The Master of Philosophy comprises 24 credit points of coursework and a 72-credit point thesis. Academic Units may award advanced standing for the coursework component and will determine the appropriate entry point.

This course provides students with the opportunity to undertake a substantive research project which is expected to make a valued contribution to the field. With the exception of undertaking a PhD, the MPhil is the most research intensive course offered in Earth and Environmental Sciences. The coursework component of the degree is designed to complement the research thesis, through allowing candidates to select subjects with direct relevance for their research question.

The thesis may investigate any aspect of Earth or Environmental Sciences deemed appropriate to the degree. This includes Quaternary studies/palaeoclimate, early Earth evolution, Geophysics, Sedimentary Basin Analysis, Geochronology, coastal landscape change, Geochemistry/mineralogy, Structural or Economic Geology, Earth system modelling/Earth system change, terrestrial, marine or atmospheric processes, Archaeology, climate change and environmental systems and management. 

Students may be required to attend lectures in relevant topics from time to time throughout the course.

The Faculty will ensure that a supervisor with appropriate expertise is allocated to a candidate at the time of application. Students are encouraged to identify potential supervisors who match their area of research interest by visiting the UOW Scholars website. Students are also advised to make contact with a potential supervisor to discuss their project prior to applying for admission.

Honours degree with 2nd class Division 2 or higher, coursework Masters with WAM 60+ or GPA of 2.8 out of 4.

Candidates with a Coursework Masters degree or a 4-year Bachelor Honours degree in the same discipline may be granted up to 24 credit points of advanced standing for the coursework component of the Master of Philosophy.