Masters in Philosophy & Religion in Australia

Specialise in public health issues relevant to Australia, the Tropics, and developing nations worldwide.

A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a great option if you are interested in building your research skills while setting yourself up for the opportunity to advance to a PhD.

Our Master of Philosophy is personalised and innovatively designed to recognise the broad diversity of applicants' skills and background experiences, understanding each student has unique career aspirations.

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a two year full-time (or part-time equivalent) research degree in a field covered by the University, including theology and philosophy, nursing and midwifery, education, business or arts and sciences. It is assessed on the basis of a written thesis which is submitted at the conclusion of the degree.

Studying your Master of Philosophy at UNE allows you to position yourself at the forefront of change and innovation in your field.

You will undertake original research in a discipline or professional area of your choice. You will critically evaluate your findings and demonstrate your expertise in your area of study or practice. You will contribute to solving problems and challenges that will benefit society and industry.

At UNE, we are committed to maintaining our strong research culture, underpinned by high research training standards. Our diversity of research strength makes UNE an outstanding place to complete your Master of Philosophy.

We have been awarded 5 stars – well above world standard – in 18 separate fields of research by the Australian Research Council's Excellence for Research in Australia (ERA) research evaluation program. We have been rated world standard and above (3 and 4 stars) in a further 23 fields of research.

Our research is underpinned by five thematic priorities:

• securing Australia's future food and water through smart science and smart technology
• climate change and environmental sustainability, protecting biodiversity and developing effective policies
• health and wellbeing in rural communities, focusing on areas such as social exclusion, health inequity, mental health and social policy
• regional and rural development, sustainability, prosperity and peace
• our past, present and future: documenting, protecting and promoting cultural heritage, history, memory and identity in Australia and internationally.

Year after year, students award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.

What makes our course different?

Independently research the specific area that interests you, with guidance and support from supervisors who are acknowledged experts in their fields.

You will have opportunities to:

• Draw on and extend your extensive academic and professional experience.
• Develop solutions to real-world problems or further society's understanding of topics of interest in your area of focus.
• Pursue a career as an academic or highly skilled specialist in industry, government or non-profit organisations.
• Progress into a Doctoral program if you wish to further extend your research.
• Hone your research and critical analysis skills to independently reflect on and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories.
• Hone your transferrable skills in areas such as project management, collaboration, problem solving, public speaking and written communication.
• Interact with supervisors online or on campus, giving you the flexibility to balance your studies with your other commitments and constraints.
• Undertake some coursework units, provided at least two thirds of your course is dedicated to your original research.
• Complete your studies in as little as one and a half to two years full time or spread your workload over up to four years part time.
• Become a member of UNE's highly regarded research community.
• Build relationships with academics and industry experts whose specialist areas and interests are like your own.

If you are an Australian or New Zealand student and meet the criteria for entry to the Master of Philosophy, you will be funded under the Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP) and will not incur tuition fees for the normal duration of the course. If you are an international student, you will incur tuition fees.

Internal funding is available to support research projects and UNE offers a range of scholarships for Higher Degree Research students.