Please note, the information below is specific to degrees at the University of Sydney. 

A master’s degree is the second-highest qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework, and includes the Master of Philosophy (MPhil). A master’s degree by research is generally considered to advance learning in a subject with a research and scholarship context, rather than with the intention of professional practice. Depending on the course and faculty, your master’s degree by research may have a coursework component. You should check this information with your faculty. 

A master’s degree by research can be a gateway to commencing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Alternatively, some students may exit their PhD degree early and instead be awarded a master’s degree upon examination of their thesis. 

Duration

A master’s degree by research generally takes 1 – 2 years full time, or up to 4 years’ part-time study. Part-time enrolment is available to domestic students only. 

Probation and progress review

All Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates, including master’s degree by research students, undergo a progress review approximately every twelve (12) months.

If you enrol on a probationary basis, you will be required to participate in a progress review (PR) within four (4) research periods of commencing your candidature before you can be confirmed or transfer to a PhD.  

Related articles:

• Progress reviews. 

Thesis

The master’s thesis must be a supervised thesis and represent a genuine contribution to the subject field. It will normally be between 20,000 – 50,000 words depending on the course resolutions of your faculty. The maximum word length does not include appendices. 

An extension of up to 10,000 words may be permitted by the dean, associate dean (research education) or chair of the faculty committee.  

Course resolutions can be found on your faculty’s website. Alternatively, you can check with the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC). 

Supervision

All HDR students must have a supervisory team with a minimum of two (2) supervisors. One of your supervisors will be the lead supervisor. The lead supervisor is responsible for assisting with the direction of your research and ensuring your research is of a high quality.

Related articles:

• Supervision.

Examination

The submission and examination processes for a master’s thesis are governed by the same policies as for a PhD.

The examination process is administered through the Research Education Candidature System (RECS). RECS allows you to track the progress of the examination process. If you have concerns with delays, contact HDRAC for an update.

Related articles:

• Submitting your thesis.
• Thesis examination and outcomes.

Transfer from master’s degree by research to a PhD 

The transfer process from an MPhil or another master’s degree by research to a PhD varies according to each course and faculty. You should check with your faculty or the HDRAC to find out whether your degree allows for transfer to a doctorate.

Each faculty or school sets requirements that you must meet in order to transfer, including that you have: 

• met key milestones in your current progress plan
• demonstrated that your research meets the requirements for admission to a doctorate under the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule
• demonstrated your ability to complete the requirements of a doctorate in your remaining period of candidature 
• completed at least twelve (12) months full time (or equivalent part time) of your master’s degree
• completed, within the past twelve (12) months, at least one Progress Evaluation Meeting (PEM) with an outcome of ‘Satisfactory or excellent progress’
• settled your supervisory arrangements, especially deciding on a lead supervisor for the PhD. 

You can make your transfer request in the Sydney Student portal. Make sure that you include any relevant documentation with your request, noting that it is usually assumed that by making the request, you have obtained the support of your current supervisor.  

The outcome of the request is determined by the associate dean (research education), in consultation with your Postgraduate Coordinator. 

For more information, visit the University of Sydney’s website, Transferring from Master’s Degree by Research to a Doctorate.

Transfer to MPhil as early exit from PhD 

PhD candidates may exit their degree early with an award of an MPhil. In order to be awarded an MPhil, you must have met the relevant master’s degree by research requirements, as well as any course resolutions.

You can make your transfer request in the Sydney Student portal. This request must also be approved by the associate dean (research education).

For more information, visit the University of Sydney’s website, Transferring from a Doctorate to a Master’s Degree by Research.