Master of Philosophy

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The Master of Philosophy is offered in every faculty as the sole research masters degree available to prospective research students. Candidates can choose to undertake the degree by either 100% research or by mixed research and coursework.

A student who elects to undertake the MPhil by mixed research and coursework will complete one third of the degree (15 credit points) by coursework and the remaining two thirds of the degree by research culminating in the production of a thesis.

Programs are conducted over two years of full-time study (or the equivalent half¬time) and students are trained in research methodology and techniques and are engaged in the critical evaluation of literature and results in the substantive area of the thesis at an advanced level.

Whilst Master of Philosophy degrees may include an advanced coursework component, the focus is on research. Examiners of a Master of Philosophy thesis will be seeking evidence that the candidate has:

• A thorough understanding of the relevant techniques and methodologies in the field as demonstrated by a thorough critical review of the literature,
• Demonstrated competence in the chosen field through judicious selection and application of appropriate methodology to yield meaningful results,
• Demonstrated the capacity to evaluate critically these results,
• Presented a clear and well written thesis.

International Students

International students who enter the Master of Philosophy will undertake the mixed research and coursework stream of the program.  Normally, the following core Integrated Bridging Program – Research (IBP‑R) courses, taught by Researcher Education and Development (RED) in the School of Education, will account for twelve of the compulsory fifteen units of coursework:

• Research Processes (3);
• Research Design (3);
• Research Communication (3); and
• Research Profiles and Dissemination (3)

Elective coursework units may be selected from amongst relevant Master by Coursework or Honours courses. 

Exemptions from individual core course(s) may be granted following diagnostic testing by the RED Unit at the start of your degree.  Where exemption(s) are granted, you will be required to undertake additional discipline-specific coursework in order to bring your total up to the required 15 units. If you receive an exemption from all four core courses, you will be eligible to undertake the Master of Philosophy by 100% research if desired.