Last chance to enrol in postgrad programs mid-year
Why wait until next year? Macquarie University is now accepting applications for places in its postgraduate science and technology coursework programs to commence in mid-2006 - but be quick, the deadline is fast approaching.
While many postgrads start their degrees at the beginning of the year (applications for coursework programs in 2007 open in August and should be lodged by 31 October 2006) there are also places available across a range of science programs commencing at the end of July this year.
A matter of choice
Macquarie's Division of Environmental and Life Sciences offers degrees in nine main subject areas: environment; biotechnology; health and chiropractic; museum studies; geology, geoscience and palaeobiology; human geography; science education; and science research preparation (see other story in this edition).
Within each subject area there is usually a choice of degree type, including a Postgraduate Certificate (which normally takes one year of part-time study), a Postgraduate Diploma (one year full-time, two years part-time) or a Masters (1.5 years full-time, three years part-time), depending on your needs and previous qualifications. Within the environment area, for instance, students can undertake either a Certificate, Diploma or Masters in Environmental Management.
Other subject areas may only be covered by a single degree - for example Environmental Science is only offered as a Masters and Environmental Economics is only in a Postgraduate Certificate.
Most of the postgraduate science coursework degrees have Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available (including access to HECS-HELP for applicants if they meet requirements), although a small number only have fee-paying (FEE) places. Eligible fee-paying applicants have the option of deferring payment under the FEE-HELP loans scheme. More information on CSP and FEE places can be found at www.goingtouni.gov.au
Where to go from here
The first step in undertaking a postgrad science coursework degree is choosing the subject area and degree type that suits your interests, needs and qualifications. Look under the Division of Environmental and Life Sciences heading at www.mq.edu.au/postgrad/PDFs/CWK_SCHED.pdf to see a full list of available degrees, and course specifics, such as whether the degree is offered full or part-time, on-campus or external, or with CSP or FEE places. You can then get more specific information about your chosen degree by visiting www.els.mq.edu.au/postgraduate/pg_coursework.htm
For the Postgraduate Certificate in Research Preparation (ELS) applications must be lodged directly with Macquarie University, but for all other postgrad science coursework degrees applications must go through the Universities' Admission Centre. (Phone (02) 9752 0200 or visit www.uac.edu.au/uac/postgraduate.html)
International students who are not permanent residents of Australia must apply to Macquarie International. For further information see www.international.mq.edu.au email iso@mq.edu.au or phone (02) 9850 6320. International students must also contact the Australian Diplomatic Post in their own country to ascertain procedures for obtaining an appropriate visa.
Important dates and more information
The UAC first round application closing date for internal/on-campus study, and final closing date for external study, is 31 May 2006. The final closing date for internal/on-campus study is 30 June 2006.
If you are interested in undertaking a postgraduate science research degree (for example a Master or Doctor of Philosophy), you should contact the appropriate department concerning your areas of interest and the availability of supervisors before completing an application. Further information for research students can be obtained from the Higher Degree Research Unit at www.ro.mq.edu.au/HDRU/ on (02) 9850 7987 or at hdrenq@vc.mq.edu.au