This page describes some general features of graduate study in philosophy in Australasia that might be of use to an outsider. See also the list of graduate programs in philosophy, should you wish to find out about study at a particular institution. Information about post doctoral research grants can be found here.

Australasian universities usually offer the following kinds of postgraduate qualification in philosophy.

PhD | MA | MPhil | Diploma | Certificate

PhD (Doctorate of Philosophy)

A 3 year research-based doctorate. Candidates prepare a thesis of about 60,000-100,000 words during their 3 years. Normally no coursework is involved (unlike the American-style PhD). In philosophy, this is the normal on-ramp to academic work in the subject.

Prerequisites

A bachelor's degree with honours, or equivalent.

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MA (Master of Arts)

A 1-2 year involving coursework and possibly a thesis. The requirements for an MA are tremendously variable across different institutions. In some institutions, for example, the MA is a coursework-only degree in comparison with the research-only degree, the MPhil (see below). In some institutions the MA can serve as a preliminary to a PhD; in others only Honours or the MPhil can provide entry to the PhD. An MA can sometimes be completed by doing additional work subsequent to a Postgraduate Diploma (see below).

Prerequisites

A bachelor's degree.

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MPhil (Master of Philosophy)

A 1-2 year research-only degree for the philosophy graduate wishing to undertake a moderate amount of research on a particular topic. This degree can provide entry to a PhD in some institutions.

Prerequisites

A bachelor's degree majoring in philosophy.

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Post-graduate Diploma

Usually a 1 year coursework based qualification. Postgraduate diplomas may be undertaken by students with little or no background in philosophy. The coursework involved is often the same as that offered as part of the MA, or, in some institutions, the final year of a BA(hons). A postgraduate diploma does not usually lead to further academic work unless followed by a 1 year honours program. In some institutions the Postgraduate Diploma in Philosophy may used as credit towards the MA.

Prerequisites:

A bachelor's degree in any discipline, or equivalent.

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Graduate Certificate

A 1 semester coursework based qualification. Graduate certificates may be undertaken by students with little or no background in philosophy. Graduate Certificates are suitable for students wishing to obtain a general introduction to philosophy and for those pursuing professional interests, for example, in applied and professional ethics or logic and critical thinking.

Prerequisites

A bachelor's degree in any discipline, or equivalent.

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