Master's Degree Philosophy Full Time

Master by Research

at Charles Darwin University · Darwin, Northern Territory

CRICOS course code

116880K

CRICOS provider code

00300K

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

2 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$67,410 total

Per year

A$33,705/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Master by Research in Philosophy at Charles Darwin University offers advanced study and independent research training within the field of philosophy. As a research-focused degree, students work closely with experienced supervisors to develop, carry out and write up a substantial research thesis in a specific area of philosophical inquiry. Regular meetings with academic mentors and participation in seminar discussions help to refine your approach and sharpen your critical thinking skills.

This master's degree is structured over two years full-time, counted as credit points which are typically earned through research milestones rather than coursework units. The programme generally includes a proposal stage, ethics approval where needed, and a thesis submission, making it well suited for those committed to sustained, in-depth research. Professional development skills such as academic writing, presentation, and research methods are developed throughout the degree.

The course suits graduates with a background in philosophy or related disciplines who wish to pursue academic research, advance their knowledge for teaching careers, or develop skills valued by policy think tanks and cultural institutions. Charles Darwin University’s location in Darwin provides access to research themes around intercultural philosophy, Indigenous knowledges, and ethical issues relevant to Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Graduates of the Master by Research may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) through the post-study work stream. International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying. For details on research topics, supervision, credit points or thesis structure, check the official page and discuss with the university.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Academic researcher in philosophy or related areas
Policy advisor in government or non-profit sectors
Ethics consultant for public and private organisations
Roles in cultural and educational institutions
Preparation for doctoral study or university teaching positions

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Master by Research at Charles Darwin University?

It typically takes 2 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$67,410 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Academic researcher in philosophy or related areasPolicy advisor in government or non-profit sectorsEthics consultant for public and private organisationsRoles in cultural and educational institutionsPreparation for doctoral study or university teaching positions

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