This is an Masters Research course that starts before the official start of semester. Consult the school for more details.
The thesis presents a major piece of guided independent research on a topic agreed between the student and their supervisor. It typically involves a literature review and an appropriate form of critical analysis of sources of primary and /or secondary data; it may involve field and/or laboratory work. The thesis must show evidence of wide reading and understanding, of critical analysis and/or appropriate use of advanced research techniques. All students must attend relevant seminars, present at least one seminar, and comply with any other prescribed conditions.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- plan, and engage in, an independent and sustained critical investigation and evaluation of a chosen research topic relevant to environment and society
- systematically identify relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, apply appropriate techniques and draw appropriate conclusions
- engage in systematic discovery and critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources
- appropriately apply qualitative and/or quantitative evaluation processes to original data
- understand and apply ethical standards of conduct in the collection and evaluation of data and other resources
- communicate research concepts and contexts clearly and effectively both in writing and orally
Work Integrated Learning
Projects
Students may engage with WIL partners (internal/external) as a component of the course
Other Information
This course contains hurdle requirements (Annotated Bibliography and Research Reflection).
Admission to the Masters dissertation requires completion of the 48 units of the Coursework component at Distinction level or better. A relevant research methods course must be completed. An Independent Research Project must be completed. Admission and the choice of research topic is dependent on the availability and agreement of an appropriate supervisor.
The course can be taken as a variable unit. As such, the scope and word limit of the dissertation will be customised as agreed between the student, convener and supervisor on commencement of enrolment. Students will be allocated a CRS upon successful completion of both the annotated bibliography and research reflection.
Indicative Assessment
- Annotated bibliography (hurdle requirement) (0) [LO 1,2,3,6]
- Research reflection (hurdle requirement) (0) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- Dissertation (90) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- Final seminar (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester per 6 units of enrolment including:
- Face-to-face component as negotiated with the supervisor
- Independent study 10 - 40 hours per week depending on the units of enrolment per semester.
Students are expected to maintain regular contact with their supervisor and attend all supervisory meetings.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Fenner School of Environment and Society to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
N/A
Assumed Knowledge
A relevant research methods course and an Independent Research Project must be completed.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 12 to 24 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 12.00 | 0.25000 |
| 13.00 | 0.27083 |
| 14.00 | 0.29167 |
| 15.00 | 0.31250 |
| 16.00 | 0.33333 |
| 17.00 | 0.35417 |
| 18.00 | 0.37500 |
| 19.00 | 0.39583 |
| 20.00 | 0.41667 |
| 21.00 | 0.43750 |
| 22.00 | 0.45833 |
| 23.00 | 0.47917 |
| 24.00 | 0.50000 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $830 per unit |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $1120 per unit |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.