Master of Philosophy - MDHS (Biomedical Science) (MR-PHILBMS)

Overview

Award title	Master of Philosophy
Year & campus	2025 — Parkville
CRICOS code	091556K
Fees information	Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date
Study level & type	Graduate Research
AQF level	9
Duration	2 years full-time, or equivalent part-time

The Master of Philosophy is an internationally recognised masters (by research) degree. It enables candidates to undertake up to two years’ research on a specific topic. Candidates develop advanced research skills and techniques and specialist knowledge in their discipline and produce a thesis.

Completion of the Master of Philosophy provides a pathway to the Doctor of Philosophy.

The Master of Philosophy - MDHS (Biomedical Science) is offered by the School of Biomedical Sciences.

Commencement periods

students may commence the Higher Degree by Research at any time during the year between 1st March and 31 October. Commencement between 1st and 28th February or between 1st and 30th November may be approved subject to approval of the proposed principal supervisor. Commencement in January or December is not permitted;
commencement in the degree is subject to prior arrangement with their nominated supervisor and the Learning and Teaching Unit. (Scholarships have separate rules and students should seek approval from Melbourne Scholarships to vary their scholarship commencement);
please check with the relevant academic unit prior to making any arrangements for enrolment or travel.

Links to further information

For future students: further information about the course and how to apply is on our Study with Us pages

For current candidates: further information is on the Graduate Research Hub and Graduate Research at MDHS  

Entry requirements

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

a four-year bachelor degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study and have achieved a minimum weighted average of (University of Melbourne) 75% or higher;

a masters degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study and achieved a minimum weighted average of (University of Melbourne) 75% or higher.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In selecting applicants, the selection committee will consider applicants’:

prior academic performance and, if relevant,
professional qualifications; and
performance at interview; and
understanding of the research question to be explored; and
motivation and capacity to complete the course in a timely manner; and
relevant prior research and/or professional experience; and
referee reports.

3. The selection committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission Policy.

4. Applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements.

The University welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Indigenous Australians who are not otherwise selected will be admitted if the Selection Committee determines that they are likely to succeed in the course. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to contact the Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health in preparing their application.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

Inherent requirements are the abilities, knowledge and skills needed to complete the course and the proposed research project. They include the ability to:

source, comprehend and analyse complex information;
comprehend and apply principles of research integrity;
possess behavioural and social attributes necessary to participate in the research;
generate research data and outputs;
communicate research knowledge and the application of research principles and practices;
participate actively and safely in the research project.

The Master of Philosophy - MDHS (Biomedical Science) welcomes applications from candidates with disabilities. The University will take all reasonable steps to enable the participation of students with disabilities.

Candidates who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this with  Student Equity and Disability Support. 

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Learning Outcomes and Assessment sections of this entry.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Philosophy - MDHS (Biomedical Science), the graduate researcher will be able to:

demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge that includes recent developments in one or more disciplines;
independently investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice;
demonstrate advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning;
independently design and execute a substantial piece of research that makes a contribution to knowledge within their field;
disseminate research findings effectively in the professional arena;
demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, research ethics and integrity.

Graduate attributes

Refer to the Graduate Research Hub

Course structure

Candidates enrol in a thesis subject for the duration of the course and undertake original research under academic supervision. The research project is designed to be completed in 18 months full-time equivalent with one possible six-month extension to the maximum candidature duration of 2 years.

Course rules

Candidates must:

satisfy any relevant regulatory requirements, prior to or following commencement as required;
complete required mandatory training;
complete specified academic progress requirements;
spend a minimum of 6 months full-time equivalent study at the University unless otherwise approved by the Pro Vice-Chancellor for graduate research;
present the results of their research at a completion seminar prior to thesis submission.

Assessment

Award of the degree is based on examination of the thesis.

The thesis is usually a dissertation of 30,000-40,000 words up to a maximum of 50,000 words, inclusive of footnotes but exclusive of tables, maps, bibliographies and appendices. It may incorporate publications, or sections of a publication arising from research undertaken during the course.

Approval of the Pro Vice-Chancellor for graduate research is required to write the thesis in a language other than English or to exceed the maximum word limit.

Refer to the Graduate Research Hub for further information.

Coursework Component

A candidate may be required to supplement their research program by attending or enrolling in additional subjects, if considered necessary by the supervisors. Enrolment in coursework subjects must not exceed one-third of the expected course duration.

Applications

Find out how to apply.

Prior to submitting an application, applicants should discuss their research interests with a potential supervisor of the School of Biomedical Sciences and discuss any external commitments which may impede their successful academic progress.

Which scholarship can I apply for?

Find out about graduate research scholarships offered by the University of Melbourne. More information is on the Faculty website.

Facilities and Support

The University makes available a broad range of resources and services to graduate research students.

Last updated: 27 February 2025