Why study with us?
We're ranked 24th in the world for Arts and Humanities in the 2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
We are one of the world’s top research universities and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight network and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities.
Candidates for the degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) research and write a thesis on an approved topic. All research is done under the supervision of a member of our academic staff.
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Sydney is consistently ranked as one of the world's most outstanding academies for research in the humanities and social sciences.
The MPhil is offered in disciplines ranging across the visual arts and art history, archaeology and classics, diverse languages and their cultures, economics, English language and literature, ancient, medieval and modern history, philosophy, the global political economy and international governance, sociology and cultural studies, media and communications, education and social work.
If you choose to continue with further research, the MPhil offers an internationally recognised pathway to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
As a part of their training, MPhil students at Sydney are required to complete some coursework early in their candidature. Students have access to a range of specialist units of study that will develop their research skills.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
Applications for the MPhil in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are assessed in two rounds annually. There are two closing dates per year for applications: 31 March (for admission in July of the same calendar year) and 30 September (for admission in March the following year). You should apply as early as possible. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered in the current round.
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 for the MPhil in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are assessed in two rounds annually. There are two closing dates per year for applications: 31 March (for admission in July of the same calendar year) and 30 September (for admission in March the following year). You should apply as early as possible. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered in the current round.
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 undertake research in over 40 subject areas based in the faculty’s six schools. These are the Schools of Economics; Education and Social Work; Languages and Cultures; Art, Communication and English; Humanities; and Social and Political Sciences.
Research may also be undertaken in association with the University of Sydney’s humanities and social sciences research centres or groups.
Coursework in higher research degrees
MPhil research at the University includes a coursework component to support the development of research skills. MPhil students complete 6 credit points of coursework chosen from a pool of 270+ units from across all faculties. 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. This cost is covered by the tuition fee for your 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 constraints and your own background. Note that the faculty may elect to make certain units compulsory for a given MPhil degree pathway.
To apply for admission follow these steps:
When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply Now’ button on the right-hand side of this page.
Please confirm all requirements for scholarship applications and note that separate scholarship application deadlines apply.
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 including the Sydney Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Research Centre (SSSHARC). Along with our world-renowned schools, these provide a great range of PhD research opportunities with academic staff members who are experts and leaders in their fields of research.
