Master of Philosophy
Course information for - 2026 entry
International
- Domestic
- International
- Domestic
- International
Offered at 6 locations
- Ballarat
- Brisbane
- Canberra
- Melbourne
- North Sydney
- Strathfield
- Ballarat
- Brisbane
- Canberra
- Melbourne
- North Sydney
- Strathfield
- Duration
- 2 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- CRICOS Code
- 017784A
- Fees (first year)*
- $34728
- Start dates
- January 2026, July 2026, January 2027, July 2027, January 2028, July 2028
The course is available at Ballarat, Blacktown, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney, Strathfield.
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
To complete the Master of Philosophy, a student must complete 160 credit points (cp).
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Entry requirements
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for Admission to the course applicants must evidence as per Section 5 of the Higher Degree Research Policy:
a) an Australian undergraduate degree with Honours (Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF level 8) at a minimum level of Second Class Division A (Distinction average) or international equivalent; or
b) a Masters degree by research (Distinction average) successfully completed in a relevant discipline or related field; or
c) a Masters degree by coursework (Distinction average) with appropriate research training including a substantial component of original research, successfully completed in a relevant discipline or related field; or
d) a qualification equivalent to AQF level 8 or 9 completed to at least distinction average with appropriate research training including a substantial component of original research in a relevant discipline or related field; or
e) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants with professional experience or cultural expertise in Indigenous Knowledges or kinship connections and who demonstrate capacity to undertake an independent research project on Indigenous Knowledges; or
f) other professional experience demonstrating research training equivalent to AQF level 8 or 9 and capacity to undertake an independent research project.
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 (refer to section 6 of the Higher Degree Research Policy).
International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as published by the University (refer Appendix C of the Higher Degree Research Policy).
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2026 Admission.
International applicants
A candidate for the degree of Master of Philosophy must comply with the Research and Professional Doctorate Degree Regulations.
An applicant for admission to candidature for the degree of Master of Philosophy must have completed one of the following:
- An appropriate undergraduate degree with Honours at a minimum level of Second Class Division A (Distinction average); or
- Postgraduate research training (eg coursework completed to distinction level or higher or a master-by-coursework degree); or
- 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 the Higher Degree Research Policy.
English language requirements
If applicants have an overseas qualification/s from an institution where English is not the standard language of instruction, they will need to meet ACU’s English proficiency requirements, e.g Academic IELTS 6.5 (including individual scores of 6.0 for all tests). Refer to Appendix C of the Higher Degree Research Policy.
Inherent requirement
The eligibility criteria for admission into the Master of Philosophy are stipulated in section 5 the Higher Degree Research Policy.
Fees
Course costs
- Unit fee: $4341
- Average first year fee: $34728
- Estimate total cost: $69456
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
International applicants
Direct application
Apply nowNote: International student applications are lodged through the International Office.
Please contact international.admissions@acu.edu.au with enquiries if you are an international student.
Deferment
No deferment available.
Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.