Master of Clinical Science (MClinSc)

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Detailed Program Information

Academic Year
2025

These Program Rules should be read in conjunction with the University’s policies (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies) and the Research Student Handbook (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/graduate-research/current-students/handbook). The Research Student Handbook explains the procedures to be followed by students and contains guidelines on research and supervision for research degrees offered by the University. All students must comply with both the Academic Program Rules and the procedures detailed in the Research Student Handbook.

1

Rules

 There shall be a Master of Clinical Science degree which may be awarded an overall grade.
1.1The award of the grade shall be made for meritorious performance in the program, with greatest weight given to completion of the research project as evaluated by the examination of the research thesis.
1.2The grade may be awarded in one of the following classifications: High Distinction, Distinction, Credit and Pass according to the standard University grading scheme.
1.3In accordance with their area of research, a candidate may enrol for a Master of Clinical Science degree, or, a Master of Clinical Science degree with one of the following specialisations, as follows:
Nursing
Medicine
Dentistry
Public Health
Evidence Based Health Care
Counselling and Psychotherapy
1.4The Vice-Chancellor, with authority devolved to him / her by Council, and after receipt of advice from the University, shall from time to time prescribe Rules defining the academic standing required for candidature, eligibility for enrolment, the program of study and research for the degree, the condition of candidature and the assessment for the degree.
1.5Such Rules shall become effective from the date of prescription by the Vice-Chancellor or such other date as the Vice-Chancellor may determine.
1.6All candidates must comply with the Academic Program Rules and are advised to refer to them to gain an understanding of their rights and responsibilities regarding program matters.

2

Guidelines

 The University may from time to time approve guidelines on any matters included in these Rules and may authorise the Dean of Graduate Studies or the Director of the Adelaide Graduate Research School, to act in accordance with such guidelines without reference to the University in each case. Notwithstanding this, Faculties may develop their own specific guidelines as permitted within the framework of these Rules.

3

Objectives of the Master of Clinical Science

 

The Master of Clinical Science shall, in general, provide an introduction to clinically based research for candidates presenting with clinical qualifications and work experience. It shall have the specific objectives of:

  1. training candidates in research methodology and techniques
  2. developing critical evaluation skills appropriate to their research topic
  3. training candidates in the application of such methods by conducting a specified program of research under appropriate supervision and the development of new knowledge where possible
  4. providing training in literature analysis
  5. encouraging debate in the substantive area of the thesis at an advanced level
    and
  6. facilitating candidates’ ability to translate research into improved clinical outcomes.

4

Academic Standing

4.1

The academic standing required for acceptance as a candidate for the Master of Clinical Science in the University shall be a minimum of 2 years approved professional work experience, in addition to:

  1. the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of the University of Adelaide or degrees of another institution accepted by the University for the purpose as equivalent
    or
  2. a degree of Bachelor of Nursing of a university accepted for the purpose by the University
    or
  3. a degree of Bachelor of Dental Surgery of the University of Adelaide or degrees of another institution accepted by the University for the purpose as equivalent
    or
  4. a Bachelor degree of the University of Adelaide in an appropriate field of study, or another institution accepted by the University for the purpose as equivalent
    or
  5. a relevant Master by Coursework degree of the University of Adelaide
    or
  6. a relevant Master by Research degree of the University of Adelaide.
4.2A person who holds a qualification of another university as specified in 4.1 above, or equivalent thereof, may be accepted as a candidate provided that the program of study undertaken and the academic standard reached are equivalent to those required of a candidate who is a graduate of the University of Adelaide.
4.3Applicants for a Master of Clinical Science must satisfy the minimum English language proficiency requirement as set by the University.

5

Credit for Work Previously Completed

5.1At the time of application, the University may grant credit towards a Master of Clinical Science for research, or, where the candidate is proceeding to the degree by mixed research and coursework, for coursework undertaken in another program in the University or in another university or tertiary institution. The maximum credit granted will be 1 year full-time equivalent (FTE) of the total program, inclusive of both coursework and research.
5.2No candidate will be granted credit for any coursework or research that has been presented towards another award.
5.3

In consideration for acceptance under Rule 5.1, the University must be satisfied that

  1. any courses for which credit is granted are offered in accordance with Rule 8.5
  2. the person is of such academic standing as would be required of other candidates for the degree
    and
  3. the work for which credit is granted is both relevant and of a satisfactory standard.
5.4Any credit granted for work undertaken within a higher degree by research program will reduce the Research Training Program (RTP) and candidature expiry dates, whilst any credit granted for work undertaken within a coursework program will reduce the candidature expiry date only. Where the candidate is a scholarship holder, the scholarship expiry date(s) will be reduced in parallel with the candidature expiry date.
5.5Any application for credit must be approved by the Adelaide Graduate Research School  5.5 to permit for the relevant adjustments to be made.

6

Enrolment

6.1

A person shall not be enrolled as a candidate for the degree of Master of Clinical Science unless:

  1. the applicant’s proposed research topic is acceptable to the University and the School / Discipline responsible for the supervision of the candidate’s work
  2. there are available at least two supervisors able to provide supervision of the proposed candidacy throughout its likely duration. The principal supervisor shall be a member of the academic staff of the School / Discipline of the University in which the candidate is enrolled
    and
  3. suitable resources and facilities are available (either in the University or, by arrangement acceptable to the Faculty, elsewhere) for the proposed research to be undertaken.
6.2

Each candidate (including those on remote candidature) will be enrolled on a provisional basis until they have satisfactorily completed:

  1. the first 12 months of the degree or half-time equivalent
    and
  2. the major review of progress, or, where applicable, the extended major review of progress.
6.3Except with the permission of the Dean of Graduate Studies, a candidate may not enrol concurrently in another academic program.
6.4Except with the permission of the Dean of Graduate Studies, a candidate who is permitted to enrol concurrently in another academic program and who is granted leave must intermit all academic programs in which he / she is enrolled.

7

Duration of Candidature and Mode of Study

7.1

A candidate may proceed to the degree by full-time study or, if the Head of the School / Discipline concerned is satisfied that the candidate has adequate time to pursue supervised research under the control of the University, by half-time study. Except in circumstances approved by the University, the work for the degree shall be completed and the thesis submitted:

  1. in the case of a full-time candidate, not less than 1 year nor more than 1 year from the date of commencement of candidature
  2. in the case of a half-time candidate, not less than 2 years nor more than 4 years from the date of commencement of candidature
  3. in the case of a candidate granted credit under Rule 5.1, the candidature shall normally expire:
    1. in the case of a full-time candidate, not less than 1 year and not more than 2 years from the date the candidate commenced work in the other program
      or
    2. in the case of a half-time candidate, not less than 2 years and not more than 4 years from the date the candidate commenced work in the other program.

8

Work for the Degree

8.1A candidate shall pursue an approved program of study and research under the control of the University and under the general guidance of supervisors appointed by the University whilst at all times abiding by the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and associated policies of the University of Adelaide.
8.2

Subject to Faculty approval candidates may proceed to the Master of Clinical Science by:

  1. 100% research leading to the generation of a thesis that will comprise 100% of the assessable content of the degree
  2. mixed research and coursework leading to:
    1. the generation of a thesis that will comprise two thirds of the assessable content of the degree
      and
    2. the completion of 15 credit point units of coursework as detailed in Academic Program Rule 8.5, which will comprise one third of the assessable content of the degree.
8.3Transfer from the 100% research Master of Clinical Science to the mixed research and coursework Master of Clinical Science, or vice versa, will not normally be permitted after the first 6 months of candidature or half-time equivalent.
8.4Where a candidate is proceeding to the degree by 100% research, any courses taken by the candidate, up to the value of 15 units, will not be considered in the assessment for the degree. Such courses will not be formally enrolled in or assessed, or, will be completed on a non-award basis.
8.5

A candidate who is proceeding to the Master of Clinical Science by mixed research and coursework may select courses to the value of 15 units from:

  1. any relevant Master by Coursework courses listed in the Calendar
    and / or
  2. any relevant Honours courses listed in the Calendar.
8.6Courses cannot be repeated or replaced in the case of failure except on a fee paying basis.
8.7Where a candidate is proceeding to the degree by mixed research and coursework, he / she shall be required to pass both the coursework and thesis components independently and, all coursework requirements must be completed to the satisfaction of the Faculty / School before the Master of Clinical Science thesis is submitted to the Adelaide Graduate Research School for examination.
8.8A Master of Clinical Science thesis will be prepared in accordance with the University's Specifications for Thesis for the current year.
8.9All work presented in the thesis (including any publications) must have been undertaken during the period of candidature.
8.10Irrespective of the format of the thesis, its content, in part or in total, must not have been accepted for any other degree in the name of the candidate at the University of Adelaide or other academic institution.
8.11There is no exit point to a coursework outcome e.g. Graduate Diploma or Certificate or transfer of coursework credit from the Master of Clinical Science to a Coursework Program. Candidates who seek these options must enrol in a Coursework Program from commencement.
8.12The candidate shall present the context and importance of the research at a School / Discipline seminar prior to thesis submission.
8.13The candidate may elect to participate in an approved internship during candidature. Internships commenced must be completed to the satisfaction of the partner institution and the University, except in exceptional circumstances.

9

Academic Progress Milestones

9.1Each candidate's academic progress will be formally reviewed at least once every twelve months.
9.2Each candidate will complete a series of milestones, the core content and timing of which will be in accordance with the details and schedule specified in the Research Student Handbook; Schools may include additional discipline specific requirements.
9.3

Milestones will normally include:

  1. the Adelaide Graduate Research School induction program and area induction
  2. the core component of the structured program, including the completion and presentation of the research proposal
  3. a major review of progress
  4. annual reviews of progress in each calendar year following the year of enrolment
  5. minor reviews of progress in each calendar year following the year of enrolment (remote candidates only)
  6. a pre-submission review
    and
  7. the development component of the structured program, including at a minimum any courses, activities and skills training deemed necessary by the School / Discipline. Where completion of courses, up to the value of 15 units, is required by the School / Discipline, or desired by the candidate, the courses will not be formally enrolled in or assessed, or, will be completed on a non-award basis.
9.4Candidates whose provisional candidature is extended following a major review of progress (for up to six months in total) will undergo an extended major review at the end of this period.
9.5The major review of progress referred to in 9.3d above will recommend confirmation of candidature, or, a further period of conditional candidature not exceeding 6 months, or termination.
9.6Candidates granted a further period of conditional enrolment will undergo an extended major review at the end of this time period. No further periods of conditional enrolment will be permitted.
9.7Milestones may be varied from time to time by approval of the Research Education and Development Committee.
9.8

Re-enrolment and the continuation of scholarship payments (where applicable) are conditional upon:

  1. satisfactory progress being achieved in all reviews of progress undertaken in the preceding year
    and
  2. completion of all required milestones.

10

Program Transfer

10.1

Transfer to the Doctor of Philosophy may be approved after twelve months of candidature or part-time equivalent subject to the following conditions:

  1. having met the admission requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy at the time of enrolment into the Master of Clinical Science
  2. satisfactory completion of the major review of progress
  3. approval of the application to upgrade candidature by the Faculty and the University.
10.2

Transfer to the Doctor of Philosophy may be approved after eighteen months of candidature or part-time equivalent subject to the following conditions:

  1. satisfactory completion of the major review of progress
  2. approval of the application to upgrade candidature by the Faculty and the University.
10.3

The Faculty and the University will normally only approve a candidate for transfer to the Doctor of Philosophy where:

  1. there is evidence of research output, such as publications, refereed conference papers, scholarly works and creative arts
    and
  2. a revised research proposal for the Doctor of Philosophy which can be reasonably completed in 3-4 years (less the time already spent in the Master candidature) has been provided.
10.4The approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies will be required for transfer to the Doctor of Philosophy under any other circumstances.

11

Remote Candidature

11.1Initial enrolment as a remote candidate may be permitted on academic grounds where the School / Discipline concerned can ensure the provision of external supervision, facilities and affiliation to the satisfaction of the University.
11.2Unless otherwise exempted, a remote candidate will normally be required to complete a period(s) of residence in the University of Adelaide as determined by the University in consultation with the School / Discipline concerned.
11.3Notwithstanding Rule 11.2, a remote candidate will normally be required to undertake his / her candidature in an internal attendance mode until such time as the Core Component of the Structured Program has been completed.
11.4In accordance with Rule 7.1, a remote candidate may proceed to the degree either by full-time or half-time study.
11.5On the recommendation of the School / Discipline, the University at any time may permit a candidate to study as a remote candidate subject to the conditions specified in Rules 11.1, 11.2 and 11.3 above.
11.6A remote candidate may be permitted to convert to an internal mode of attendance at any time and shall be subject to the conditions normally applied.
11.7Notwithstanding Rules 11.1–11.4 above, remote candidates are also required to abide by the other Academic Program Rules and guidelines for the degree of Master of Clinical Science.

12

Joint Candidature

12.1Enrolment as a joint candidate may be permitted where a program of cooperation has been formally agreed between the University of Adelaide and another institution for jointly awarded degrees.
12.2When it is proposed that the candidate spend the majority of candidature away from Adelaide, the University must approve conditions as in 11.1.
12.3Upon successful completion of the work for the degree, the badges of both institutions may appear on the testamur awarded, or both institutions may each award a testamur bearing their own badge which cross references the other institution.
12.4Candidates for a jointly awarded degree may be bound by special rules and conditions as detailed in the agreement between the University of Adelaide and the partner institution.

13

Absence from the University

 Except for remote candidates, the University, on the recommendation of the School / Discipline concerned, may permit a candidate to pursue away from the University work connected with the research for the degree. Such permission may only be granted under special circumstances during provisional candidature.

14

Leave of Absence

14.1Subject to Academic Program Rule 14.2, a candidate whose work is interrupted for a period of time may be granted cumulative leave by the University of up to 12 months. If an application for leave is approved, the minimum and maximum periods specified in Rule 7 will be adjusted accordingly by adding the length of the approved leave.
14.2

Except in exceptional circumstances, candidates may not take leave:

  1. during the three months immediately prior to their candidature expiry date
    or
  2. during an extension of candidature
    or
  3. during a candidature that has been reactivated for 12 months, following determination by the University that the candidate be not awarded the degree but be permitted to re-submit the thesis in a revised form.
14.3In exceptional circumstances, the University may grant a candidate cumulative leave in excess of 12 months. Where a candidate is granted this exceptional leave, the University will endeavour to ensure, but cannot guarantee, that appropriate supervision and resources will be available to support the candidate on return from leave.
14.4

In some fields of study, time plays a critical role in the currency of the research. In such cases, the research project may no longer be current following leave and the University may not be able to secure supervision in an area where currency is compromised. Additionally, the University may not be able to accommodate an amendment to the research project. Under these circumstances, continuation of candidature may not be possible and the only options will be:

  1. withdrawal by the candidate
    or
  2. termination of candidature by the University.
14.5The candidature of a student who takes leave from the University without approval will be suspended immediately, on notification of the Adelaide Graduate Research School.
14.6A candidate granted leave must inform the Adelaide Graduate Research School in writing of resumption of candidature within 2 weeks of the approved date of return.
14.7A candidate seeking to extend a period of leave must apply in writing for an extension of leave at least 1 week prior to the originally approved date of return.

15

Withdrawal from Candidature

15.1A candidate may withdraw from candidature at any time.
15.2Candidature may be reinstated at a future date without academic consequences, subject to the continuing currency of the research undertaken prior to withdrawal and the currency of the research skills of the candidate. The approval of the Head of School and the ongoing availability of appropriate supervision and resources are also required.

16

Suspension of Candidature

16.1

Candidature may be suspended for failure to comply with any formal requirement of candidature, including:

  1. failing to abide by the responsibilities of research candidates as detailed in the Research Student Handbook
  2. failing to undertake a required review of progress by the due date or extended due date
  3. failing to respond to any University correspondence sent to the nominated mailing address or campus email address by the requested date of response
  4. failing to accept reasonable offers of supervision facilitated by the University
  5. taking leave without prior approval
  6. failing to return from leave on the agreed date
  7. failing to notify the Adelaide Graduate Research School of return from leave within 2 weeks of return
    and
  8. non-payment of University fees and charges.
16.2

Following suspension, a student’s candidature will only be reinstated with the approval of the Head of School where:

  1. the reason for the suspension has been addressed as specified in the Research Student Handbook
  2. the research undertaken prior to the suspension remains current
    and
  3. appropriate supervision and resources are available to support the reinstated candidature.

17

Termination of Candidature

17.1The University may review the progress of a candidate at any time during the program of candidature and, if the candidate's progress is unsatisfactory, may terminate the candidature.
17.2The University may terminate the candidature following a 12 month period of suspension for any of the reasons outlined in Academic Program Rule 16 above.
17.3Candidature may be terminated when the University at its sole discretion reserves the right to decline to appoint a supervisor where to do so would not be appropriate. Without limiting this discretion above the University may consider the following in making a determination: supervisory eligibility and capacity, the quality of the research project and compliance with the responsibilities of research candidates as detailed in the Research Student Handbook.
17.4A terminated candidature may only be reinstated following a successful appeal.

18

Extension of Candidature

 Irrespective of full-time or half-time status, a candidate may be granted by the University one extension of candidature only of 6 months beyond the maximum period specified in Rule 7. If the thesis has not been submitted by the end of the extended period, the candidature will lapse.

19

Completion of Thesis Outside the University

 A candidate who has completed the equivalent of 1 year of full-time work under the control of the University, who has completed the experimental work (where appropriate) and whose progress is sufficiently well advanced to permit the satisfactory completion of the thesis outside the University, may be granted permission by the University to complete the writing up of the thesis outside the University. If such permission is granted the candidate will be allowed either 12 months or until the end of candidature, whichever is the lesser, to submit the thesis. If the thesis has not been submitted by the end of the writing up period the candidature will lapse.

20

Lapsed Candidature

20.1Candidature shall be deemed to have lapsed on the candidature expiry date where the candidate has not submitted for examination the thesis required under Rule 8.2.
20.2A candidature, which has lapsed for not more than 12 months, may be resumed if the completed thesis, which has not departed from the field of study that was being pursued before the candidature lapsed, is subsequently submitted to the Director of the Adelaide Graduate Research School. The thesis will only be accepted for examination if the School / Discipline certify that it is satisfactory to that School / Discipline.
20.3Approval of the University is required for the resumption of a lapsed candidature under any other conditions and will be contingent on the Academic Program Rules for the current year of submission being applied for the examination of the thesis..

21

Intention to Submit Thesis

 A candidate shall notify the Director of the Adelaide Graduate Research School, in writing, approximately 3 months before he / she expects to submit a thesis for examination. A summary of the thesis, together with the proposed thesis title and abstract, shall be submitted at or prior to submission of the thesis.

22

Submission and Examination of the Thesis

22.1On completion of the approved program of study and research, including all coursework requirements, a candidate shall submit a thesis for examination in accordance with the University’s Specifications for Thesis for the current year.
22.2The University recognises that a thesis may be prepared in a variety of formats that are influenced by the Discipline or the field of study. Approved thesis formats are detailed in the University’s Specifications for Thesis. Candidates should consult their supervisor(s) before selecting an appropriate format.
22.3The candidate’s School must notify the Adelaide Graduate Research School at the time of thesis submission whether the thesis submitted comprises 100% or 67% of the assessable content of the degree.
22.4The Head of School / Discipline shall certify that the thesis is worthy of examination.
22.5

Examiners of the Master of Clinical Science thesis will assess whether the candidate has demonstrated:

  1. a thorough understanding of the relevant methodology as demonstrated by a thorough critical review of the literature
  2. demonstrated competence through judicious selection and application of appropriate methods to yield meaningful results
    and
  3. demonstrated the capacity to evaluate critically these results and presented a clear and well written thesis in accordance with the stated objectives of the Master of Clinical Science degree (refer to Rule 3).
22.6Where required by the University, an oral examination will be undertaken to determine the outcome of the examination.

23

Appointment of Examiners

23.1Candidates shall have the right, prior to the commencement of the examination process, to identify people they do not wish to examine their theses. Any such objections should be submitted to the Director of the Adelaide Graduate Research School at the same time as the notification of intention to submit required under Rule 21. Such objections do not serve as a veto.
23.2

Taking account of any objections raised under Academic Program Rule 23.1 and the recommendations of the Head of the relevant School / Discipline, assessment of the thesis shall in every case be by no fewer than two examiners appointed by the University of whom:

  1. at least one shall be external to the University
  2. at least one shall be an academic member or affiliate of a tertiary institution.
23.3The candidate’s supervisors shall not be eligible to act as examiners.
23.4The examiners shall be requested to report in English and in such form as the University will determine and to recommend one of each of the alternatives listed in Rule 24.1.
23.5After consideration of the reports of the examiners, the University may appoint a third external examiner and / or an external arbitrator.

24

Examination Results

24.1

After consideration of the reports of the examiners, coursework results where applicable and such other information as it thinks fit, the University shall determine that:

  1. the candidate be awarded the degree of Master of Clinical Science unconditionally
    or
  2. the candidate be awarded the degree of Master of Clinical Science subject to the amendments specified in the examiners’ reports
    or
  3. the candidate be not awarded the degree of Master of Clinical Science but be permitted to resubmit the thesis for re-examination in revised form
    or
  4. the candidate be not awarded the degree of Master of Clinical Science.
24.2Where the University determines that the candidate be awarded the degree of Master of Clinical Science, the University shall also determine an overall grade.
24.3In the case of a thesis presented for re-examination as provided for in Rule 24.1(c), the thesis will, as far as possible, be assessed by the original examiners.
24.4A thesis submitted for re-examination must be presented in the same format as the thesis presented for the original examination.
24.5A thesis presented for re-examination will not be submitted for further re-examination.
24.6Examiners may if necessary request the University to grant an oral or viva examination to clarify points of the thesis or to satisfy themselves of the candidate’s contribution to jointly authored works presented in the thesis.

25

Thesis Amendments following Examination

25.1

The time limits for revision of the thesis are:

  1. 3 months where the examination result is to award the degree following corrections or revisions to be made to the satisfaction of the University (see Rule 24.1(b))
    and
  2. 12 months where the examination result is not to award the degree but to permit re-submission of the thesis in a revised form (see Rule 24.1(c)).
25.2Candidates who require additional time to complete revisions must apply to the Dean of Graduate Studies for permission, stating the reasons for the request. The request should be approved by the principal supervisor and the Head of School / Discipline or the Postgraduate Coordinator.

26

Deposit of Thesis

 Such number of copies of a thesis and any other material on which the degree is awarded shall be deposited in the University Library or elsewhere as determined by the University.
Unless otherwise determined by the University, the thesis shall be available for public access.

27

Loan or Photocopy of Thesis

 A candidate who does not wish to allow the thesis to be publicly accessible when it is deposited in the Library under Rule 26 shall make a written application to the Director of Adelaide Graduate Research School, at the same time as he / she notifies his / her intention to submit under Rule 21. The withholding of such permission and the period of time involved shall be determined by the University.

28

Graduation

 Subject to Chapter 89 of the Statutes, candidates who have satisfied the requirements for any award of the University shall be admitted to that award.

29

Posthumous Award

 If a person dies after completing, or in the opinion of the University, substantially completing the requirements of the award, the University may confer the award posthumously.

30

Revoking the Award

 

If the University is satisfied that, when the Master of Clinical Science was conferred on a person, and that person was subsequently found to have breached ethical requirements, e.g. they:

  1. did not possess the relevant qualifications,
    or
  2. had not completed the necessary requirements,

the Vice-Chancellor and President with authority devolved to him / her by Council may revoke the award.
Upon revocation, the person is taken never to have received the award.

31

Return of Documents

 If requested by the Dean of Graduate Studies, the recipient of a Master of Clinical Science must deliver to the University all documents certifying or evidencing the award.

32

General

 When, in the opinion of the University, special circumstances exist, the University, on the recommendation of the relevant Faculty in each case, may vary any of the provisions in Rules 1–31 above.

 

Published on: 29 November, 2024 | 11:25:55

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