#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.
-
Research from discovery to patient care
Undertake research spanning gene discovery and molecular analysis through pre-clinical development to clinical and population studies.
-
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.
-
Specialist health environments
Draw on clinical trials, sequencing and biostatistics expertise and infrastructure, including HERB at Barwon Health and Deakin Rural Health in Warrnambool.
-
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
Deakin is ranked #1 in Victoria for student support, with resources designed to take you from orientation through to thesis submission. You'll have a personalised online candidature profile to track milestones and manage your progress, backed by dedicated supervision. The Researcher Development Academy runs workshops covering research practice, writing, milestones and research communication. You can also build experience beyond your thesis through study trips, research fieldwork, fellowships, industry mentorship and programs like the National Industry PhD Program. Deakin's Three Minute Thesis (3MT) and Reel Research program gives you the chance to develop your research communication skills throughout your degree.
As a Deakin graduate researcher, you'll have access to world-class facilities across our campuses. Deakin is ranked #1 among Victorian universities for facilities, with advanced labs, specialised equipment and collaborative spaces available to researchers. Highlights include the Genesis Simulator, the only university-based system of its kind worldwide, Australia's first high-G CYCLONE Centrifuge, the AquaFI Lab and the Deakin Volume Screen. Our research precincts, including the Geelong Future Economy Precinct with its Hydrogen Hub and ManuFutures facility and the ITSH Precinct, put you alongside industry partners and cutting-edge infrastructure.
Applying for a research degree at Deakin involves a few key steps. First, review the entry requirements section on the course page. Next, find a supervisor in your field and review key dates and scholarship deadlines. You'll then need to prepare your supporting documents, including a research proposal. When you're ready, create a ResearchPoint profile and apply online through the Deakin Application Portal.
Finding the right supervisor is one of the most important steps in starting a research degree. Deakin's Find a Research Supervisor tool lets you search by research area, faculty or keyword to identify academics whose expertise aligns with your proposed project. Browse their profiles to learn about current projects and research interests, then reach out to introduce yourself and discuss your ideas. You'll need to confirm a supervisor's availability and willingness to support you before submitting your application.
If you're an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent visa holder, you won't pay tuition fees for a research degree at Deakin. Domestic candidates are automatically covered by the RTP Fee Offset scholarship, which covers your tuition in full. You may also be eligible for an RTP or DUPR scholarship, which can include a tax-exempt stipend, relocation allowances and other support.
A research proposal is a required part of your application for a research degree at Deakin. It helps us assess whether we have the supervisory expertise to support your project. Your proposal should cover your research direction, aims and objectives, your approach and scope, and how your work will contribute to knowledge in the field. The expected length varies from 300 to 2,000 words depending on the faculty. Find out how to prepare a compelling research proposal.
Yes, part-time study is available for many research degrees at Deakin, making it possible to balance your candidacy with work or other commitments. For example, a masters by research that takes two years full-time can be completed part-time over four years. Check the duration details on the course page to confirm.
*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
- Level
- Higher Degree Research
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
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.