Why study with us?
We're ranked 23rd in the world for Arts and Humanities in the 2021 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th in the world for employability by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020.
Candidates for the degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) research and write a thesis of a minimum of 30,000 and upper limit of 40,000 words including footnotes that may be exceeded by no more than 10,000 words with the permission of the Associate Dean (Research Education), and complete at least one unit of study (6 credit points) from Table R.
Research can be undertaken in any one of the Faculty's schools including the School of Economics; Literature, Art and Media; Languages and Culture; Philosophical and Historical Inquiry; and Social and Political Sciences.
Research in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences extends across a diverse range of disciplines in the humanities and social sciences, embracing traditional, emerging and cross-disciplinary subjects. Staff in the Faculty enjoy international reputations in their chosen fields, reflected in the high level of publications generated by Faculty academics each year.
From 2021, Higher Degree by Research students will be required to complete some coursework as part of their candidature. Students will have access to a range of specialist units of study relevant for research students.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
Applications are open all year round. Apply well in advance (at least 6 weeks prior to your start date) to allow for a timely response to your application. If your application cannot be processed in time, it will be considered for the next possible research period. Separate scholarship application deadlines apply.
Research Period 2: Start date 1 Mar
Research Period 3: Start date 1 Jul
Refer to key research dates on the `How to Apply website.
Applications are open all year round. Apply well in advance of your start date to allow for a timely response to your application and necessary visa and travel arrangements. If your application cannot be processed in time, it will be considered for the next possible research period. Separate scholarship application deadlines apply.
Research Period 2: Start date 1 Mar
Research Period 3: Start date 1 Jul
Refer to key research dates on the `How to Apply website.
MPhil candidates in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences may undertake research in over 40 subject areas located in the faculty's five schools. These are the Schools of Economics; Languages and Cultures; Literature, Art and Media; Philosophical and Historical Inquiry; and Social and Political Sciences.
Research may also be undertaken in association with prominent humanities and social sciences research centres or groups.
Changes to higher degree research in 2021
In 2021, the University is introducing a new coursework curriculum to support research success. Masters students will complete 6 credit points of coursework and be able to choose from a pool of 270+ units from any faculty. The pool comprises a range of development opportunities that include specialist analytical methods, professional development units, and discipline-specific subjects relevant for research students. Refer to the Interdisciplinary Studies handbook.
There is no separate tuition fee cost for the coursework units of study you will undertake, it is part of the tuition fee for the course. See the 'Your Fee' section for fee information. Additional non-tuition course costs vary depending on the units of study.
You will be able to see and enrol in any of the units available, subject to capacity restraints and your own background. Note that your faculty may elect to make certain units compulsory for a given degree.
Prospective students with an Honours degree awarded in the second class or a Master's degree without a thesis component should consult the Postgraduate Research Coordinator of the relevant department before making an application.
To satisfy the requirements of the degree candidates must:
Thesis submission requirements and examination procedure as set out in the Academic Board resolutions for this course and the Higher Degree (HDR) Rule 2011.
To be eligible for admission to the Master of Philosophy (Arts and Social Sciences) you must have completed the equivalent of one of the following in a subject area related to your proposed research area:
These constitute the minimum requirements for eligibility and do not guarantee admission. This remains at the discretion of the relevant supervisors and departments. The University must certify that there are sufficient supervisory and other resources and facilities available to enable your candidature to be completed successfully.
The faculty is home to more than 90 research and teaching centres incuding the the faculty’s newest research centre, the Sydney Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Research Centre (SSSHARC). Along with our world-renowned schools, these provide abundant research opportunities with academic staff members who are experts and leaders in their fields of research.
