Coursework or research?
What's the difference between Postgraduate Degree coursework and Higher Degree Research?
At UTS, you could pursue postgraduate studies by coursework or research.
Postgraduate Degree Coursework
Doing it by coursework means, you’ll attend classes, write assessments, sit for exams and work your way through a set of subjects – a structured program. You could potentially add a research project using your elective.
Programs offered through postgraduate coursework are:
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Master of Science– offered in five majors and a no specific major.
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Master of Science (Extension)– offered in five majors and a no specific major
Higher Degree Research
Doing postgraduate study by research means, you’ll undertake supervised study and research, guided by an academic supervisor. You’ll work independently on your chosen project with the aim of producing, presenting and submitting a final thesis. The final thesis is your original research and investigation, backed by evidence.
Programs offered through higher degree research are:
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Masters by Research - Science
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Masters by Research - Mathematical Sciences
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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)- Science
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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)– Mathematical Sciences
So, what kind of projects can I undertake as my higher research degree?
You can undertake any project or discipline, as long as the Faculty and UTS has the expertise in the area, and the relevant supervisor agrees to supervise you.
We strongly encourage you to visit the Faculty’s research areas and use the Find a Supervisor tool, to search a supervisor of your research interest.
Once you've found a potential supervisor, it's important to make contact with them to discuss your research project proposal andmake sure they agree to supervise you.
Are you still confused on which research project to undertake?
You can hear from some of our current and past research students’ experiences here. This may help you to decide what research project is right for you.
What if I change my mind, after...
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I have started a postgraduate coursework program at UTS Science, but now I want to pursue a higher degree research?
You can transfer from your current UTS Science postgraduate coursework degree into the UTS Master of Science (Honours). You’ll need to line up a faculty academic to be your supervisor. Entry into the Master of Science (Honours) is through an internal course transfer via the UTS Master of Science or UTS Master of Science (Extension). There is no direct entry into the UTS Master of Science (Honours).
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I have started one of the UTS Science postgraduate coursework masters, e.g. Master of Science or Master of Science (Extension),or the Master of Quantitative Finance, but I can no longer continue my studies?
You can exit your degree through the UTS Graduate Diploma in Science or the UTS Graduate Diploma in Quantitative Finance, which are dependent on the number of subjects you have completed.
Want more information?
Attend a Science and Maths Postgraduate Info Session
Download the Science and Maths Postgraduate Course Guide. For information on the application process, here’s a step by step guide on how to apply.
Want to talk to someone?
Contact our course directors:
Ken Rodgers
Higher Degree Research Programs Director
Kenneth.Rodgers@uts.edu.au
Bernadette Saunders
Postgraduate Coursework Programs Director
Bernadette.Saunders@uts.edu.au