Research areas

Master of Philosophy candidates in the Faculty of Science may undertake research in the following areas:

• Chemistry (including medicinal chemistry and drug discovery)
• Geosciences (including geology, geography, geology, marine science and environment)
• History and Philosophy of Science
• Life and Environmental Sciences (including agriculture, animal science, biology, biochemistry, microbiology and plant science)
• Mathematics & Statistics (including pure and applied mathematics)
• Physics (including astronomy and data science)
• Psychology
• Veterinary Science

Applying for admission

1. Find a supervisor within the University whose academic background aligns with your research. You may visit Find a Researcher or Research Supervisor Connect to start.
2. Contact a research supervisor via 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 research proposal, 2-4 pages in length (at least 1000 words) that outlines the subject area, objectives and significance of your research. More information
4. Obtain two academic referee reports, each one written by a referee who is familiar with your previous academic achievements.
5. If you intend to study part-time towards a PhD (international student visa holders must enroll full-time), 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. Submit your application along with your research proposal, CV, academic referee reports, academic transcripts, supporting evidence (where required) and other supporting documents such as identification and evidence of residency status. Applications are made via the University's online application portal.
7. When you are ready to apply, select the `Apply Now' button on the right hand side of this page.

Please note: Except for IPRS and UsydIS scholarships for international students, you must complete a separate scholarship application

Completion requirement

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

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Philosophy (Science), you must have completed the equivalent of one of the following in a subject area related to your proposed research area:

• bachelor's degree with a minimum overall credit average in the senior level unit(s) of study relevant to the proposed area of research or,

• master's degree, performed at a high academic standard, and which includes a substantial component of original research, or

• an equivalent qualification that demonstrates research experience, excellence and capability.

These criteria constitute the minimum requirements for eligibility and do not guarantee admission. These criteria constitute the minimum requirements for eligibility and do not guarantee admission. That remains at the discretion of the Associate Dean (Research Education) for the faculty.

Inherent requirements

In addition to the academic requirements set out in the Science Postgraduate Handbook, you may be required to satisfy a number of inherent requirements to complete this degree. Example of inherent requirement may include:

• confidential disclosure and registration of a disability that may hinder your performance in your degree;
• confidential disclosure of a pre-existing or current medical condition that may hinder your performance in your degree (e.g. heart disease, pace-maker, significant immune suppression, diabetes, vertigo,);
• ability to perform independently and/or with minimal supervision;
• ability to undertake certain physical tasks (e.g. heavy lifting);
• ability to undertake observatory, sensory and communication tasks;
• ability to spend time at remote sites (e.g. One Tree Island, Narrabri and Camden);
• ability to work in confined spaces or at heights;
• ability to operate heavy machinery (e.g. farming equipment);
• hold or acquire an Australian driver’s licence;
• hold a current scuba diving license;
• hold a current Working with Children Check;
• meet initial and ongoing immunisation requirements (e.g. Q-Fever, Vaccinia virus, Hepatitis, etc.)

You must consult with your nominated supervisor regarding any identified inherent requirements before completing your application.

The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available degree only and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Handbooks Online and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents.