The MBC information booklet - RMIT University

Chapter 11: Minor Thesis/Project
to consult their employer to investigate the possibility of a topic which is relevant to their
workplace.
11.3.1 Thesis Types Before addressing the question of thesis topic and supervisor, it is important to define a
minor thesis. It is therefore constructive to describe other types of theses in order to
understand the minor thesis.
Often, candidates have a singular perception that the work and innovation required to
complete a thesis is just a few levels down from that of a Nobel Prize! This is of course
incorrect. There are different types of theses. By reviewing the context of the different
types, the concept of a minor thesis can be better understood.
The PhD Degree
From a study-program point of view, a PhD is of great importance in measuring
academic achievement. The PhD entitles one to the title of Doctor. The degree probably
originated in the University of Bologna and was associated with a research degree in the
Law.
To obtain a PhD candidates must be intelligent, diligent, patient, perservering and
obsessed with solving an outstanding problem in the field of Computer Science. The
PhD takes three to four years of full-time work to complete and culminates in the
publication of a thesis. In many instances, components of the work contained in the
thesis are published in international journals or conferences before the thesis is
completed.
A successful PhD thesis should:
1. present work based on original 1 and new research;
2. demonstrate a significant and original contribution to the knowledge of fact or
theory of Computer Science;
3. demonstrate independent and critical thought;
4. demonstrate a capacity to work independently of supervision;
5. review literature relevant to the thesis;
6. critically appraise one’s work especially as it relates to the work of others;
7. design an investigation which may involve the gathering and analysis of
information;
8. present information in a manner consistent with publication in an academic
Computer Science Journal; and
9. demonstrate the carrying out of supervised research.
Some people define a PhD as comprising three quality publications 2 on a theme at an
international professional-level.
The Masters Degree by Research
The Masters degree actually pre-dates the PhD It had its beginnings in the field of
Theology. It was originally senior to the PhD but is now junior to it in the sense that
candidates are not required to present totally new and original research. Specifically,
requirements 1 through 4 of the PhD (inclusive) are not strictly necessary for the
completion of a successful Masters thesis.
Therefore, a successful Masters thesis should:
1. review literature relevant to the thesis;
2. critically appraise one’s work especially as it relates to the work of others;
3. design an investigation which may involve the gathering and analysis of
information;
4. present information in a manner consistent with publication in an academic
Computer Science journal; and
5. demonstrate the carrying out of supervised research.
1. All theses must be original; a candidate must not present another person’s work
and claim that it is their own. Originality in the PhD context also means: new,
unexplored, innovative and creative.
2. Such publications should not be confused with technical computer journals,
such as Byte magazine.
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