The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a two year full-time equivalent research degree and candidates will enrol in a time-based research unit to undertake and complete a research thesis.
The MPhil will replace all existing masters by research degrees so that from 2006, the only research Master degree available to commencing research candidates will be the MPhil. The MPhil research degree replaces the Master of Commerce in Actuarial Studies by thesis and the Master of Commerce in Actuarial Studies (Honours) by thesis.
Candidates currently enrolled in one of the existing masters by research degree will be able to transfer to the MPhil once approval for the transfer has been received from the Division. Currently enrolled research masters candidates will be able to continue in and graduate with their current degree should they so wish.
The Higher Degree Research Unit will formally notify each currently enrolled master by research candidate of the availability of this new degree and to explain the transfer application process.
The maximum word length of the MPhil is 50,000 and there is recognition of excellence through the award of a Vice-Chancellor’s Commendation and recognition of such excellence in the scholarship ranking process.
Admission Requirements
The following five entry points to the MPhil have been approved and are based on equivalence with a minimum Honours Class 2.
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Bachelor’s degree with demonstrated research experience (co-authorship on a paper or other quantifiable experience able to be assessed by the Committee).
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Bachelor’s degree with a satisfactorily completed Macquarie University postgraduate certificate in research preparation.
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Bachelor’s degree with a satisfactorily completed honours degree which includes a research project normally worth at least 25% of the honours program load.
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Bachelor’s degree with a satisfactorily completed coursework Master including a research project normally worth at least 25% of the Master program load.
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Bachelor’s degree with a satisfactorily completed postgraduate diploma including a research component worth 25% of the program load and directly related to the acquisition of research skills.
Your Supervisor
Each Higher Degree Research Candidate must have at least one supervisor qualified to oversee their project. The University Code of Supervisory Practice provides more information about supervisors and their role.
Finding a Supervisor
When this supervision is in place, the Student Support section of the website provides assistance, and the How to apply page will provide assistance concerning admissions, fees, forms and important dates.
Fees and costs
The Research Training Scheme (RTS) is a government scheme which funds universities for a varying number of student places each year and allows local students to undertake higher degree research programs without paying fees. The RTS scheme applies to students who are Australian citizens, Permanent residents and New Zealand citizens. RTS places or exemptions to cover any feepaying liability for research candidates have been granted to all eligible Macquarie research students in recent years.
The University 2006 Research Booklet provides Further information on fees and costs, including information for International Students.
Support for Higher Degree Research Students
Administrative facilities and competitive funding opportunities are available to Research students within Division of Economics and Financial Studies (EFS).
The section for Research Students provides some specific information such as key contacts for research and key information that will be needed for progressing research degrees. Of particular importance is the support for research page which details the support provided for research, together with the procedures required to obtain funding for research.
