Research Degrees in Philosophy
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PhD)
To be admitted to the PhD program you will need a Bachelor degree with first class honours or a Masters degree with Honours or equivalent. The length of candidature is 2-4 years full-time, 3-5 years part-time.
A PhD thesis is normally about 80,000 words and should be an original and significant contribution to knowledge. Unlike some other philosophy doctoral programs, there is no formal coursework requirement for the PhD at Macquarie. However, in some circumstances (where further background knowledge in philosophy is needed) students may be required to complete one or two advanced level units in philosophy in the first year of their research.
At the end of the first year of candidature students are required to submit a portfolio containing an extended thesis plan and work on the thesis of at least 5,000 words. There is also an annual review, held in October in which students discuss their work with Philosophy staff.
MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY (MPhil)
To be admitted to the Degree of Master of Philosophy you will need a Bachelor degree with first class or second class honours division one or equivalent. The length of candidature is 1-2 years full-time, 2-4 years part-time.
Like the PhD, the MPhil is a research degree. MPhil students are required to write a dissertation of 50,000 words which should be a substantial piece of original research. There is no coursework requirement, but in some circumstances (where further background knowledge in philosophy is needed) students may be required to complete one or two advanced level units in philosophy in the first year of their research.
As research students, MPhil students are also expected to participate in the different strands of the Research Program, namely the Postgraduate Research Workshop, the Reading groups, and the Philosophy Research Seminars.
International Joint Degrees (Co-tutelle)
Co-tutelle agreements are a great way for students to combine postgraduate studies at Macquarie University with studies at an overseas institution. Under a co-tutelle agreement a PhD candidate spends some time under supervision at Macquarie University and some time at the other institution. On successful completion students receive two doctoral degrees. The scheme is available for international as well as Macquarie University students.
A number of scholarships are available for co-tutelle students. In addition, co-tutelle students are eligible for funding support for fees, travel and living expenses.