#36 in the world for public health
#3 in Australia for interdisciplinary science research
Pathway to a PhD
Why choose Deakin
This elite intensive research degree in health and (bio-) medical sciences will provide students with the opportunity to pursue and independent investigative research project under the supervision of an academic staff member in the School of Medicine, along with coursework specifically designed to provide relevant skills in research design, communication, integrity and interpretation. This course will provide students with a dedicated pathway into PhD programs or into employment where deeper disciplinary knowledge and research skills are required.
The research projects that centre on the basis of health and disease span from basic gene discovery and molecular analysis, through to functional genomics and pre-clinical development, to clinical and population studies. This includes in the fields of immunity, infectious diseases, developmental biology, exercise physiology and metabolism, musculoskeletal biology, haematology, cancer, metabolic disease, neuroscience, molecular psychiatry and nanomedicine. Research projects may also be offered in the field of rural and regional medicine, general practice, chronic disease management, public health, medical education, epidemiology, farmer health, medical imaging, surgery and optometry.
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Research from discovery to patient care
Undertake research spanning gene discovery and molecular analysis through pre-clinical development to clinical and population studies.
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School of Medicine expert supervision
Be supervised by School of Medicine experts, home to some of the world’s most highly cited researchers across biomedical, clinical and health research.
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Specialist health environments
Draw on clinical trials, sequencing and biostatistics expertise and infrastructure, including HERB at Barwon Health and Deakin Rural Health in Warrnambool.
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Research careers and doctoral pathways
Build advanced research capability and analytical skills, creating a strong pathway to a PhD and research-led careers across healthcare, government, industry and academia.
Connected to industry
Engaging with industry during your PhD or masters by research ensures your research is relevant, future‑focused and positioned to create impact. Develop the skills your future employers need with industry-embedded projects, co‑supervision arrangements, access to partner facilities and opportunities to translate research into practice.
FAQs
To apply for a research degree at Deakin, you will need a qualification at level 8 or 9 of the Australian Qualifications Framework, completed within the last five years. For a PhD, you need a minimum grade equivalent to 70%, including a research component with a dissertation or equivalent. For a masters by research, the minimum is 65%, including at least 65% for the research component. If your qualifications are older than five years, you can still apply with a portfolio of recent research or professional experience. As an international applicant, you will also need to demonstrate English language proficiency and hold a valid student visa (Subclass 500). Refer to the entry requirements section on the course page for specific requirements.
Both degrees involve producing an original written thesis with the support of a research supervisor, but they differ in scope, duration and depth. A masters by research takes approximately two years full time and can serve as a pathway to PhD study. A PhD takes approximately three years full time and requires original research that makes a new contribution to your field, with higher entry grade requirements.
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for student support. From orientation to graduation, you will benefit from dedicated supervision, a personalised online candidature profile to track milestones and access to the Researcher Development Academy, which offers workshops on research practice, writing and communication. You may also access experiences beyond your thesis, including study trips, research fieldwork, fellowships and industry mentorship. Support continues after graduation through Deakin's researcher development programs and lifetime access to Deakin TALENT.
The two main scholarship options for international graduate researchers are the Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship and Deakin's Postgraduate Research Scholarship (DUPR). These scholarships may include full tuition fee coverage, Overseas Student Health Cover, relocation allowances and a tax-exempt living stipend. To be competitive, you will generally need an H1 grade average or equivalent. Use the find a scholarship tool to explore all available options.
Australia is consistently recognised as one of the world's most liveable countries, and Deakin's campuses in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool offer an immersive experience in vibrant, multicultural communities. As an international graduate researcher at Deakin, you will join a diverse research community, access world-class facilities and benefit from a safe, supportive campus environment. Depending on your visa conditions, you may also be able to work part time while you study.
Finding the right supervisor is an important first step in your research journey. Begin by reviewing Deakin's research strengths and browsing our institutes and research groups to identify a topic that aligns with work happening across the university. Then use the supervisor directory to search by name, faculty, research area or keyword. Check individual profiles to confirm availability, then email your preferred supervisor directly to introduce yourself and discuss your research interests. At Deakin, you will be supported by a team of at least two supervisors throughout your degree.
If you are applying to the Faculty of Business and Law, Deakin will identify a relevant supervisor based on your proposed research area and available expertise. Before applying, explore Deakin's Business and Law research to understand where your proposed research aligns with our areas of expertise.
Your supervisor can make a significant difference to your research journey, so it is important to find the right fit. When searching for a supervisor, look for expertise that aligns with your research interests and take time to understand how they approach supervision and work with their team. You can search Deakin's directory of experts by name, faculty, research area or keyword, then reach out directly to discuss your interests and explore supervision opportunities.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Philosophy, you must pass 16 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Must pass 12 credit points in:
or
Students will work continuously on their research project over a two-year period full-time or four year period part-time.
In addition, students need to complete 4 credit points of research training coursework units within the first year (FTE) of the course.
And one of:
or
or
Professional recognition
Not applicable
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
You should be able to commit 36 hours a week towards the Master of Philosophy degree. A student is entitled to 20 working days annual leave from candidature on approval by their Principal Supervisor.
Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Career Pathway Placements (internships) with industry partners, are offered as an elective, to all domestic and international HDR students. The timing of a proposed placement should be discussed with the supervisory team, and approved by the School HDR Coordinator.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in a chosen area of research in the medical discipline. Plan and execute a substantial research project that demonstrates complex knowledge and application of medical research principles and methods. |
| Interpret and efficiently transmit knowledge, skills, ideas and data to specialist and non-specialist audiences using highly developed written and oral communication skills. Apply listening and effective communication skills to accommodate, encourage and answer questions from an audience and to defend research findings and propositions. |
| Use digital technologies to locate, curate, interpret and disseminate relevant evidence-based literature to formulate research hypotheses, concepts and theories. |
| Critically analyse literature, research data and other information relevant to the medical discipline to develop a conceptual framework for a substantial research project. |
| Demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement and responsibility to critically analyse, reflect upon and synthesise complex information, concepts and theories by planning and executing a substantial research project in the chosen field of study. Contribute to advancements in knowledge of the discipline through mastering the use of instruments and techniques, to collect, interpret, analyse, synthesise and disseminate research data and findings. |
| Demonstrate a high level of personal autonomy, professionalism and responsibility in the acquisition of knowledge and in the planning and execution of a research project and interpretation of its data and findings. |
| Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with research peers and non-specialist stakeholders to address complex real-world problems in a variety of settings. |
| Demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills in conducting best-practice research of the highest ethical standards and in managing, sharing data and disseminating research findings across wider research and cultural communities. |
- Award granted
- Master of Philosophy
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H800
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 093847E Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Higher Degree Research
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$48,200
for 1 yr full-time AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarships
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Get all the information you need to successfully apply for a Deakin research degree or PhD, including key dates, entry requirements, supporting documents and finding a research supervisor. We’re here to support you through the process.