Postgraduate

Master of Philosophy

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a program of independent, supervised research and is assessed solely on the basis of a thesis.
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Careers and further study

Take your studies to a new level with a postgraduate degree and discover what career opportunities lie ahead.

Career Pathways

MPhil graduates move into a wide range of careers, depending on their areas of research, from the more traditional pathways of research and academic careers to various professional arenas.
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Career Pathways

MPhil graduates move into a wide range of careers, depending on their areas of research, from the more traditional pathways of research and academic careers to various professional arenas.

Further Study

Doctor of Philosophy
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Further Study

Doctor of Philosophy
Postgraduate study at UWA

Doctor of Philosophy

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the University's flagship research degree, which can be taken in any discipline area in the University, providing that appropriate supervision and resources are available.

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course. For fee type definitions and further assistance, see the Fee Calculator page. You can also search our database for scholarships that are relevant to you or this course.

Domestic Student Fees

There is no current fee information available for this course. Please visit the fee calculator to browse course fees from a previous year, or other courses.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Master of Philosophy

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must demonstrate: 

  • adequate research preparation, and
  • academic merit, and 
  • English language competency. 
View full details
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Master of Philosophy

Adequate research preparation

  1. A research component is a solely authored scholarly work such as a thesis or dissertation.
  2. Adequate Research Preparation is constituted by research preparation, to a minimum academic standard.
  3. Research preparation may be demonstrated by completing a qualifying university degree, such as:
    1. UWA bachelor honours degree (or equivalent as determined by GRS) with a research component of at least 25% of the final year’s total academic weighting;
    2. a one-year UWA postgraduate degree (or equivalent as determined by GRS) with a research component of at least 25% of a year’s total academic weighting.
  4. Research preparation may also be demonstrated by:
    1. scholarly publication as sole or primary author in peer-reviewed journals or published volumes;
    2. experience gained in the course of an occupation;
    3. a portfolio of creative works and scholarly analyses thereof, which are deemed by GRS to be equivalent to a research component undertaken in a qualifying degree;
    4. an incomplete research degree, with academic progress acceptable to GRS.

Academic merit

  1. The minimum academic standard for a qualifying degree is:
    1. for admission to a doctoral degree: a weighted average mark equivalent to a UWA distinction (70); and, an awarded grade for the research component equivalent to a UWA distinction (70).
    2. for admission to a Master degree by research: a weighted average mark equivalent to a UWA 65, and an awarded grade for the research component equivalent to a UWA 65.
    3. for admission with a scholarship: a weighted average mark equivalent to a UWA high distinction (80); and, an awarded grade for the research component equivalent to a UWA high distinction (80).

Indigenous applicants

The University recognises the importance of indigenous-led knowledges, research and the need to support and expand the participation of Indigenous Australians in HDR courses.

An Indigenous Australian who does not meet the prescribed admission requirement may be admitted if the applicant is likely to succeed in the proposed course.

Scholarships

Scholarships support UWA's position as one of Australia's leading research-intensive universities and the premier research institution in WA.

The range of scholarships available at UWA include those funded by the Australian Government, the University, philanthropy, external organisations and industry. Scholarship packages may be awarded that include benefits such as: tuition fee scholarship, stipend (living allowance) scholarship, travel and research support costs, a relocation allowance within Australia, and overseas student health cover for international students.

At UWA we award research scholarships through a competitive merit-based selection process which includes publicly available annual scholarship rounds and some additional selection processes. Eligible applicants are ranked according to academic achievement and research potential, based on evidence provided.

Scholarships

Research Training Program

 Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens are offered a Tuition Fee Offset Scholarship which offsets the requirement to pay a contribution toward the cost of their research courses if UWA provides them with a Research Training Program (RTP) place.

This Tuition Fee Offset Scholarship is applied for up a maximum of four years full-time equivalent study for the Doctor of Philosophy. The RTP is a performance-based funding scheme administered by the Australian Government Department of Education.

Research Training Program

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Cost of living

International Student Fees

Annual course fee

Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.

Find out more about international student tuition fees and visit the fee calculator for the relevant course fees.

Fees are subject to annual indexation.

Fee calculator

Scholarships

Scholarships support UWA's position as one of Australia's leading research-intensive universities and the premier research institution in WA.

The range of scholarships available at UWA include those funded by the Australian Government, the University, philanthropy, external organisations and industry. Scholarship packages may be awarded that include benefits such as: tuition fee scholarship, stipend (living allowance) scholarship, travel and research support costs, a relocation allowance within Australia, and overseas student health cover for international students.

At UWA we award research scholarships through a competitive merit-based selection process which includes publicly available annual scholarship rounds and some additional selection processes. Eligible applicants are ranked according to academic achievement and research potential, based on evidence provided.

Scholarships

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Cost of living

Admission requirements

If you’re interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate degree, find out the admission details below.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Master of Philosophy

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must demonstrate: 

  • adequate research preparation, and
  • academic merit, and 
  • English language competency. 
View full details
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Master of Philosophy

Adequate research preparation

  1. A research component is a solely authored scholarly work such as a thesis or dissertation.
  2. Adequate Research Preparation is constituted by research preparation, to a minimum academic standard.
  3. Research preparation may be demonstrated by completing a qualifying university degree, such as:
    1. UWA bachelor honours degree (or equivalent as determined by GRS) with a research component of at least 25% of the final year’s total academic weighting;
    2. a one-year UWA postgraduate degree (or equivalent as determined by GRS) with a research component of at least 25% of a year’s total academic weighting.
  4. Research preparation may also be demonstrated by:
    1. scholarly publication as sole or primary author in peer-reviewed journals or published volumes;
    2. experience gained in the course of an occupation;
    3. a portfolio of creative works and scholarly analyses thereof, which are deemed by GRS to be equivalent to a research component undertaken in a qualifying degree;
    4. an incomplete research degree, with academic progress acceptable to GRS.

Academic merit

  1. The minimum academic standard for a qualifying degree is:
    1. for admission to a doctoral degree: a weighted average mark equivalent to a UWA distinction (70); and, an awarded grade for the research component equivalent to a UWA distinction (70).
    2. for admission to a Master degree by research: a weighted average mark equivalent to a UWA 65, and an awarded grade for the research component equivalent to a UWA 65.
    3. for admission with a scholarship: a weighted average mark equivalent to a UWA high distinction (80); and, an awarded grade for the research component equivalent to a UWA high distinction (80).

Indigenous applicants

The University recognises the importance of indigenous-led knowledges, research and the need to support and expand the participation of Indigenous Australians in HDR courses.

An Indigenous Australian who does not meet the prescribed admission requirement may be admitted if the applicant is likely to succeed in the proposed course.

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the University’s English language requirements to be eligible for a place.

English competency

How to apply

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Course details

The MPhil is a highly flexible course that mirrors the structure and breadth of the Doctor of Philosophy.

About the course

The Master of Philosophy is a two-year higher degree by research undertaken entirely through independent research. Under the guidance of an academic supervisor, students develop advanced research skills and undertake an original research project that contributes to knowledge in their chosen field.
View full details

About the course

The Master of Philosophy is a two-year higher degree by research undertaken entirely through independent research. Under the guidance of an academic supervisor, students develop advanced research skills and undertake an original research project that contributes to knowledge in their chosen field.

The course culminates in the preparation and examination of a substantial thesis of up to 50,000 words, followed by a viva voce in which students present and defend their research before academic examiners.

The MPhil develops students' capabilities in research design, critical analysis, methodology, scholarly writing and communication, and is suitable for graduates seeking advanced research expertise, research-oriented careers or a pathway to doctoral study.
Master of Philosophy

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • Off-campus
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Throughout the year excluding January & December, by agreement with supervisors.
Weekly contact time
  • Full-time students are expected to spend at least 30 hours per week on their research throughout the year. Part-time students are expected to spend at least 15 hours per week on their research throughout the year.
Level of study
  • Postgraduate
Course Code
  • 00710
CRICOS code
  • 078203M
  • 078204K
  • 078205J
  • 078206G
  • 078207G
  • 078208F
  • 078209E
  • 078210A
  • 078211M
  • 078212K
  • 078213J
  • 078214G
  • 078215G
  • 078216F
  • 078217E
  • 078218D
  • 078219C
  • 078220K
  • 078221J
  • 078222G
  • 078224F
  • 078267F
  • 078472A
View full details
Master of Philosophy

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • Off-campus
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Throughout the year excluding January & December, by agreement with supervisors.
Weekly contact time
  • Full-time students are expected to spend at least 30 hours per week on their research throughout the year. Part-time students are expected to spend at least 15 hours per week on their research throughout the year.
Level of study
  • Postgraduate
Course Code
  • 00710
CRICOS code
  • 078203M
  • 078204K
  • 078205J
  • 078206G
  • 078207G
  • 078208F
  • 078209E
  • 078210A
  • 078211M
  • 078212K
  • 078213J
  • 078214G
  • 078215G
  • 078216F
  • 078217E
  • 078218D
  • 078219C
  • 078220K
  • 078221J
  • 078222G
  • 078224F
  • 078267F
  • 078472A
Full time/part time duration
  • 2 years
Degrees course is available in
  • Master of Philosophy