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The University of Sydney (UniSyd)

Camperdown , New South Wales ,Australia

Master of Philosophy (Science)

The Master of Philosophy (Science) opens the door to the world of scientific research. MPhil (Science) students become independent researchers of exceptional quality. They learn to manage extensive projects, use advanced scientific tools and write reports fit for publication. Their skills enable them to go on to prominent careers, not just in research, but also in policy, industry, management, government, business and international development.

As a University of Sydney student, you can choose from eight different science departments to complete your two-year degree, which will culminate in a thesis written about your particular area of expertise.

Your training will take place in the top ranked university in Australia in terms of scientific output (SCImago World Report 2013). Our reputation for scientific excellence attracts the best researchers and significant research funding, creating an outstanding learning environment for the next generation of scientists and global leaders. 

The Master of Philosophy is predominantly a research degree. You will develop advanced skills in research methods as well as in planning, performing and publishing research under the guidance of a supervisor. There is also the opportunity to undertake some coursework units to support your studies.

If you choose to continue with research, the MPhil (Science) will give you excellent preparation to embark on the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). If you don’t, your superior ability and substantial research experience will give you a competitive edge and enhanced employment opportunities, both in Australia and overseas.

The Master of Philosophy is available across the following disciplines:

Agriculture
Chemistry
Geosciences
History and Philosophy of Sciences
Life and Environmental Sciences
Mathematics and Statistics
Physics
Psychology
Veterinary Science

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

Agriculture
Chemistry
Geosciences
History and Philosophy of science
Life and environmental science
Mathematics and Statistics
Medical Sciences
Physics
Psychology
Veterinary science

Campus Information

Camperdown/Darlington

Our biggest campus is 72 hectares of state-of-the-art teaching and learning technology, including six libraries, art galleries, historical museums, perfectly manicured lawns, and the following faculties and schools:

Camden

Veterinary Science and Agriculture students and researchers can access an extensive network of farms and research units on Camden campus. Camden is in the Sydney metropolis and part of the growth area in Sydney's south western suburbs.

Intakes

  • Jan
  • March
  • July
  • Oct

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Application Process

COE Process
5 Days

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Our Careers and Employability Office, dedicated to business students, offers a range of opportunities to explore your career options, plan your career, develop your skills, and network with recruiters and employers.

Our Careers and Employability Office offers a specialised career service to students across all of our degree programs. We are committed to helping you achieve your career aspirations and equipping you with the skills to thrive in your career.

Our career services will help you:

  • plan your career
  • develop your career decision making skills
  • tailor your resume and job applications
  • engage in experiential recruitment activities such as mock interviews and assessment centres
  • connect with top graduate recruiters and corporate partners through our programs.

We also offer the award-winning free Job Smart program, which enables international students to gain the skills and professional experience to gain employment when they graduate.

Business School students who engage early with career exploration, professional skill development and industry connections are best equipped to make their mark in today's complex and changing professional world.

Getting career ready with the Careers and Employability Office
Students explain how the Careers and Employability Office can help you get career ready throughout your studies.

Start planning your career now
We recommend that you begin your career-planning journey before you enrol and start your degree. Visit the below resources to discover your career options and help you choose the right subjects. 

Graduate Careers Australia provide detailed careers information and profiles across most areas including accounting, consultancy, government, human resources, IT, marketing, and international relations.
MyFuture assists school leavers with exploring career opportunities and different industries. Visit MyFuture to help you narrow down which majors you wish to study at the Business School.
Visit the Careers and Employabilty Office once you enrol. We’re located in the Careers and Student Experience Lounge, Basement Level, Abercrombie Building.

PSW Opportunity

  • 2 year Post Study Work Visa Opportunity

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

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 or,
University of Sydney Graduate Diploma in Science with a final mark of 80.
These criteria constitute the minimum requirements for eligibility and do not guarantee admission. That remains at the discretion of the relevant supervisors and departments, and access to supervision remains highly competitive. The University must certify that there are sufficient supervisory and other resources and facilities available to enable your candidature to be completed successfully.

TOEFL - IBT score - A minimum result of 85 overall including a minimum result of 17 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 19 in Writing

IELTS score - A minimum result of 6.5 overall and a minimum result of 6.0 in each band

TOEFL - PBT score -  A minimum result of 565 overall including a minimum result of 4.5 in Writing

Pearsons Test of English -  A minimum result of 61 overall and a minimum result of 54 in each band