The Master of Philosophy in Public Health (MPhil) is a research degree designed to provide research training for candidates aiming to develop competence in research in public health, or who aim to progress to a PhD. Research training is supplemented with coursework to provide in-depth discipline skills and/or skills in relevant research methods. The MPhil comprises of 24 units of credit (uoc) of coursework selected from the Master of Public Health coursework program, and a thesis of no more than 40 000 words on an approved topic. The normal full-time duration is 3 semesters (one semester of coursework and two of thesis) or 6 semesters part-time. Candidates must submit the thesis within two to four semesters, full-time equivalent.

Candidates develop competence in undertaking research in the field of public health through a combination of coursework and research.

MPhil candidates can upgrade to a PhD, subject to School and Faculty approval.

1. A candidate may be granted up to 24 uoc advanced standing from the Master of Public Health (MPH), or equivalent, for courses undertaken at the appropriate level determined by the Committee, towards the coursework component.

2. The coursework will be successfully completed within the first two semesters of enrolment of the MPhil unless approval is given by the Committee.

3. All candidates will undertake the research at an approved UNSW location i.e. at a campus, teaching hospital, Area Health Service or health facility, or other research facility of the University. The Committee may permit a candidate to spend a period of time in the field, within another institution or elsewhere away from the University provided that the work can be supported and supervised in a manner satisfactory to the Committee. In such instances the Committee shall be satisfied that the location and period of time away from the University are necessary to the research program.

4. All candidates will have appointed either a supervisor and a co-supervisor, or two joint supervisors, or a supervisory panel, in accordance with the procedures and definitions specified in the University Policy on Higher Degree Research Supervision.

5. The progress of the candidate will be monitored by the Committee.
i.) The research proposal will be reviewed after one semester. This review will focus on both the viability of the research proposal, and evidence of satisfactory commencement of the research.
ii.) Progress in the program will require that the approved coursework is undertaken during candidature, and that all courses are passed at the first attempt at a level prescribed by the Committee.
iii.) Re-enrolment in the second year of the degree is conditional upon satisfactory progress assessed at an annual review of candidature.

Please refer to the Condition for award of degrees - Master of Philosophy (MPhil).

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

A candidate for the degree:

(a) The candidate for the degree shall have been awarded Bachelor degree in the relevant discipline from the University of New South Wales, or equivalent program from another university.

(b) In exceptional cases, an applicant who submits evidence of such other academic and professional qualifications as may be approved by the Committee may be permitted to enrol for the degree.

If the Committee is not satisfied with the qualifications submitted by an applicant the Committee may require the applicant to undergo such assessment or carry out such work as the Committee may prescribe, before permitting enrolment.

In addition to (a) or (b), the candidate must have the agreement of the proposed supervisor and the relevant Head of School.

Students must contact the School of Public Health and Community Medicine for an information package before applying for this degree: resdegree-sphcm@unsw.edu.au