Overseas student type

You are an overseas student if you are NOT one of the following:

  • Australian or New Zealand citizen (or dual citizen)
  • Australian permanent resident
  • Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder
  • Pacific Engagement visa holder.

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

If you are holding or applying for a Student Visa Subclass 500 you are required to enrol in a full-time course that is registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) in Australia. For more details, please visit the Department of Home Affairs and the CRICOS website.

Overview

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a graduate research degree that enables candidates to further develop skills in carrying out independent and sustained research. Designed for applicants with a strong academic background, candidates are guided by a supervisory team to develop independent research that contributes to a field of knowledge in divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines. Candidates apply, critique, analyse or interpret knowledge through the development of research presented in the form of a thesis (or equivalent) of 40,000 words. A Master of Philosophy is a pathway to admission to a Doctor of Philosophy.

Course learning outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Philosophy:

1. have a body of knowledge in a field of study within divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines that includes the understanding of recent developments within this field
2. apply advanced knowledge and skills to plan and execute a substantial piece of research
3. have cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts in a field of study within divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines and to reflect critically on them
4. have cognitive skills in, and mastery of, research principles and methods applicable to the field in which the research has been carried out
5. have skills to present a coherent and sustained argument and to communicate research results to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Course structure

1. Satisfactory completion of confirmation of candidature.
2. Preparation and submission of a thesis or its equivalent for examination.
3. Completion of Oral Examination.
4. Satisfactory completion of any requirements of the Human Research Ethics Committee.
5. Submission of an annual report throughout the duration of candidature.
6. Annual attendance and participation in a minimum of 8 hours of research seminars and conferences.
7. Presentation of at least one seminar or conference paper of no less than 20 minutes’ duration once candidature has been confirmed and prior to submission of the thesis.

Locations and modes

Duration

The standard full-time duration of the Master of Philosophy is eighteen months. A full-time candidate must complete the course within two years. The Master of Philosophy must be completed in not less than one year and not more than four years from the date on which the course is commenced.

Minimum duration 1 year
Standard full-time 1.5 years
Maximum part-time 4 years

Graduate pathways

A Master of Philosophy is a pathway to admission to a Doctor of Philosophy.

Admission criteria

Applicants may only be admitted by the School of Graduate Research Committee. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission. The Committee also takes into consideration the applicant’s potential to undertake research, quality and feasibility of the research proposal, availability of appropriate supervision, and strength of employer or referee reports.

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Completion of one of the following awards in divinity or its associated disciplines with a 75% average:

  • a Master by research degree, or
  • a Master by coursework degree, or
  • a Graduate Diploma, or
  • a four year undergraduate degree with Honours.

Where a mark is not available, examiners’ reports may be provided which indicate to the satisfaction of the School of Graduate Research Committee that the candidate is adequately prepared for master’s research.
2. Completion of a thesis or equivalent of at least 12,000 words graded at or above 70%. The thesis may have been completed either within one of the awards listed above or as part of another program of study in an associated discipline.
3. A research proposal which identifies a research question, proposed methodology and a statement of the contribution to a field of knowledge or professional practice.
4. The names at least two supervisors with relevant expertise who satisfy the requirements of the Higher Degree by Research Policy and who consent to supervise the thesis.


Probationary admission is not available.

Credit

Candidates transferring from another masters by research program may be granted advanced standing.

Fee summary

The total cost of the Master of Philosophy at 2026 fees is $30,456.

The cost for a year of study at 2026 fees is $20,304 (full-time) or $10,152 (part-time).

Fees are subject to change from year to year. For more information about fees, please visit the Fees page.

Additional information

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Course last updated at 2:14pm on 7 May 2026
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