Higher Degrees by Research

Course Description

The School of Information Technology and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Ballarat offers higher degree by research training through the following degrees:

Within the Information Technology area the school has developed successful innovative programs emphasising Object Oriented Technology, Communications and Networks (the first NOVELL accredited Novell Education Academic Partner in Australia), information systems and groupware, Internet computing and Multimedia, Data-mining as well as Image processing. The School has state-of-the-art computing facilities including Sun, Silicon Graphics, IBM workstations and a fast Novell network incorporating DEC Raid 5 fast file servers.

The School has developed strong partnerships with international computing companies including Novell, Lotus, IBM Global Services and Microsoft. Research opportunities are expected to grow as the University's Technology Park develops. Postgraduate students have 24 hour access to independent workstations and excellent facilities along with assistance for travel to conferences and seminars. Limited opportunities exist for postgraduate students to undertake paid tutorial work within the School's undergraduate program.

The School of Information Technology and Mathematical Sciences (ITMS) hosts one of only four University of Ballarat Research Centres . This Centre covers the broad and research areas of Informatics and Applied Optimization. Specifically the research thrusts are in

• applied optimization

• distributed simulation

• mathematical and statistical analysis

• knowledge management

• health informatics

• computer science and statistics education

More detailed information on the research interests of staff and the areas in which they are keen to supervise research degree students can be found by accessing the individual staff home pages from http://www.ballarat.edu.au/ard/itms/staff/staff.shtml

Course Structure

Enrolment can be on a full or part-time basis. The expectation is that a Masters degree by research will be completed within 18 months full-time (3-4 years part-time) and a PhD degree within 3-4 years full-time (4.5 - 6 years part-time). Students work during candidature under the guidance of a principal supervisor and an associate supervisor appointed by the Research and Higher Degrees Committee on the recommendation of the School.

The Doctor of Information Technology, although a research higher degree, involves a substantial course-work component and an emphasis on the transformation of professional practice to knowledge that adds to the body of knowledge in the area. The structure of the program incorporates research projects, advanced study units, workshops, seminars and a final dissertation. Assessment is based on a combination of the dissertation and performance in the research projects and advanced study units. The different elements of the program should be thematically linked and would usually relate to the candidates professional and specialist research interests. Supervision is carried out by a panel of between two and six supervisors.

Admission Requirements

The prerequisite for Masters by research candidature is a Bachelors degree with at least second class honours (or equivalent qualifications and/or experience), while completion of a Bachelors degree with first class honours or a Masters degree by research (or equivalent) is required for PhD candidature. There is provision for transfer from Masters to PhD candidature with credit for the period spent as a Masters candidate.

Click here for information regarding Applications, Scholarships and other interesting information, and click here for Application Forms.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

Dr Phill Smith
Research Degrees Coordinator
School of Information Technology & Mathematical Sciences
Tel: (03) 5327 9237

International Students:

The above information may not apply to international students.
For further information contact International Education:
Tel +61 3 5327 9018
Fax +61 3 5327 9017
Email: international@ballarat.edu.au
OR refer to
http://www.ballarat.edu.au/fdp/international/

EQUITY STATEMENT

The University of Ballarat offers equality of opportunity for all sectors or groups to participate in higher education through the implementation of a coordinated equity program.

All information contained in this web page is correct at the date of publication, however the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Students should check for any amendment prior to enrolment.