Join one of our world-renowned research groups, work with state-of-the-art equipment, and soak up all the professional development opportunities and international connections that come with studying at Australia's leading university. With seven schools to choose from (BioSciences, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, Geography, Mathematics and Statistics, and Physics) and more than 500 academic researchers to work with, you’re sure to find a team and an MPhil project that will suit you. Not just a researcher The Melbourne experience enables our graduates to become specialists within their field, leaders in communities, attuned to cultural diversity and active global citizens. Your entry to a research career If you’re thinking about a research career, but aren’t ready to commit to a PhD, the MPhil gives you the perfect introduction to university-based science research. Course structure Typically taken over 1.5 years full time (part time available for domestic students), you’ll be independently working on an innovative research project that results in a thesis, which will make a distinct contribution to knowledge in your field. Undertake an MPhil in one of seven schools: BioSciences Chemistry Earth Sciences Ecosystem and Forest Sciences Mathematics and Statistics Physics Geography The normal length of a MPhil thesis is 30,000–40,000 words. The course includes regular progress reviews with a supervisory panel to ensure good progress towards completion of the thesis. Students can publish sections of their research thesis as they are completed. The Master of Philosophy (Science) involves no compulsory coursework, though with approval students may be able to take coursework subjects that are relevant to their research. Career outcomes An MPhil is a step towards a research career in many areas of science. Many MPhil graduates go on to do a PhD, which then leads to work as a postdoctoral research scientist and then onto careers in research and teaching in academia, or they move into industry where the technical and professional skills that you get with an MPhil are being recognised more and more. Employers include: Universities International research institutions like CSIRO, the Defence Science and Technology Group, the Max Planck Institutes, the Chinese Academy of Sciences or NASA Government departments like the Bureau of Meteorology, the Bureau of Statistics or Melbourne Water Consulting firms such as Deloitte and KPMG Software and computing companies such as IBM, IRESS and Quantium Large financial services providers including ANZ and NAB. Technical and professional skills On graduating from the course you’ll have high-level knowledge and research skills in your chosen area of science. Additionally, you’ll have strong professional skills in: Critical thinking and problem-solving Research planning, literature reviews and reporting on research Scientific communication, both written and oral Project management.