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 Philosophical Studies enables students to apply an advanced body of knowledge in philosophy in relation to broader theological studies. Students broaden their knowledge and skills and deepen their engagement with select areas of study to prepare them for professional practice and further learning.
Course learning outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Philosophical Studies:
- have advanced knowledge of sources, terms and concepts required in philosophy, and of the relation of philosophy to broader theological studies
- have mastery of methodologies for historical and critical analysis of philosophical texts
- have advanced skills of interpretation and critical reflection in philosophy, with awareness of implications for and applications to historical and contemporary issues and contexts, in order to generate and evaluate ideas for professional practice and further learning
- articulate and communicate knowledge and insights in philosophy to specialist and non-specialist audiences
- apply relevant philosophical and hermeneutical skills through the execution of a substantial research-based project, capstone experience or piece of scholarship.
Course structure
The Master of Philosophical Studies consists of 288 points.
| Course Structure | Points |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate foundational units in three disciplines from at least two fields, where one of the disciplines is Philosophy. | 72 |
| Postgraduate elective units in the discipline of Philosophy | 96 |
| Postgraduate elective units in any discipline | 24 |
Either:
Or:
| |
| Further postgraduate units in any discipline | |
Course Rules and Restrictions
| |
Locations and modes
Roman CatholicEast Melbourne VICOnline (off-shore students only) mode
Duration
The standard full-time duration of the Master of Philosophical Studies is two years. The Master of Philosophical Studies must be completed in not less than two years and not more than six years from the date on which the course is commenced.
| Standard full-time | 2 years |
| Maximum part-time | 6 years |
Admission criteria
Successful completion of an undergraduate degree, or an approved equivalent.
Credit
Credit of up to 144 points may be granted towards this award.
Credit is granted in accordance with the Credit Policy.
Fee summary
The Master of Philosophical Studies requires the completion of 288 points (12 standard postgraduate units).
Fees for 2026 are $3,384 per standard unit or $20,304 for a full-time year (6 units). The total cost of the course at 2026 fees is $40,608.
Fees are subject to change from year to year. For more information about fees, please visit the Fees page.
