Master of Philosophy

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There are no upcoming offerings for the year 2025.
This course has no domestic offering.
This course has no international offering.

The Master of Philosophy from Charles Sturt University gives you with the opportunity to explore and create new knowledge in your field of interest through independent investigation of well-formulated research questions that tackle real-world issues.

Upgrade your qualifications to gain a competitive edge.

Domestic research candidates studying a Doctor of Philosophy or Master of Philosophy course may be eligible to receive a Research Fee Offset Scholarship to pay for their applicable tuition fees. 

This course is part of an articulated program of study. Articulated programs allow you to build on your study to achieve the right level of qualification for you.

    Make a difference

    At Charles Sturt you can create a world worth living in. Let's do it together.

    Key information

    Study mode and sessions

    Online
    On Campus
    Next session start: July 14, 2025
    Session 1 : March 3, 2025
    Online, On Campus
    Uni Wide
    Session 2 : July 14, 2025
    Online, On Campus
    Uni Wide
    Session 3 : November 17, 2025
    Online, On Campus
    Uni Wide

    Duration

    Minimum time - 2 year(s)
    Maximum time - 4 year(s)

    Entry score

    TBA

    Indicative fees

    Domestic on campus
    Fee paying postgraduate:

    Full-time - $35,648.00 pa
    Part-time - $17,824.00 pa

    Domestic online
    Fee paying postgraduate:

    Full-time - $35,648.00 pa
    Part-time - $17,824.00 pa

    Course points and codes

    Credit Points: 128
    AQF: Level 9
    Cricos:

    Additional information

    • Course specific scholarship

    Applications close February 12

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    Find out more

    Why study with us?

    The Master of Philosophy allows you to develop and enhance your analytical and research skills through independent investigation in a specific field and present your findings in a thesis. You'll develop a thorough understanding of scholarly debate and the capacity to critically analyse and constructively contribute to that debate to shape your research, resulting in a distinct contribution to knowledge of the subject. The Master of Philosophy may also be a pathway to a Doctor of Philosophy.

    Build your research expertise

    Our Research narrative identifies three interdisciplinary spheres that encapsulate our research goals: resilient people, flourishing communities and sustainable environments. So you'll design and implement a high-quality original research project of significance to your discipline and of benefit to your community.

    Study your way

    The Master of Philosophy has been designed with flexibility in mind. You can choose from full-time, part-time, on-campus and online study options, and applications for admission are considered at any time throughout the year.

    Join our community

    You'll join a vibrant research community of scholars and complete your degree under the guidance of experienced academics who are leaders in your discipline. As a Master of Philosophy student, you'll have access to a range of valuable learning experiences, such as research seminars, conferences and industry events.

    We have a range of scholarships

    You may be eligible for a number of merit-based scholarships to help you realise your study or career goals.

    Career opportunities

    Master of Philosophy graduates are well placed to progress into a wide range of careers, depending on their areas of research. These can include high-level research, policy or industry roles in Australia or overseas in various professional arenas.

      What you will study

      For each 8-point subject you are enrolled in, you should expect to spend 10 to 12 hours per week working on assignments and assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, and attending lectures, intensive schools, or examinations. If you are studying four subjects per session, this is equivalent to a full-time job. The workload for some subjects may vary as a result of approved course design.

      Intensive school

      You may need to attend an online or on-campus intensive school for certain subjects in this course. These schools usually involve lectures, tutorials and practicals that will give you a deeper understanding of your subject.

      Students will work with their supervisory team to complete all aspects of the research project which constitutes the Master of Philosophy degree. The supervisory team will be comprised of one principal supervisor and at least one co-supervisor who are both permanent academic staff at Charles Sturt University. Supervisory teams may include additional co-supervisors who are adjuncts and/or external to CSU with appropriate qualifications. All supervisors will be required to meet minimum qualification and professional experience standards and have been formally registered on the CSU Supervisor Registry.

      Students are also required to complete and submit a formal research proposal that has been reviewed and endorsed by a review panel and approved through the School-based endorsement of candidature process. Students will also be required to engage with University progress reporting requirements as advised by the Research Office on admission. Additional requirements and conditions of enrolment, probation and progress may be applicable to individual students.

      Under the guidance of their supervisors, students will determine an appropriate area of study that aligns with the Faculty’s designated fields of research, where appropriate, gain ethics and other approvals, conduct a detailed research investigation, and write and submit a thesis for examination.

      Research 128 Credit Points

      Legend:
      • Intensive school
      • Workplace learning
      Students will work with their supervisory team to complete all aspects of the research project which constitutes the Master of Philosophy degree. The supervisory team will be comprised of one principal supervisor and at least one co-supervisor who are both permanent academic staff at Charles Sturt University. Supervisory teams may include additional co-supervisors who are adjuncts and/or external to CSU with appropriate qualifications. All supervisors will be required to meet minimum qualification and professional experience standards and have been formally registered on the CSU Supervisor Registry. Students are also required to complete and submit a formal research proposal that has been reviewed and endorsed by a review panel and approved through the School-based endorsement of candidature process. Students will also be required to engage with University progress reporting requirements as advised by the Research Office on admission. Additional requirements and conditions of enrolment, probation and progress may be applicable to individual students. Under the guidance of their supervisors, students will determine an appropriate area of study that aligns with the Faculty’s designated fields of research, where appropriate, gain ethics and other approvals, conduct a detailed research investigation, and write and submit a thesis for examination.
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      Candidates will be enrolled in a single subject for the duration of their degree. The subject code will be determined according to the School in which students are enrolled within the Faculty of Science and aligned to the mode of study.

      Graduation requirements

      As a Charles Sturt University student, throughout your course you have a responsibility to continue to develop skills in English language, literacy and numeracy as appropriate to your discipline. This ongoing development will enable you to effectively participate in your course and graduate prepared to enter the workforce.

      To graduate, students must have completed a thesis that complies in full with the relevant regulations (H3: Higher Degree by Research: Examinable Works and Examination Regulations), and through the formal University examination process, is deemed to have met the requirements of a masters level degree. To graduate students must demonstrate that they have

      1. a relevant depth and breadth of knowledge in the discipline,
      2. made a distinct contribution to the discipline,
      3. applied adequate research process and methodology,
        and
      4. produced work that is worthy of formal publication.

      Costs

      Calculate my fee

      The section below is designed to allow you to select the option specific to your circumstances to discover the course fee and course offering information appropriate for you.

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      How is this calculated?

      This is an estimate

      • Fees calculated based on 1 year of full-time study (ETSL).
      • Fees dependant on chosen subjects.
      • Subject to annual increase each year.

      Scholarships

      We have scholarships and grants, totalling over $11 million annually!

      They cover various areas such as academic performance, volunteering, sports achievements, community service, specific courses, on-campus living and individuals in unique circumstances.

      Explore scholarships

      Entry requirements

      Selection rank:

      TBA

      Learn about how our selection ranks are calculated (including ATARs and adjustment factors).

      View the course profile for this course.

      The University bases its decision on admission to a proposed Master of Philosophy candidature upon the following evidence, that:

      • the proposed program of study and research is at a level appropriate to the degree being sought;
      • the proposed area of research falls within an approved University field of research for admission to a higher degree by research;
      • the proposed supervisors are sufficiently expert in the area of research, and have the time and commitment to be able to provide appropriate supervision, and that adequate physical resources are available;
      • the applicant has the appropriate background and ability to undertake the proposed course (refer also to Entry Qualifications, below);
      • the applicant has given the necessary commitment to work regularly on the approved program of study and research and maintain regular contact with the supervisor(s).


      Entry Qualifications for Master of Philosophy Degree

      The entry qualifications required for admission to a Master of Philosophy program are:

      • an appropriate Bachelor degree from an Australian university or an equivalent overseas tertiary institution, taken over a minimum of three years (full-time equivalent) and with a minimum grade point average of 5.0; or
      • an appropriate Bachelor degree with honours from an Australian university or an equivalent overseas tertiary institution, taken over a minimum of four years (full-time equivalent);
        or
      • some other appropriate combination of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications (such as relevant graduate diplomas) and research experience that demonstrate capacity to undertake research at a Masters level.

      Standard English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements apply.  Click here to view the specific international course entry requirements.

      Credit and pathways

      If you’ve completed relevant tertiary study, or work experience related to your course, you could receive credit towards your degree. Which would mean completing your qualification quicker. Find out how to apply for credit and see our credit policy.

      Check your eligibility for credit

      We also have several admission pathways to help you take the step into your preferred course, even if you don't quite meet the entry requirements at first. Find out what admission pathways are available to you.

      How to apply

      Applying to Charles Sturt University is easy. Choose how you want to apply below, or get in touch with Charles Sturt University and we can help you with your application.

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