Research programs

Research master's degree

Master’s degrees typically have a minimum period of full-time candidature of one or two years and longer maximum periods as well as longer periods for part-time candidature.

A research master’s, such as the Master of Philosophy (MPhil), may require the completion of some coursework as established by the faculty or school in which you are studying. It is important for any candidate for a research master’s degree to liaise directly with the faculty regarding any coursework requirements and governing policies regarding their research master’s degree, since these degrees are administered by individual faculties and are not University-wide degrees (unlike the PhD).

Doctorates by research and advanced coursework

Some faculties offer doctoral degrees combining research and advanced coursework. These degrees, such as the Doctor of Arts, Doctor of Education, Doctor of Engineering, Doctor of Health Science, Doctor of Juridical Studies, Doctor of Public Health, and Doctor of Social Sciences, comprise at least two-thirds research and one-third coursework and usually have a minimum duration of three years.

If a candidate enrols in a Doctorate by research and advanced coursework they should liaise with the faculty regarding all coursework requirements and governing policies regarding these degrees.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is offered in all faculties and colleges of the University. It is a research degree with a minimum period of full-time candidature of six semesters for the candidate, commencing with an honours bachelor’s degree or equivalent. In some circumstances candidates will be permitted to submit after four semesters. See Appendix 4, the University of Sydney (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Rule 2004, Part 5, 13. See policy at sydney.edu.au/senate/policies/PhD_Rule.pdf