Master of Philosophy

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) at Adelaide University is a research degree in philosophy, not a coursework master's. You spend two years on a single supervised research project and write a thesis. There are no weekly tutorials to sit through and no exam blocks. Your work is your thesis, and your supervisor is the person you talk to most.

How the degree is structured

Australian research master's degrees like this one are built around a thesis rather than a list of units. You will normally begin with a period of reading and scoping your topic, then move into writing chapters. Some candidates take a small amount of coursework or research training in the first year, but the main assessment is the thesis itself. You may also have to complete a confirmation of candidature, a milestone where you present your project and show it is on track. The thesis is examined by external academics who read your work and report on whether it meets the standard.

Two years full-time is the standard length. Part-time study is common for people who are working, and the thesis submission timeline stretches accordingly. You will be based in the philosophy discipline, with access to the university's library, research seminars and academic staff.

What you actually study

Philosophy at this level means working on a defined problem: ethics, political philosophy, metaphysics, epistemology, logic, aesthetics, philosophy of mind or the history of philosophy. Your topic is agreed with your supervisor. You read deeply in your area, build an argument, respond to objections, and produce original work. The skills you pick up are the ones research demands, close reading, clear argument, writing at length, and defending your position in seminars and in the thesis.

Who it suits

This degree suits people who already have a bachelor's degree with a strong philosophy component and want to research a question properly. It is also a pathway for students who want to go on to a PhD but are not ready to commit to a doctorate straight away. If you prefer structured coursework and regular assignments, a coursework master's will suit you better. If you want to spend two years reading, thinking and writing about one problem, an MPhil is the right fit.

Practical matters for international students

If you are applying from overseas, you will need to meet the university's English language requirement. For research degrees, check the specific requirement on the official page, because published standards vary by discipline and level. The Student visa has its own English threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs, separate from the university's requirement. While you hold a Student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. After you graduate, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may let you stay and work in Australia, depending on your circumstances. Tuition is listed on the CRICOS register under course code 116007G. Confirm all details, English requirements, fees, scholarships and intake dates, on the official university page before you apply.

• PhD candidate, many MPhil graduates continue to doctoral study in philosophy or related fields.
• University tutor or research assistant, supporting teaching and research in Australian universities.
• Policy analyst, in government departments, think tanks and non-profits, where clear reasoning and writing matter.
• Ethics officer or research integrity adviser, in health, universities and the public service.
• Writer or editor, in publishing, journalism, communications and legal publishing.
• Secondary school teacher, with an additional teaching qualification.
• Public servant, in roles that involve analysis, briefing and policy development.
• Legal researcher or paralegal, in law firms and community legal centres.