Program summary

Program title: Master of Sports Nutrition by Research
Award abbreviation: MSpNut by Research
Degree type: higher degree by research
Study mode: internal, external ^
Duration: 1.5 years expected, 2 years maximum full-time; 3 years expected, 4 years maximum part-time
Commence: students can apply and start throughout the year, subject to program requirements
Fee type 2011: domestic higher degree by research places, international fee-paying places
USC program code: SC844
CRICOS code: 066893A

The Master of Sports Nutrition by Research is a research-based masters degree designed for students who wish to develop their professional standing in the field of sports nutrition. It will help you to increase your professional credibility in sports nutrition, and equip you for senior positions and leadership.

The program offers you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and understanding of sports nutrition through research. It can be tailored to suit your individual interests, and you complete a research thesis relevant to your chosen topic. All research components of the program must be approved by the program coordinator and are based on the availability of supervisory staff with relevant expertise. The program can be upgraded to a Doctor of Philosophy with approval from the Dean and program coordinator.

Admission requirements

Candidates for the award of Master of Nutrition by Research are normally required to hold an undergraduate degree in Nutrition and/or Dietetics or Exercise and Sports Science and have completed a diploma in sports nutrition (eg The IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition) or have suitable industry experience, and are wishing to gain a higher degree through undertaking practice-based research.

Applicants must show that they have successfully completed or are currently enrolled in a course on research design and methodology (eg RES401 Advanced Research Methods or equivalent).

Program structure

As a candidate you are required to conduct research that can be written up as a scholarly thesis. You must demonstrate research competency and the ability to make a significant and original contribution to the body of knowledge in your chosen area of specialisation.

You must clearly articulate in the research outline, the topic, background, rationale, research question, aim and objectives, methodology, research methods and techniques, and timeframe. Your research outline is to include a literature review that relates to the research question and objectives. The results of your research activities should be presented succinctly and accurately and as necessary could be supported by more detailed annexures. Your syntheses analysis and discussion must clearly focus on the research question and the objectives of the work. Conclusions and recommendations must be drawn from your analysis and discussion and reflect the attainment of the aim and the way in which the research question is addressed.

Program requirements and notes

1. Prospective applicants wishing to undertake this program will need to find a suitable supervisor by contacting the Faculty of Science, Health and Education.
2. For further information, refer to the Research Masters Degrees - Governing Policy.
3. Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
4. Refer to the research areas for the Faculty of Science, Health and Education.
5. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
6. Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
7. External mode not available to international students on a Student Visa.

Enrolment and fees

1. In any semester, full-time enrolment comprises 0.500 EFTSL. **
2. In any semester, part-time enrolment comprises 0.250 EFTSL. **
3. The census date for withdrawal without financial penalty or academic penalty is the Semester 1 or 2 census date.
4. Candidates pay full tuition fees. For selected students these fees are covered by the Research Training Scheme. These scholarships are allocated by faculties, in consultation with the Research Degrees Committee.

^ External mode is not available to international students on a Student Visa.
** EFTSL - Equivalent Full-Time Student Load. One year of full-time study equates to 1.000 EFTSL.

Enquiries 

Teaching and Research Services
Research Training Officer
Tel: +61 7 5459 4526
Fax: +61 7 5430 1177
Email: lkroker@usc.edu.au

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