Why Master of Philosophy?
Become an expert in your field while making a real-world impact.
Research drives advancement in our society and in our industries – from defence and national security to healthcare, social work, business and economics. It serves as the foundation for generating new insights and sparking innovation.
These fresh ideas and breakthroughs are created by curious people, just like you. Whether you want to make a unique contribution to your industry or find new ways to address complex challenges, Adelaide University is here to support your ambitions.
Our Master of Philosophy empowers you to conduct high-quality, independent research on a topic you’re passionate about. Along the way, you’ll gain research expertise that’s highly sought after in both industry and academia.
Overview
Designed for those who have completed a Masters by coursework or an Honours Bachelor degree, our Master of Philosophy is 100% research-focused and takes two years to complete with full-time study.
Under the guidance of an experienced and supportive research supervisor, you’ll plan, design and complete your own independent research project about a topic you’re passionate about. You’ll also have the flexibility to develop a project in an area of personal interest and relevance to your field. This degree is self-directed, with no classes or coursework requirements. You will complete progress milestones that will help to keep you on track towards completion of your thesis or creative work. Your studies will culminate with the development of a substantial thesis or creative work and exegesis, and an oral examination of your thesis or creative work to a panel of examiners.
We understand balancing study with work, family responsibilities and other important commitments can be challenging. It’s why we’ve designed our Master of Philosophy to be flexible. Where possible, you can choose to study full-time or part-time, helping you pursue your study goals without forgoing your current commitments.
Gain the skills needed to conduct independent research. Harness your analytical and creative thinking to tackle intricate challenges within industry and society. With our Master of Philosophy, you’ll also be prepared for a career that requires significant research training.
Key features
Conduct a research project in your area of interest, under the supervision of our world-class researchers.- Domestic students can complete this PhD program with no tuition fees and scholarships are available. Scholarships and fee waivers are available for eligible international students.
- Explore a range of methodologies and approaches to research and produce a substantial thesis or creative work and exegesis.
- Build transferable skills in resilience, communication, independence, discovery, critical thinking, innovation, and self-discipline.
- Enhance your communication skills and expand your professional network by attending events such as conferences and forums.
- Graduate with the knowledge, skills and experience for a career that requires significant research training.
What you'll learn
A research degree is an advanced program of study that allows you to explore a topic of interest in great depth. Throughout your studies, you’ll examine and resolve complex intellectual, creative and practical challenges.
Whether you want to establish yourself as a thought leader in your field, leverage your expertise to win more specialised or high-paying roles, or transform research findings into innovative products or practices, earning a research degree unlocks a world of opportunities.
Guided by leading experts, your research degree will cultivate high-level analytical thinking and mastery of advanced research methodologies. You’ll generate new insights and knowledge to address pressing challenges facing your field while honing essential communication skills. This will give you the confidence to share your findings with both specialist and general audiences.
Throughout this journey, Adelaide University will support you to platform your ideas and breakthroughs. This support includes promoting your work in academic journals and showcasing it at conferences and forums.
Scholarships available to domestic students
All domestic students accepted into the Master of Philosophy program at Adelaide University will receive a tuition-free place for up to two years for a Master program (or part-time equivalent) – effectively exempting domestic students from paying tuition during this period. Domestic students are also eligible to apply for Adelaide University Research Scholarships.
Scholarships available to international students
International students are eligible to apply for Adelaide University Research Scholarships. International students who are successful in being awarded a living allowance scholarship will also receive a tuition fee waiver.
Why Adelaide University?
Adelaide University is a future-focused university that combines the strengths of our two founding institutions, the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide. We deliver nation-leading curriculum and student experience, remove barriers to education, and foster a culture of world-class research excellence.
At Adelaide University, we’re focused on delivering future-making research of scale and focus that can drive discovery, innovation and knowledge-based transformation for South Australia and beyond. Through our vibrant partnerships, we collaborate effectively to create lasting and transformative change.
Our research is grouped in the following five signature research themes:
- Creative & Cultural
- Defence & National Security
- Food, Agriculture & Wine
- Personal & Societal Health
- Sustainable Green Transition.
With a presence that spans several metropolitan and three regional campuses, Adelaide University is an integral part of the South Australian landscape. The success of our communities – near and far, local and international – is at the heart of everything we do.
To you, we offer the scale, world-class disciplines, facilities, people and connections to launch you into your future.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll be able to:
- Demonstrate a capacity to undertake independent research.
- Exhibit a deep understanding of current research-based knowledge in a specialised field, including a broad understanding of international perspectives.
- Apply analytical, critical and creative thinking to investigate, evaluate, critique and appraise research outputs including prior work in a specialised field.
- Undertake research using established methodologies appropriate to the specialised field to investigate significant open research questions.
- Apply logical, critical and creative thinking to solve complex problems.
- Exercise intellectual independence while working both autonomously and collaboratively.
- Consistently exhibit commitment to ethical action and social responsibility.
- Apply advanced communication skills to effectively communicate complex concepts to a wide range of audiences.
- Apply the outcomes of research with impact in scientific, humanitarian, sociological and/or economic fields of endeavour.
Completion requirements
To be awarded the degree of Master of Philosophy, you must complete:
- A program of transferable skills development
- Probation and progress milestones
- A substantial thesis or creative work and exegesis
- An oral examination of the thesis or creative work.
What courses you'll study
Complete 96 units comprising:
- 96 units for all Core courses
Complete 96 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Research Project
|
Course code
AUXX7001
|
Units
96
|
Career outcomes
The advanced research skills you’ll gain through your Master of Philosophy degree will set you up for long-term career success, whether in academia or industry. You’ll emerge with high-level logical, critical and creative thinking abilities, preparing you to take on intricate and emerging challenges.
You might decide to embark on a career as a university researcher, where you can continue to seek new knowledge. Alternatively, you might use your qualification to gain a more senior or specialised position within your current field. Or perhaps you’ll take on a new role in public policy, helping transform cutting-edge research into evidence-based policy and practice.
Depending on your area of expertise, a research qualification can open doors in a range of areas including:
- Defence and national security
- Healthcare and clinical research
- Education and academia
- Information technology and data science
- Government and policy research
- Scientific research and development
- Consulting services
- Environmental science and sustainability
- Finance and economics
- Creative practice
Industry trends
Employers across various sectors are increasingly looking for candidates with higher qualifications to fill specialised positions (World Economic Forum, 2023). With the advanced analytical, creative, and problem-solving abilities that come with a research degree, your abilities will be in high demand.
Likewise, advanced qualifications are associated with higher salaries and better employment outcomes. Australians with postgraduate qualifications earn an additional $25,000 AUD annually compared to those who only hold undergraduate qualifications. For those with postgraduate research degrees, the median reported salaries are even higher – reaching $100,000 AUD (QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2023).
How to apply
Not sure where to start? Check out the steps below to learn more about applying for a research degree at Adelaide University.
| Study area | CRICOS code | |
|---|---|---|
 | Accounting, Banking, Finance and Related Fields, Business and Management, Criminology, Economics and Econometrics, Education, Graphic and Design Studies, Human Society, Language and Literature, Law, Music, Performing Arts, Philosophy and Religious Studies, Political Science and Policy Studies, Sales and Marketing, Visual Arts and Crafts | 116007G |
| Agriculture, Architecture and Urban Environment, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Building, Chemistry and Chemical Sciences, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Studies, Fisheries Studies, Geomatic Engineering, Horticulture and Viticulture, Human Movement, Mathematical Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Natural and Physical Sciences, Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Physics and Astronomy, Process and Resources Engineering, Psychology, Public Health, Radiography, Rehabilitation Therapies | 116009E |
| Dentistry, Medical Science, Medical Studies, Veterinary Science | 116011M |
Indicative Annual Fee
International students are eligible to apply for Adelaide University Research Scholarships.
| Study area | Fee | |
|---|---|---|
|
Accounting, Banking, Finance and Related Fields, Business and Management, Criminology, Economics and Econometrics, Education, Graphic and Design Studies, Human Society, Language and Literature, Law, Music, Performing Arts, Philosophy and Religious Studies, Political Science and Policy Studies, Sales and Marketing, Visual Arts and Crafts | 40,600 |
|
|
Agriculture, Architecture and Urban Environment, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Building, Chemistry and Chemical Sciences, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Studies, Fisheries Studies, Geomatic Engineering, Horticulture and Viticulture, Human Movement, Mathematical Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Natural and Physical Sciences, Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Physics and Astronomy, Process and Resources Engineering, Psychology, Public Health, Radiography, Rehabilitation Therapies | 49,100 |
|
|
Dentistry, Medical Science, Medical Studies, Veterinary Science | 52,200 |
FAQs
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
