Overview
Please note: This course will no longer be available from 2022 onwards. Please apply for Master of Philosophy (Arts and Social Sciences) instead.
Develop research and advanced coursework skills and work alongside a research supervisor and auxiliary supervisor.
Delve deeper into a specific topic you are passionate about and prepare for a career in academic and research leadership. The Master of Philosophy (Education) is usually completed in two years full time. Part-time candidature can take up to four years (domestic students only).
You will be required to complete a probationary period and produce an extended research plan at the end. Examination is by submission of a thesis of approximately 30,000 words.
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.
Subject areas
Shared pool
Your entry requirements
English language proficiency
Find out if you need to prove English language proficiency (depends on your country of origin and educational background).
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
Your fee
How to apply
1. Find a supervisor within the University whose academic background aligns with your research. You may visit Research Supervisor Connect to start. 2. Contact a research supervisor either through Research Supervisor Connect or email and provide: your academic/educational background and research experience with examples such as an academic transcript your CV/resume the area of interest for your PhD why you believe your research topics align with this supervisor 3. In conjunction with your supervisor, develop a preliminary research proposal of at least 500 words that outlines the subject area, objectives and significance of your research. 4. International applicants need to obtain two academic referee reports, each one written by a referee who is familiar with your previous academic achievements. Referee reports should be supplied on our template . 5. If you intend to study part-time towards a PhD, you will also need to supply: evidence that shows you will have sufficient time available to plan and carry out the research under the supervision of the University, and complete the course within the maximum period allowed for a part-time PhD enrolment a declaration from your employer (if relevant) confirming that you will be permitted to take the time required to effectively pursue your studies. 6. Your research proposal should be submitted along with your CV, academic referee reports, academic transcripts and other supporting documents. 7. Applications are made via the University's online application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the `Apply Now' button on the right hand side of this page.
Specific closing dates apply for each research period Research period 2: 31 October of the preceding yearResearch Period 3: 30 May of the commencing year. Separate scholarship application deadlines apply - Visit Research Scholarships
Starting date
Research Period 2: Start date 1 March Research Period 3: Start date 1 July Refer to key research dates on the `How to Apply website.
Specific closing dates apply for each research period Research period 2: 31 October of the preceding yearResearch Period 3: 30 April of the commencing year. Separate scholarship application deadlines apply - Visit Research Scholarships
Starting date
Research Period 2: Start date 1 March "Research Period 3: Start date 1 July Refer to key research dates on the `How to Apply website.
Research areas
Master of Philosophy candidates may undertake research in one of the following research centres: Arts and Creative Education Research Network; Centre for Research in Computer Supported Learning and Cognition; Social Policy Research Network; TESOL Research Network; Youth Sport and Health research Network or an area negotiated with a potential supervisor.
What you'll study
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.
Applying for admission
1. Supervisors within the School of Education and Social Work are listed in Supervisor Connect. You are encouraged to email the academic directly. To find the academic’s email address, follow the link provided to their profile page. Introduce yourself and provide some academic background. You may be asked for an academic transcript. Explain why you are interested in your area of research and, if appropriate, why you are interested in working with the recipient.
2. Your research proposal should be no more than 2,000 words. Refer to How to write a research proposal for guidance. Attach your research proposal to your email when you approach a prospective supervisor.
3. If you need assistance or advice finding a supervisor, contact our Research Student Liaison Officer or Admissions Coordinator.
4. Obtain two academic referee reports, each one written by a referee who is familiar with your previous academic achievements. You may upload letters of reference or template .
5. If you intend to study part-time towards a PhD, you will also need to supply: evidence that shows you will have sufficient time available to plan and carry out the research under the supervision of the University, and complete the course within the maximum period allowed for a part-time PhD enrolment a declaration from your employer (if relevant) confirming that you will be permitted to take the time required to effectively pursue your studies.
6. Your research proposal should be submitted along with your CV, academic referee reports, academic transcripts and other supporting documents.
7. Applications are made via the University's online application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the `Apply Now' button on the right hand side of this page.
Completion requirement
To satisfy the requirements of the degree candidates must:
- complete any specified probationary requirements; and,
- complete a minimum of 6 credit ponts in units of study from Table R; and,
- conduct research on approved topic; and,
- write a thesis of 30,000 to 40,000 words embodying the results of the research.
Thesis submission requirements and examination procedure as set out in the Academic Board resolutions for this course and the Higher Degree (HDR) Rule 2011.
Admission requirement
Admission to candidature requires: (i) a bachelor's degree with honours in an appropriate area of study from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification; or (ii) a Master of Education by coursework from the University of Sydney with a weighted average mark of at least 75, or equivalent qualification.
Graduate opportunities
Through the completion of the MPhil degree, students gain deeper understanding of a subject area and develop analytical, problem solving, communication and project management skills. These skills are highly valued by prospective employers. MPhil graduates may pursue careers in industry, academia and research organisations.
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International students
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