Skip to main content

About us

Global leaders in health education

  • Top 20 university globally

    The University is ranked top 20 globally in the world for QS World University Rankings 2024.

    Find out more
  • Excellence in research

    We are ranked second globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022.

    Find out more

Overview

The Faculty of Medicine and Health is dedicated to understanding and solving the world's biggest healthcare challenges. We are world leaders in medical and health research

Undertaking a research degree in medicine and health at the University of Sydney is an opportunity to make a real difference in the health of individuals and communities around the world.

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in the Faculty of Medicine and Health will allow you to pursue innovative research across a range of areas in which the faculty has expertise. Full-time MPhil students are expected to submit their thesis for examination in 1.75 years. Part-time students are expected to submit their thesis for examination in 3.5 years.

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

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

How to apply

Applications are open all year round.

Apply well in advance of your start date to allow for a timely response to your application and necessary visa and travel arrangements.

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

Please see our 'How to Apply' website for detailed information. 

Separate scholarship application deadlines apply.

Starting date

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.

Apply well in advance of your start date to allow for a timely response to your application and necessary visa and travel arrangements.

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

Please see our 'How to Apply' website for detailed information. 

Separate scholarship application deadlines apply.

Starting date

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

Our research is conducted under eight major research themes, with an emphasis on improving healthcare and health outcomes through innovative and translatable research in medicine and health.

Learn more about our research areas

Applying for admission

1. Find a supervisor within the faculty whose academic background aligns with your research. To start you can search our database of Medicine and Health researchers at Find an Academic.

2. You will need to provide the following in contacting a supervisor:

  • your academic/educational background and research experience with examples such as an academic transcript
  • your CV/resume
  • the area of interest
  • why you believe your research topics align with this supervisor.

3. In conjunction with your supervisor, develop a preliminary research proposal (see 'Preparing your research proposal' on best practice tips).

4.  If you intend to study part-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 part-time enrolment
  •  a declaration from your employer (if relevant) confirming that you will be permitted to take the time required to effectively pursue your studies.
  • your research proposal should be submitted along with your CV, academic transcripts and other supporting documents.

5.  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

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

Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply in plenty of time, and even before completion of their current qualifying degree. In these circumstances, referee reports are essential as part of the application for admission. To apply for a Master of Philosophy, you need to demonstrate sufficient prior research experience and capability. In most cases, to be eligible to apply for a Master of Philosophy you will have:

  • a bachelors degree with first or upper second class Honours or
  • a masters 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. That remains at the discretion of the Associate Dean (HDR) for a given faculty.

Credit for previous study

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

Career pathways & prospects

University of Sydney academics are leaders in their fields, publishing thousands of articles and books each year and collaborating with some of the brightest minds from around the world.

Graduate opportunities

Through the completion of a Master of Philosophy, 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. Master of Philosophy graduates may pursue careers in industry, academia and research organisations.

University of Sydney Campus Tour

Domestic students

International students

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