This course is provided by the Department of Chemistry and Physics as a means for graduates to upgrade their skills, gaining experience in experimental and theoretical physics. Students develop their theoretical knowledge through the selection of subjects in physics, space science, X-ray science and materials and surface science. Research stream students choose a project in one of these areas. The course has two streams, a research stream and a regular stream. The first year is common and comprises 120 credit points of coursework subjects. The second year of the regular stream comprises a further 120 credit points of coursework subjects. Students who achieve an average of 65% in all their subjects in the first year of the course and who demonstrate an aptitude for research and experimentation may be invited to join the research stream. These students will undertake a 60 credit point masters research thesis (approximately 18,000 words) along with a further 60 credit points of coursework subjects, as a part of the second year. Graduation from the research stream fulfils the requirements for entry into a PhD in a relevant discipline area at La Trobe University. Students should note that they may take out the award of Graduate Diploma in Science (SGSC) after successfully completing the first year of the Masters course only if they decide not to proceed to the second year of the Masters course.