The Department of Actuarial Studies supervises research programs of study leading to the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Philosophy. Programs may be taken either by full-time or by part-time study.  Rules for the degrees may be found in the Macquarie University Postgraduate Handbook.

Overview

Research degrees train students in the development of research methodologies , and assist them to critically evaluate and apply these techniques to problem solving. Candidates  may be required to undertake specific course work or training units to supplement their research work or may be required to complete a preliminary program of research training or preparation prior to enrolment. For example if applicants do not have the required qualifications for the degree or if the Division requires prior training, preliminary postgraduate coursework programs such as Postgraduate Certificates in Research Methods are available.

Areas of Research

Applicants for research degrees are expected to investigate the Division Research areas and the Actuarial Studies Department Areas of Research Interest, and to contact potential staff supervisors in their areas of interest prior to completing their application.  Candidates for research degrees can be accepted only where suitable specialised supervision is available.

Thesis

Examination is by thesis for research degrees. Thesis lengths vary but it is expected that a Masters thesis is shorter than Doctoral thesis. Generally a Masters thesis has a maximum of 50000 words and a Doctoral thesis a maximum of 80000 words. Non-traditional theses as well as traditional dissertations may be presented in accordance with approved University guidelines.