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Master of Philosophy

Why study with us?

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is an internationally-recognised degree that enables candidates to apply an advanced body of knowledge in a range of contexts for research and scholarship. The MPhil degree may also be completed as a pathway for enrolment in a PhD.

Delivered within a Christian education framework, the MPhil also enables candidates to develop an understanding of ethical scholarship principles that are conducive to conducting research in Christian organisations.

MPhil candidates receive support by meeting regularly with their supervisors (online and on-campus) and attending research training sessions. The candidate and appointed supervisors negotiate the necessary workload commitments required by the candidate to complete the degree requirements within the stated timeframes.

On average, a full-time study load would require 28-40 hours of study per week, whereas a part-time study load would require 14-20 hours of study per week.

In the final semester, the candidate submits a thesis of 40,000-50,000 words (or equivalent exegesis).

Key Information

Study Mode:
On campus, Off campus
Location:
Avondale Campus - Lake Macquarie
Duration:
Full-time: 2 years, Part-time: Equivalent years
Course Code:
5002
CRICOS Code:
094236B
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Course Details

Upon successful completion of the Master of Philosophy, graduates will be able to:
  • design, plan and execute a substantial piece of research, based on a mastery of appropriate research methodology, research integrity and ethics;
  • demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex and specialised body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments, in one or more disciplines;
  • demonstrate advanced knowledge of research principles and methods relevant to the discipline or area of learning;
  • demonstrate expert and specialised cognitive, technical and creative skills, based on a mastery of theoretical knowledge, to reflect critically on, synthesise and evaluate theory and its application to different bodies of knowledge;
  • disseminate research results to specialised and non-specialised audiences; and
  • as an expert in a discipline or disciplines, demonstrate intellectual independence, initiative and adaptability to make a contribution to knowledge.

To qualify for admission, candidates must have completed:

  • an Australian Bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall GPA of 5 on a 7-point scale (or equivalent), a minimum WAM score of 65 or a minimum credit level average (65% and above), or
  • an Australian Master’s by coursework degree, or
  • an overseas qualification comparable, or higher, than any of the above.

Special consideration for entry into the MPhil may be granted if applicants can demonstrate the potential to undertake and complete research-based study at a Master's level.

In addition, applicants must:

  • Complete a brief research proposal (max. 500 words) outlining the proposed research topic the candidate intends to pursue, and
  • Provide a sample of a major written assignment from a previously completed degree or a sample of other professional writing (e.g. a report).

Acceptance into the MPhil degree is dependent on:

  • qualifications and experience,
  • ability to communicate verbally and in writing,
  • quality and feasibility of research proposal,
  • availability of appropriate supervision, and
  • availability of Avondale’s infrastructure and financial resources.

Applicants are invited to an informal meeting (online or on-campus) with the Director of Higher Degree Research during the application process.

Prior to enrolment, applicants are required to disclose any conditions or history that may impact their capacity to successfully complete the MPhil degree.

International Applicants

This course is available to international students who meet the Australian government requirements for a student visa to reside in Australia for the duration of the course. It is also available online for international students residing outside Australia. For information regarding visas refer to https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/study.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following:

  1. achieving a minimum overall IELTS score of 7.0 with no sub-band below 7.0, or
  2. one of the other ways outlined in Appendix 2 of the Admission Policy (HE), or
  3. providing documentary evidence of a prior qualification conducted and assessed in English in a recognised country^ and completed within the last two years.

^Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, or the United States of America.


A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) candidate, whether studying full-time or part-time, will enrol in the following units during the degree:

  • MPHL61000 Master of Philosophy Thesis (the candidate remains enrolled in this unit throughout their research until submission of the thesis)
  • MPHL62000 Master of Philosophy Thesis – Under Examination.

A timely completion for full-time study is 1.5 years, or part-time equivalent.

To find out more about any of the units listed here, copy the unit code and then search for that unit here.

To view unit information, note the unit code and search for the unit in  Unit Outlines.

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Career Opportunities

Avondale MPhil graduates are recognised as experts in their specialised field of study. A MPhil can lead to a career in commercial, government, educational, church, or industry workplaces in business management, consulting, publishing, commercial or government research management, project management, business analysis, and other leadership roles.


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