Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health SciencesMelbourne School of Population Health

Graduate Research Degrees

The Melbourne School of Population Health offers Graduate Research Degrees at Master and Doctorate level.

To speak to an advisor about the right path for you, visit Graduate Research Contacts.

Master of Philosophy
  • The MPhil is an internationally recognised masters (by research) degree.
  • It is designed for students to develop advanced skills in carrying out independent and sustained research on a particular topic conducted under academic supervision.
  • The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing scholarship in the area of research.
  • Administered by the Melbourne School of Graduate Research.
Suitable For: Applicants are normally required to have completed a four-year honours degree (with research project component) of high standard, or a qualification or combination of qualifications and experience considered equivalent.
Structure: All candidates will be examined on the basis of a 30,000-40,000 word research thesis. A candidate may be required to supplement their research program by attendance at, or enrolment in, additional subjects if considered necessary by the supervisor(s).
Specialisation Opportunities: Yes
Study Mode: Research-only
Length/Mode: Duration of candidature is 18 months. An extension of up to 6 months may be allowed.
Fee Payment: Local students may be eligible for a RTS grant. International students must pay the Full Fee. See Fees for more information.
Mid-Year Entry: Yes
How to Apply: Local Applicant  - International Applicant
For more information, visit Master of Philosophy Handboook.


Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
  • The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the University’s major research qualification.
  • Candidates undertake independent and sustained research on a particular topic under the guidance of a principal supervisor and panel with the expectation their findings will make a significant and new contribution to their discipline.
  • Administered by the Melbourne School of Graduate Research.
  • Admission is conditional on approval of an academic research supervisor within the Melbourne School of Population Health.
Suitable For: Applicants are normally required to have completed a four-year honours degree (with research project component) of high standard, or a qualification or combination of qualifications and experience considered equivalent.
Structure: 80,000-word research thesis (maximum 100,000 words).
Specialisation Opportunities: Yes
Study Mode: This is a research-only program, but students are able to undertake coursework as needed to address specific learning needs.
Length/Mode: F/T – 3-4 years. P/T – 6 years
Fee Payment: Local students may be eligible for a RTS grant. International students must pay the Full Fee. See Fees for more information.
Mid-Year Entry: Yes
How to Apply: Local Applicant  - International Applicant
For more information, visit Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Handbook


PhD with Coursework (Epidemiology & Biostatistics)
  • The PhD with Coursework combines the University’s major research qualification with formal research training.
  • PhD students are provided with a methodological coursework program in research methods to underpin and supplement their independent and sustained research.
  • Administered by the Melbourne School of Graduate Research. 
  • Admission is conditional on approval of an academic research supervisor within the Melbourne School of Population Health.
Suitable For: Applicants are normally required to have completed a four-year medical or other health degree of high standard, or a qualification or combination of qualifications and experience considered equivalent.
Applicants require formal methodological training to carry out clinical or epidemiologic research when choosing the PhD with Coursework.
Structure:
  • A three year program with up to one year equivalent of coursework.  The coursework component is largely completed in the first year of the degree to benefit the development, analysis and interprettion of the research.
  • 80,000-word research thesis to be completed in second and third year.
Specialisation Opportunities: Epidemiology & Biostatistics
Study Mode: Research and Classroom
Length/Mode: F/T – 3-4 years. P/T – 6 years
Fee Payment: Local students may be eligible for a RTS grant. International students must pay the Full Fee. See Fees for more information.
Mid-Year Entry: Yes
How to Apply: Local Applicant  - International Applicant
For more information, visit Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Handbook

Each centre within the Melbourne School of Population Health has a dedicated Graduate Research Contact to help you make the right decision. Please visit Graduate Research Contacts for more details.

For enquiries regarding Graduate Research Degree applications and conditions of candidature, please contact the Melbourne School of Graduate Research.

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