Master of Philosophy - Science

    Master of Philosophy - Science

    Duration2 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    AUD 35,724 / Year
    Next IntakeJuly 1, 2026
    Master of Philosophy - Science

    About

    Overview

    Join one of our world-renowned research groups, work with state-of-the-art equipment, and soak up all the professional development opportunities and international connections that come with studying at Australia's leading university.

    With six schools to choose from (BioSciences, Chemistry, Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics and Physics) and more than 500 academic researchers to work with, you’re sure to find a team and a PhD project that will suit you.

    Your entry to a research career

    If you’re thinking about a research career, but aren’t ready to commit to a PhD, the MPhil gives you the perfect introduction to university-based science research.

    Not just a researcher

    The Melbourne experience enables our graduates to become specialists within their field, leaders in communities, attuned to cultural diversity and active global citizens.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Minimum eligibility

    You’re considered an international student based on your citizenship – even if you're studying in Australia.

    To be eligible to apply for graduate research courses, you're normally required to have completed at least a four year Australian Bachelor course or overseas equivalent and achieved an overall average of greater than 75% in the final year of the course.

    You're also normally required to have completed a research project/component that accounts for at least 25% of your year's work at 4th year undergraduate or masters level.

    Some courses may have higher or additional entry requirements and a pre-application process. Check the course you're interested in to learn what these are.

    Course-specific requirements

    Requirements vary by course. Usually, to apply for a graduate research course, you first need to determine your research topic and find a supervisor. Some graduate schools advertise available projects. Visit Find a Course for the requirements of the course that interests you. You will need to be able to commit to the workload required by the course.

    Finding a supervisor

    Check with the course you're applying for to see if you need to find a supervisor for your course before applying.

    If so, you want to make sure the supervisors you choose are right for your needs and can support you in your research. Support from supervisors does not guarantee admission, nor does it guarantee a scholarship or financial assistance.

    For help finding a supervisor, visit Find an expert

    Writing a research proposal

    Some graduate schools also require a research proposal as part of your application.

    To develop a successful proposal, you need to be familiar with current research in the area. Your proposal also needs to state your research question, your area of interest, and how you'll undertake your research.

    Many graduate schools offering research courses will have their own pre-application process, entry requirements and application due dates. Check the entry requirements for the course you're applying for.

    English Program Requirements

    Career

    Intended learning outcomes

    Upon completion of the Master of Philosophy (Science), the graduate researcher will be able to:
    • demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge that includes recent developments in one or more disciplines
    • independently investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice
    • demonstrate advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning
    • independently design and execute a substantial piece of research that makes a contribution to knowledge within their field
    • disseminate research findings effectively in the professional arena
    • demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, research ethics and integrity.

    Graduate attributes

    For graduate attributes, refer to the Graduate Research Hub.

    Career outcomes

    A Master of Philosophy (Science) is a step towards a research career in many areas of science.

    Many MPhil graduates go on to undertake a PhD, which then leads to work as a postdoctoral research scientist and then on to careers in research and teaching in academia. Alternatively, they move into industry, where the technical and professional skills that come with an MPhil are highly valued.

    Employers include:

    • Universities
    • International research institutions such as CSIRO, the Defence Science and Technology Group, the Max Planck Institutes, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and NASA
    • Government departments like the Bureau of Meteorology, the Bureau of Statistics and Melbourne Water
    • Consulting firms such as Deloitte and KPMG
    • Software and computing companies such as IBM, IRESS and Quantium
    • Large financial services companies including ANZ and NAB.

    Technical and professional skills

    On completion of your MPhil, you’ll have high-level knowledge and research skills in your chosen area of science.

    Additionally, you’ll have strong professional skills in:

    • Critical thinking and problem-solving
    • Research planning, literature reviews and reporting on research
    • Scientific communication, both written and oral
    • Project management.

    Further study

    At the end of the course, you’ll be well-placed to undertake a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in the same field, if you choose.

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    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    35,724 / year
    Application Fee 154
    Master of Philosophy - Science
    University of Melbourne
    University of Melbourne
    Australia

    Australia, Melbourne