Master of Scientific Studies

Overview

With a wide range of majors in both the pure and applied sciences, UNE's Master of Scientific Studies provides you with specialised training in your chosen scientific discipline. Do you want to be able to respond to constant technological disruption in the workplace by learning more about big data? Perhaps you are passionate about our natural environments and want to refine your knowledge of Australian plants and animals. Are you upskilling to position yourself at the cutting-edge of new medical discoveries?

Our coursework Master's degree gives you opportunities to future fit your career by expanding on your expertise, upgrading your applied skills, and developing the advanced knowledge needed to solve complex problems in the rapidly changing world of science and technology.

Why study the Master of Scientific Studies with UNE?

The world of science and technology is rapidly changing, with strong future growth projected in many fields. UNE's Master of Scientific Studies is a flexibly delivered coursework degree that provides you with specialised training in your chosen field with experienced, hands-on academic staff.

Our majors span the pure and applied sciences, with options available in Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Genetics, Mathematics, Medicinal Chemistry, Quantitative Ecology and Zoology. Hone your skills in critical thinking, problem solving and analysis, and gain a strong foundation in research methods and the advanced applied skills that are relevant to your discipline.

By studying the Master of Scientific Studies with UNE, you will be adding value to your career with the specialised knowledge needed to position yourself at the forefront of change and innovation in science.

What makes our course different?

At UNE, our flexible study options, small class sizes, and friendly learning environment set us apart. Our Master of Scientific Studies provides you with the opportunity to:

Study at a time and place that suits you, with flexible online course delivery and options to study full time or part time. We are one of a handful of universities in Australia that offer postgraduate coursework studies in science online. By choosing UNE you are choosing an industry leader in the provision of online learning – in fact, we are Australia's longest continuous provider of distance (now online) education.

Complete intensive practical learning on campus, at our state-of-the-art facilities. Some units include mandatory intensives, giving you the opportunity to engage with teaching staff and your peers whilst you refine your applied skills in an immersive environment.

Choose the direction you will take. You might complete practical botany sessions in our newly built greenhouse, access our large genomic datasets (remotely or on campus) and apply your computing skills at the Institute for Genetics and Bioinformatics, or put your knowledge of parasitology to the test at one of UNE's SMART farms.

Tailor your degree to your interests and include units from other specialisations. For example, across many majors you might strengthen your computing and data analysis skills by completing MATLAB-based programming and statistic units. As a genetics student, you could choose to develop a specialty in plant genetics, or explore biotechnology and molecular biology to broaden your scope.

Complete a short-term overseas study experience and count it towards your degree or undertake a work integrated learning unit to enhance your skills and knowledge in the workplace.

Enhance your research skills with units such as Statistical Modelling and Experimental Design and Introduction to Scientific Programming.

If you are interested in research and have a credit average, you may undertake a major research project and thesis. Your research studies will be supervised by academics who will support and guide you in your research. Completing the research pathway opens the opportunity for you to complete further research through a PhD or other higher degree research programs.

Please note that different majors have different assumed knowledge requirements. You should refer to the Assumed Knowledge section of the Admission rules to ensure that you have the relevant assumed knowledge for the major you wish to study.

UNE's collaborative and innovative learning environment supports your success. Our postgraduate science students rate UNE highly, awarding us the maximum 5-star ratings for Teaching Quality and Overall Experience in The Good Universities Guide, year after year. In fact, students consistently award UNE 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support, so when you study with us you are in good hands.

Study online

Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus

Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.