Contribute to knowledge in your field
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is an ungraded degree awarded for research that demonstrates that the student has made a contribution to knowledge in a particular field of study.
Research can contribute to understanding in a field by presenting new facts, or demonstrating an independent critical ability to evaluate existing material in a new light.
The program of study requires a student to submit a thesis of up to 50,000 words for assessment by at least two examiners who are external to the University. It may also include some coursework and research seminar units.
The MPhil program is available in all faculties. In some disciplines, further research training or the completion of a preliminary coursework program in research preparation may be required prior to admission to candidature.
Important dates and more information
The minimum requirement for admission to a MPhil degree is one of the following:
- completion of a Master of Research (MRes) with at least 65 per cent in second year
- a two-year master degree with a major research component at Credit level (65 per cent or greater).
Further requirements include:
- peer-reviewed research output may be taken into consideration for admission to the program
- you must also demonstrate your suitability for entry to the program by including a detailed research proposal
- entry will also be assessed on availability of appropriate supervision and resources
- students who have not completed an MRes and do not meet the above criteria may be asked to undertake the Master of Research as a research training pathway.
Macquarie University requires all research students (both domestic and international) to have and maintain a high level of English language proficiency. Applicants will need to demonstrate they have met this through one of the following requirements.
1: Five years’ study in selected countries
You have completed a minimum of five years’ study in one or more of the following countries:
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- Republic of Ireland
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
Note: citizens, passport holders and permanent residents of the above listed English speaking countries are not exempt from providing proof of English language proficiency in the form of an acceptable English language test score unless they can show evidence of at least five years’ study in one or more of these countries.
2: Hold a valid English language proficiency test
The test must not be more than two years old at the time of submitting your application to Macquarie University:*
Test name | Overall score | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
International English Language Testing System: Academic version (IELTS Academic)^ | 6.5 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
Test of English as a Foreign Language: Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) | 83 | 13 | 21 | 12 | 18 |
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | 58 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Cambridge English C1 Advanced (C1A), previously Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | 180 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
Cambridge English C2 Proficiency (C2P), previously Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) | 180 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
Please note: TOEFL iBT tests that were completed between 26 July 2023 and 4 May 2024 will not be accepted for Australian visa and migration purposes. During this period, the TOEFL iBT test being offered was not an approved test. See English language visa requirements.
^IELTS Online test scores will not be accepted.
Visa applicants should refer to the Document Checklist Tool to find out which documents need to be attached to their visa application and acceptable English language tests to satisfy the visa requirements.
If you are applying for a research degree in English Literature or Law you will need to meet the required levels of English proficiency required by those programs:
- English Literature (in Media, Communications, Culture, Languages, and Literature): IELTS overall score of 7.0, with a minimum of 7.0 in writing and 6.5 in all other categories.
- Macquarie Law School: IELTS score of 7.0 overall, and a minimum of 6.5 in any category.
*Note: Applicants who wish to seek an exemption to the requirement to provide English Language test scores on the grounds of a minimum of three years’ working experience or equivalent in an English speaking country will be asked to provide a letter from their employer, or equivalent, on an official letterhead which states:
- their position title
- the duties they undertook
- an idea of what level of English was spoken and how English was used in terms of written or verbal communication, for the endorsement of the Associate Dean (RTP) of the Faculty and recommendation to the GRA.
3: Successful qualification
You have successfully completed a bachelor degree in Australia (Australian Qualification Framework AQF7), or higher, within two years of submitting your application.
4: Approved for a package offer
If you have sat an approved English Language test as above, but do not meet the minimum band scores in one skill area but are otherwise eligible for a program of study, you may be issued an offer of study that includes an English preparation program at the Macquarie University English Language Centre (ie a packaged offer).
International students with a packaged offer can apply for a single student visa covering both their English preparation program and their course of study at Macquarie University.
If you have previously completed an English language preparation program from Macquarie University, the results must not be more than 12 months old at the time of submitting your application for the HDR program.
English language provider | Qualification and required score |
|---|---|
Macquarie University English Language Centre CRICOS Provider 00002J |
|
The MPhil is a two-year full-time research study program.
| Study load | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum period | 1 year | 2 years |
| Maximum period | 2 years | 4 years |
| Average weekly time commitment | 40 hours | 20 hours |
Students should consult weekly with their supervisors.