research Student Seminar Series, which is usually conducted during
October/November. The seminars will be assessed by a panel of academics drawn
from within and outside the department. This unit is a proofing mechanism to test
the viability of proposed and ongoing work. It provides: a forum for cross-fertilisation
of ideas within the department; a critical review of research activities; feedback to
students on their research project and the opportunity to develop research
presentation skills.
- CHIR905 Research Student Report
All higher degree research students must submit a written report of their research
work to their supervisor each academic year to be assessed by both the supervisor
and the Research Director. This unit documents completed and proposed activities
and assists in monitoring performance to ensure that student progress is timely for
successful completion . The report should be concise and include an outline of all
research related activities of that year ie: ethics submissions; completed tasks;
evidence of research output such as papers, conference presentations, abstracts;
an outline of any difficulties encountered and strategies to address same; discussion
of background, current tasks and future planned activities.