Master of Research (MRes)

Enhance your employment opportunities and get international recognition for your qualifications. The Master of Research provides you with intensive research preparation before you begin doctoral study. Consistent with the internationally recognised Bologna model, this program prepares you to complete a PhD in three years – well short of the national average.

Program structure

The two-year program is available in all of Macquarie’s research areas, allowing you access to a variety of disciplines so you can construct a program relevant to your specific interests, subject to academic approval.

In the first year, you will undertake advanced coursework units including the study of research frontiers in your area of study. If you successfully complete Year 1 and decide not to continue, you can exit the program with a Bachelor of Philosophy.

The second year is a masters-level postgraduate research training program. You will specialise in research preparation and focus on a specific research topic. You are required to submit a thesis of 20,000 words for completion.

Admission requirements

For information about the entry requirements for the Master of Research program, please see our 'How to Apply' page.

Exchange program

The Master of Research Exchange Program provides you with opportunities to undertake international experiences during your studies. If you continue to a PhD, opportunities include research collaboration with international universities under our cotutelle and joint PhD programs.

PhD program

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an ungraded degree awarded for research that demonstrates that the candidate has the capacity to conduct research independently, and form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the subject and to afford evidence of coherence and originality shown either by the discovery of new facts or by the exercise of independent critical power. The candidate's program of study will be supervised by at least two supervisors

The degree requires that a thesis with a maximum length of 75,000 to 100,000 words (depending on the Department) be submitted for a written assessment by three examiners external to the University. Before submitting a PhD thesis, all candidates must have followed an approved program of study and research within the University for a period defined by the Higher Degree Research Rules (normally not less than two years).

A candidate's program of study must be supervised by an eligible Macquarie academic staff member, and will normally be carried out within the University. There is, however, provision for a candidate to be permitted to carry out much of the program outside the University with Faculty approval.

In some disciplines further research training or the completion of a preliminary coursework program in research preparation may be required prior to admission. For further information please refer to the section on Pathways to Macquarie Research Programs and to the Faculty sections of this prospectus.

Length of candidature

The PhD is a three years equivalent full-time program. The minimum period of candidature is two years and the maximum period is three years for full-time candidates and six years for part-time candidates.

A full-time candidate is expected to commit on average a minimum of 40 hours per week to their research study program. A part-time candidate is expected to commit on average a minimum of 20 hours per week to their research study program and consult weekly with their supervisors.

Please refer to the Calendar of Governance, Legislation and Rules for more detailed information.

Admission requirements

For admission to the PhD, the university needs to confirm that prospective candidates will be able to complete their degree within this time, and that:

a. they have undertaken significant study of their discipline beyond undergraduate level, and are equipped to make strategic decisions about the state of research in their field and key new directions for research, and are thus ready to conduct an HDR level project;

b. candidates have undertaken a substantial research project at Masters level, which indicates they have significant experience in independently identifying a research question;  designing a research project using a methodology that they have been able to justify in relation to alternatives and that their project has produced coherent and well-justified conclusions, situated in relation to the literature.

For additional information about admission requirements, please see the Doctor of Philosophy entry requirements.

Find a supervisor

Learn more on how to find a supervisor related to the subjects you are interested in.

Scholarships and academic advice

Macquarie offers scholarships to support high quality domestic and international research candidates. You can apply for scholarship via the Higher Degree Research Office.

Scholarship information is available from:

Higher Degree Research Office (link to https://www.mq.edu.au/research/phd-and-research-degrees/how-to-apply/scholarship-opportunities)
Research HUB 
Building C5C (East), Level 3 
Macquarie University NSW 2109 
T: +61 (2) 9850 7987

Academic Advice is available from the following people in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences: