Master of Philosophy

Course information for - 2025 entry
Domestic
  • Domestic
  • International

Offered at 6 locations
  • Ballarat
  • Brisbane
  • Canberra
  • Melbourne
  • North Sydney
  • Strathfield

Duration
2 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Start dates

February 2025, July 2025

Overview

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a two year full-time (or part-time equivalent) research degree in a field covered by the University, including theology and philosophy, nursing and midwifery, education, business or arts and sciences. It is assessed on the basis of a written thesis which is submitted at the conclusion of the degree.

Course details

Course structure

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Masters (Research) - AQF Level 9

Entry requirements

A candidate for the degree of Master of Philosophy must comply with the Higher Degree Research Regulations.

An applicant for admission to candidature for the degree of Master of Philosophy must have completed one of the following:

a. An appropriate undergraduate degree with Honours at a minimum level of Second Class Division A (Distinction average); or

b. Postgraduate research training (eg coursework completed to distinction level or higher or a master-by-coursework degree); or

c. Demonstrated research experience with evidence of capacity to undertake independent research work (eg an authored publication).

Meeting the eligibility requirements for admission is not in itself a guarantee of admission. The candidate’s potential to undertake research, the quality and feasibility of the research proposal, the availability of appropriate supervision and the referee’s reports will all be taken into consideration. Please refer to Regulation 5.2.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.

Applicants with higher education study

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.

You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.

Search our credit database

Learn more about recognition of prior learning

English language requirements

Academic IELTS 6.5 (including individual scores of 6.0 for all tests).

Inherent requirement

The eligibility criteria for admission into the Master of Philosophy are stipulated in section 5 the Higher Degree Research Regulations.

Fees

Course costs

*This is an indicative first-year fee based on the tuition fee rates for a full-time student, using unit enrolment data from domestic students who studied the course in the previous year.

A student’s annual fee will vary depending on factors including:

  • Number of units studied per year
  • Choice of major or specialisation
  • Elective units

The University reviews fees annually.

You can view current course costs and domestic tuition fee rates by unit.

Commencing domestic candidates enrolling in a master-by-research or doctoral degree at ACU will be offered a Research Training Program Fees Offset Scholarship under the Australian Government's Research Training Program. Further information about Research Training Program Scholarships can be found in the Research Training Program Scholarship Policy.

Scholarships

ACU offers a number of scholarships to domestic and international research candidates. Information about these scholarships, including the application process is available here.

How to apply

Domestic applicants

Direct application

Apply now
 

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