Master of Philosophy

Course Objectives

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) provides students with the opportunity to carry out independent and sustained research under appropriate supervision; to develop advanced research skills and techniques; and to present their findings in scholarly form. The thesis should make an independent contribution to scholarship.

Admission Requirements

Eligible applicants must normally possess a degree including an accredited four-year sequence in psychology (or its equivalent) of at least H2A (or Distinction) standard in the fourth year of study. Admission also depends on supervision and resource availability.

Graduates in disciplines other than psychology, who have expertise in a domain relevant to a psychological research area, may also be considered for admission. However such applicants should note that completion of a research degree in psychology, without the prerequisite undergraduate psychology, will not necessarily contribute to meeting the requirements for registration as a psychologist.

Course Duration

This degree normally takes two years of full-time or four years of part-time study.

Course Structure

Students conduct independent research under the supervision of a member of academic staff and submit a thesis which is externally examined.

A research proposal must be successfully defended before a departmental committee prior to the commencement of the thesis research. The project will normally comprise an empirical study, or set of studies. The thesis should not be more than 30,000 words.

Students are required to attend one compulsory seminar (the Graduate Research Seminar) and at least three other graduate research seminars during their candidature. They are also encouraged to participate in the Psychology Staff Colloquium series.

Application Details

Before an unconditional offer for candidature can be made, supervision arrangements must be finalised. Students intending to apply for the Master of Philosophy are encouraged to speak to suitable members of staff regarding supervision, or contact the Research Programs Officer in the Psychology Department if they require assistance in arranging research supervision. The supervisor must be an appropriately qualified member of the Department's academic staff or an officially appointed adjunct academic member of the Department.

Master of Philosophy applications are accepted throughout the year. However, students are encouraged to commence at the start of the academic year.

Application forms are available from the School of Graduate Research. An application must be endorsed by the Department of Psychology before it is submitted to the School of Graduate Research.

International Applicants

International applicants should refer to the information provided in the 'International Postgraduate Prospectus' available from the International Centre.

Fees

At present, all Master of Philosophy students who are Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens are eligible for an RTS (Research Training Scheme) place.

Please note that course fees are revised annually.

Scholarships

Scholarship information, including closing dates and applications forms, can be found at the University Scholarships Office.