This elective is available to students who have achieved a grade of credit or higher in SWCH9011 (Reproductive and perinatal Epidemiology and Biostatistics) or a Course deemed equivalent by the Program Co-ordinator. Completion of this project also offers the option of a higher research degree pathway since the Medicine Higher Degree Committee has approved guidelines that state that completion of 12 UOC (including a 6UOC research project and 6UOC of specified research-related coursework) will be considered as evidence of research ability when considering PhD applications.
A set of guidelines for the completion of a health-related research project were originally developed by the School of Public Health and Community Medicine at the UNSW in 2010. The School of Women’s and Children’s Health wishes to acknowledge the contribution of the original authors of this document -Dr John Frith, Dr Roslyn Poulos, Mr Alan Hodgkinson and Ms Karin Banna. These guidelines will be broadly applicable to most research projects conducted in those fields related to Reproductive and Women’s Health Medicine. You will be directed to the electronic copy of these complete guidelines later in this document.
This 6UOC research project will allow those enrolled to complete an in-depth study of a contemporary issue in Reproductive and Women’s Health which is particularly relevant to their own interest and practice. Individual projects will vary greatly in their aims, scope and design but each should demonstrate that the student can apply the principles of research at a postgraduate level. Examples of such projects could include:
• The design of a small research study/ survey and collection and analysis of original data. This could encompass either qualitative and quantitative research or a combination of both
• Analysis of an existing database (e.g. hospital data, data available through general practice software, data available in an Assisted Conception Unit ) in order to answer a research question
• Development and evaluation of a public health intervention in a women’s health related area
• Evaluation of a current health/ educational program against best practice guidelines
It would be expected that the project submitted would reflect the author’s ability to:
• Identify and define a significant health issue in the field of reproductive or women’s health
• Conduct a competent and comprehensive literature review, establishing what is already known on this issue and outlining the remaining questions
• Obtain ethics approval and document informed consent of study participants if necessary
• Collect relevant information/ data addressing this issue
• Analyse, interpret and present the information in the form of a cohesive project report
• Draw conclusions from the report findings and make recommendations if applicable
The final project report should demonstrate familiarity with accepted research methodology and should be presented at a level commensurate with Master’s level academic standards. It is however important that the scope of the selected research topic is limited to one achievable within the 10,000 to 15,000 words which constitute the word limit for this major project. Participants are cautioned against investigation of complex issues more suitable to those attempting a PhD thesis.

The project cannot be attempted until the participant has achieved a Credit (or higher) grade in Reproductive and Perinatal Epidemiology and Biostatistics (SWCH 9011) or the equivalent. However for those interested in undertaking a major project at some point, there is no doubt that early preparation holds some advantages. For instance candidates who choose a topic early in their Master’s Program may be able to select coursework which complements their chosen area of research, or to adapt some of the assignment work undertaken in their coursework to augment a research proposal. It is also advisable that all participants enter into an early discussion with their proposed supervisor/s as a means of ensuring that the scope and goals of the proposed project are realistic and achievable and that that supervisor is actually able to take on the tasks within the time-frame required.
Certainly by the time an intending major project participant has completed half their course work, they should have identified a topic area, and begun preliminary discussions with their proposed supervisor. It is therefore a good idea to start planning the major project during the year prior to enrolment as it may take time to fine-tune the proposal, find a relevant and willing supervisor and obtain the necessary approvals to undertake the study. Ethics approvals if required can be a time-limiting factor on such projects- particularly if clarification or resubmission is required before final approval.

Before a student can be enrolled in a research project in the School of Women’s and Children’s Health they are required to:
• Complete the ‘ Application to Undertake a Major Project’ form and have it approved by your proposed supervisor and the Program Director
• Complete the accompanying forms which include emergency contact details and acknowledgment of familiarisation with relevant UNSW policies and procedures
• Return the completed form to the SWCH Postgraduate Coursework Office for completion of enrolment process