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  • 57th in the world

    Ranked 57th globally for computer science by the 2023 QS University Rankings by Subject

  • A global top 20 university

    Ranked =19th in the world in the 2024 QS World University Rankings

Overview

Our Master of Philosophy (Engineering) program involves preparing a thesis that will make an original contribution to the specific subject area.

Students will be required to complete some coursework as part of their candidature. They will have access to a range of specialist units of study relevant for research students.

The Faculty of Engineering focuses on multidisciplinary research centered on various key themes:

In the Master of Philosophy (Engineering) program you will engage in research either full-time for not less than one year or part-time for not less than two years.

If at the annual review your performance is deemed outstanding, you may be recommended for an upgrade to a PhD.

Subject areas
Shared pool

Entry, fees, funding & how to apply

Depends on your qualification, citizenship status
The details on this page based on your selections are a guide only, and are subject to change.

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

Applications are open all year round. Processing times for research applications depend on many factors and therefore, can vary.

Applicants are advised to apply well in advance to allow for a timely application outcome and scholarship deadlines.

If your application cannot be processed in time for the requested start date, it will be considered for the next possible research period.

Separate scholarship application deadlines apply - refer to the relevant scholarships websites for details.

Starting date

Research Period 1: Start date 1 Jan
Research Period 2: Start date 1 Mar
Research Period 3: Start date 1 Jul
Research Period 4: Start date 1 Oct
Refer to key research dates on the `How to Apply' website

Applications are open all year round. Processing times for research applications depend on many factors and therefore, can vary.

Applicants are advised to apply well in advance to allow for a timely application outcome and scholarship deadlines.

If your application cannot be processed in time for the requested start date, it will be considered for the next possible research period.

Separate scholarship application deadlines apply - refer to the relevant scholarships websites for details.

Starting date

Research Period 1: Start date 1 Jan
Research Period 2: Start date 1 Mar
Research Period 3: Start date 1 Jul
Research Period 4: Start date 1 Oct
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 disciplines:

  • aerospace engineering
  • biomedical engineering 
  • chemical and biomolecular engineering
  • civil engineering
  • computer science.
  • electrical engineering
  • information engineering
  • mechanical engineering
  • mechatronic engineering
  • power engineering
  • software engineering

What you'll study

Changes to higher degree research in 2021

From 2021, the University is introducing a new coursework curriculum to support research success. Master of Philosophy 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. Browse all available units here.

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 constraints and your own background. Note that your faculty may elect to make certain units compulsory for a given degree pathway.

Units of Study

Applying for admission

  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 through Research Supervisor Connect 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 Master of Philosophy why you believe your research topics align with this supervisor.

  3. In conjunction with your supervisor, develop a research proposal, 500 words in length 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. You may upload letters of reference or use our template.

  5. If you intend to study part-time towards a Master of Philosophy (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 Master of Philosophy 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' button on the right hand side of this page. 

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 criteria

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Philosophy (Engineering), 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 honours or Masters degree by coursework with an independent research component such as a thesis dissertation or research project.

Credit for previous study

For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.

Future study options

Graduate opportunities

Through the completion of the Master of Philosophy (Engineering) 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 the prospective employers. Master of Philosophy (Engineering) graduates may pursue careers in industry, academia and research organisations.

Domestic students

International students

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.