Master of Philosophy (Family Studies)

The Master of Philosophy (Family Studies) at the University of Newcastle is a specialised research degree that invites students to undertake independent inquiry into the complex dynamics of families, relationships, and society. This two-year master's programme is structured to deepen your understanding of contemporary and historical issues in family studies, through both coursework and a significant research thesis supervised by academic faculty. You will engage with key topics such as family policy, relational wellbeing, diverse family structures, and intergenerational dynamics, developing advanced qualitative and quantitative research skills along the way.

Australian master's degrees such as this one are typically made up of a series of core and elective units of study, each assigned a number of credit points, leading to the completion of a substantial original research project or thesis. For the MPhil, the main focus is your individual research, supported by specialist coursework that helps build strong theoretical grounding and methodological expertise in family studies. Collaboration with local organisations and community partners may form part of your research, providing valuable real-world insight and practical skills.

The course is ideal for recent graduates or professionals seeking to advance their understanding of family and relational issues within the Australian context. You will cultivate skills in critical analysis, literature review, research design, data analysis, academic writing, and presenting findings. This prepares you for diverse roles in academia, government, not-for-profit, and social services sectors. International students benefit from Australia's work and research culture, with the option to undertake work up to 48 hours per fortnight during studies, and may be eligible for post-study work through the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).

As a public higher education provider, the University of Newcastle connects students with robust research networks and expertise, enhancing both scholarly and practical outcomes. Prospective students should review the official programme page for details on admission requirements, research supervision, and English language entry criteria.

• Academic research positions in universities and think tanks
• Policy officer roles in government departments focusing on families and social services
• Family support and program development roles in community and not-for-profit organisations
• Consultancy in social research and evaluation
• Further doctoral study in family studies, social policy, or related fields within the Australian education and research sector