Department of Psychology
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Psychology
Overview
The Department offers a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Psychology. The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Psychology in psychology is designed for those with formal qualifications in psychology, such as an Honours year in psychology.
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Psychology degree is a research degree involving a less substantial research project than the PhD, and requires completion of a thesis of approximately 60,000 words. Completing a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Psychology equips the candidate with advanced research, analytical and writing skills and typically prepares candidates for careers in research, as a preparation for PhD study and to work in a psychology-related field. Candidates complete the thesis under the supervision of a qualified member of staff, and are encouraged to attend seminars during their candidature. Note that a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Psychology is not designed to provide practical skills and practitioner-based knowledge for professional recognition required by the APS to practise as a psychologist, and generally cannot be used for registration as a professional psychologist with the NSW Psychologists’ Registration Board.
Candidates seeking a professional qualification designed for registration as a psychologist should consider applying for the Master of Psychology program offered by the Department.
Admission requirements
Applicants for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Psychology are required to have an honours degree in psychology at First Class level or Second Class Division 1. Admission is also subject to adequate supervision being available in the Department. All prospective candidates should consult the staff areas of research and supervision detailed in this booklet to determine whether supervision is available in their area. Candidates need to contact potential academic staff members prior to submitting their application to determine whether a staff member is interested in, and willing to consider supervising their topic.
Application Procedure
For entry to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Psychology, applicants are required to:
- Complete the Postgraduate Research Application Form.
- Submit these forms to the Higher Degree Research Unit by 31 October in the year proceeding enrolment for first semester intake;
- Submit this form by 31 May to the Higher Degree Research Unit for second semester intake;
- Include all documentation requested in the application form such as – certified copies of academic transcripts, certificates, proof professional memberships, citizen/resident status etc;
- Include a nominated supervisor and brief thesis description.
Cost
A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Psychology is HECS-exempt, and is not liable for up-front fees, provided it is completed within the minimal time frame – two (2) years for a full-time candidate or four (4) years for a part-time candidate.
Applicants are also eligible to apply for scholarships for this course.
Attendance
The candidate has no formal class attendance requirements and works independently under the guidance of their supervisor. Note that this course is not offered externally under normal circumstances.
Candidates are strongly encouraged to develop a work schedule in consultation with their supervisor to ensure they complete their thesis within the two-year period if full-time, or four years if part-time. The work schedule should take into account the timeframes required for the literature review; the time required to obtain ethical clearance (if required) and for the likely duration of outcomes of experimental work.
The Department will only support candidates and grant extensions past the two and four year timeframes if exceptional circumstances are presented by the candidate and are endorsed by their supervisor.