Join one of our world-renowned research groups, work with state-of-the-art equipment, and soak up all the professional development opportunities and international connections that come with studying at Australia's leading university.

With six schools to choose from (BioSciences, Chemistry, Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics and Physics) and more than 500 academic researchers to work with, you’re sure to find a team and a PhD project that will suit you.

Your entry to a research career

If you’re thinking about a research career, but aren’t ready to commit to a PhD, the MPhil gives you the perfect introduction to university-based science research.

Not just a researcher

The Melbourne experience enables our graduates to become specialists within their field, leaders in communities, attuned to cultural diversity and active global citizens.

Typically taken over 2 years full time (part time available for domestic students), you’ll be independently working on an innovative research project that results in a 30,000–40,000-word thesis, which will make a distinct contribution to knowledge in your field.

You'll have regular progress reviews with a supervisory panel to ensure good progress towards completion of your thesis. As they're completed, sections of your research thesis can be submitted for publication in scientific journals.

The Master of Philosophy (Science) involves no compulsory coursework, though with approval you may be able to take coursework subjects that are relevant to your research.

Undertake an MPhil in one of these disciplines:

• Ecosystem, Food and Forest Sciences
• BioSciences
• Chemistry
• Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Physics

A Master of Philosophy (Science) is a step towards a research career in many areas of science.

Many MPhil graduates go on to undertake a PhD, which then leads to work as a postdoctoral research scientist and then on to careers in research and teaching in academia. Alternatively, they move into industry, where the technical and professional skills that come with an MPhil are highly valued.

Technical and professional skills

On completion of your MPhil, you’ll have high-level knowledge and research skills in your chosen area of science.

Additionally, you’ll have strong professional skills in:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Research planning, literature reviews and reporting on research
• Scientific communication, both written and oral
• Project management.

A 4-year bachelors degree in a relevant discipline, including a substantial research component (equivalent to at least 25 per cent of 1 year of full-time study), with a weighted average mark

IELTS (academic English Only): 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 79 + ; Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 58 + no communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 176 + no skill below 169.