Information about the Master of Philosophy
Contents
What is the Master of Philosophy?
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is an advanced research degree undertaken primarily by research in the form of a thesis. There is not usually any coursework component to the MPhil.
The word length of the thesis will normally be 50,000 - 60,000 words.
Note that the MPhil is a totally different degree from the Master of Arts.
Admission Requirements
The normal requirement for admission to candidature for the Master's program is a 1st or 2nd class Honours degree in an appropriate discipline to the proposed thesis project from a recognised university or tertiary institution. Applicants with qualifications of equivalent standing from universities or other tertiary institutions will also be considered.
I do not have the admission requirements for the MPhil. Do I have any other options?
The School of Arts offers undergraduate, Honours and Coursework Masters programs. These courses can provide a pathway to the MPhil program.
For further information, please visit the School's home page and postgraduate information pages.
Applying for the MPhil
To maximise your chances of being accepted you should discuss your application with the School of Arts, before completing the university’s formal application forms. If you know of any academic staff members who you think might make good supervisors [see below] for your project you should contact them first. Otherwise, contact the School of Arts' postgraduate coordinator for advice [see below].
Please note that it will help your application considerably if your proposed thesis topic fits within a current research project by one or more members of the School staff.
After an informal contact and on the basis of the advice you are given, you should prepare a preliminary information package about yourself and your project. This should contain:
- A statement about which degree you want to apply for – MPhil or PhD.
- A resume of 2-3 pages, including your contact details, previous education and degrees, publication history, grants, awards, and any other related information about you as a student which might strengthen your case.
- A project outline: 3-4 pages, including the area of your proposed research and its importance, possible topics for the dissertation, possible venues for publication, and a brief overview of the most important previous relevant research published in your area.
- A sample of your academic writing: no more than 10 pages; this can be from your proposed project, or from work you have completed in the past.
- An indication of any School staff member whose work/research interests intersect with your own and who might be a suitable supervisor. Final arrangements for supervision will remain the responsibility of the School.
The total should be no larger than 15 double spaced, single-sided, A4 pages in 12 pt font, sent in hard copy by mail. Make sure you include your contact details (postal, fax and telephone) and keep copies of all materials, as applications will not be returned.
Application materials will be considered by the School as quickly as possible, and you will be contacted regarding the next step in the process.
Applicants judged not to be adequately prepared for candidature may be advised to enrol in a preliminary course of study or in some other specially directed preliminary program.
Supervision
See the list of staff members within the school for information on their special research areas, teaching areas and publications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please visit our postgraduate study Frequently Asked Questions webpage for more information about this degree.
Useful Links
Postgraduate Scholarship Database for Australia will give you information about funding.
Further Information and Contacts
Please contact the School of Arts' Postgraduate Coordinator.
For inquiries: Helena Davies
Telephone: (02) 6773 2534. International +61 2 6773 2534
email: hdavies@une.edu.au
OR
Research Services
Higher Degree Research Support & Development team