The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a research degree that includes a coursework component designed to help you develop research techniques appropriate to your area of study.

The MPhil has the flexibility to be undertaken as a written thesis or as a research by design thesis, (with a proportionally reduced written component.) The program requires submission of either a scholarly written thesis (maximum 40,000 words) or a combined design output and scholarly written component (maximum 20,000 words).

As a general guide, the minimum requirement for admission to a Master of Philosophy in UNSW Built Environment is an appropriate undergraduate degree in the relevant discipline from UNSW or a qualification considered equivalent from another university or tertiary institution at a level acceptable to the faculty’s Higher Degree Committee, usually at honours level.

English language requirements also apply: English Language Requirements

For full admission, application and enrolment requirements: How to Apply and Enrol Research Degree

The MPhil aims at developing students' research competence, creative thinking and problem solving skills. The largest component within the MPhil is the research project. This offers students the opportunity for self-directed learning with the benefits of individual supervision and the cognate development of research skills through directed learning.

This program involves a minimum of 1.5 years full-time study, maximum 2 years. The masters thesis should be submitted for examination within 2 years of full-time study.

The coursework component of the program normally comprises three courses (totalling 18 Units of Credit):

Most courses are offered in only one semester per year. Some courses may not be offered every year. Please check course availability prior to enrolment.

Please refer to: Conditions for Award of Degrees

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  UNSW Fee Website.

If you are considering applying for enrolment in a Master of Philosophy, it is a requirement that you contact prospective supervisors to determine in advance if they are in a position to supervise your research topic. It is recommended that you make initial contact via email. If you are local, you should then arrange a face-to-face meeting; if overseas, ideally arrange a SKYPE interview.

The Faculty of Built Environment also requires that every Higher Degree Research applicant submit an Expression of Interest prior to applying to the university via the central online portal. For more information, please see: Built Environment Future Students