Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Regulation and Governance
A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) can be a pathway to the RegNet PhD, or it can be an opportunity to apply regulation and governance insights to explore a problem that interests you in the fields of social justice, sustainability and wellbeing.
MPhil students share in the resources of the RegNet PhD program, which is distinguished by its interdisciplinary outlook, Asia-Pacific orientation, stimulating curriculum, world-class supervisors, collegiality, global networks and multiple career pathways.
In Australia, the MPhil is also called a Higher Degree by Research (HDR). Learn more by looking at the following pages and by contacting us.
The Master of Philosophy award will take between one and two years of full-time research to complete. It can also be completed as a part-time degree. This award is conducted in English and is delivered principally on the basis of a research thesis comprising of original written work, most typically limited to 60,000 words.
Students are also required to take 18 units of formal coursework. In semester 1, students complete Regulation and Governance (REGN 9052) and Governance and Social Theory (REGN 9053). In semester 2, students complete Methods in Regulation and Governance (REGN 9076). In addition, students can participate in a suite of workshops to facilitate their research.
Supervisors
At RegNet, MPhil students have a primary supervisor and a panel of supporting supervisors. The primary supervisor chairs the panel. RegNet supervisory panels for PhD students are typically made up of experienced professors, mid- and early-career researchers working in the student’s field of interest from the ANU and may include one or more colleagues from disciplinary or professional areas that relate to the student’s topic.
Not sure who might be the supervisor for you? Under the ‘supervisors’ tab you can view available supervisors and their interests and get in touch.
If you are interested in working with a supervisor not on this list, please contact RegNet directly (regnet.education@anu.edu.au) in advance of the application deadline.
Requirements for admission to a Master of Philosophy degree
An Australian bachelor’s degree or higher, with an overall grade of distinction or higher, or the international equivalent, or
Another equivalent degree, or
A combination of qualifications, research publications and/or professional experience that are related to your field of study
All applicants must meet the University’s English Language Admission Requirements for Students.
Application deadlines
MPhil applications are encouraged for a Semester 1 start (Semester 2 cohorts will be considered on a year-by-year basis). Applications must be complete with all required documentation and referee reports by the relevant deadlines in order to be assessed. Please keep in mind deadlines for various funding schemes may be earlier than the deadlines listed in the table below.
Prospective students must allow adequate time to explore potential supervisors, develop and revise a research proposal, and for assessment of their application. We suggest commencing this process 2 to 4 months ahead of any scholarship or admissions deadlines. An Expression of Interest (Step 3 – How to Apply) to the CAP HDR team is required a minimum of 4 weeks ahead of an admissions decision.
Indicative fees
Domestic students
Domestic research students are not required to pay tuition fees as they are enrolled under the Research Training Scheme. The RTS provides funding for a Masters research program up to a maximum of 2 years (full-time).
International students
Annual indicative fees for international students in 2020 were A$46,080. International students are required to pay International Student Fees (ISF) unless these are covered by a scholarship.
Scholarships
Domestic students (i.e. citizens of Australia and New Zealand and permanent residents of Australia) are eligible for an Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) Stipend Scholarship. The AGRTP is funded by the Commonwealth government and provides support to students completing a research degree program.
The AGRTP International Fee Offset Scholarship provides support for a research program up to a maximum of two years (full-time) for a Masters program, and up to four years for a PhD program (or part-time equivalent).
Most RegNet students are successful in obtaining scholarships to fully or partially fund their study in Canberra. AGRTP and AGRTP international Fee offset Scholarship applicants are very competitive. Thus, international students should consider applying to other eligible schemes, such as the Australia Awards Scholarships
If you enrol in additional subjects/courses during your enrolment you may incur tuition fees.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
See the ‘Admissions’ tab on this page.
Step 2: Explore your options
Please look through the RegNet website to see what types of projects are currently being pursued by students and supervisors, and view the ‘supervisors’ tab on this page.
Note: Please do not contact potential supervisors at this stage of the process.
Step 3: Express your interest
Prospective students must allow adequate time to explore potential supervisors, develop and revise a research proposal, and for assessment of their application. We suggest commencing this process 3 to 6 months ahead of any scholarship or admissions deadlines. An Expression of Interest is required a minimum of 6 weeks ahead of an admissions decision.
To express your interest in pursuing a research degree at RegNet, email electronic copies of the following documents to cap.hdr@anu.edu.au.
(1) A brief thesis proposal of 2-3 pages
(2) A copy of your CV
(3) A list of potential supervisors – please note, we ask that you do not contact potential supervisors directly.
Please see the ‘supervisors’ tab at this link for a list of academics affiliated with RegNet: https://regnet.anu.edu.au/study/master-philosophy
ANU also has a helpful guide on writing a research proposal - https://www.anu.edu.au/students/academic-skills/research-writing/researc...
Our HDR team will reach out to prospective supervisors on your behalf and put you in contact should we have availability and a suitable match.
Step 4: Connect with potential supervisors
In the event that we have a suitable match for supervision, you will be asked to attend an interview (this can be done over phone/videoconferencing if you are not based in Canberra). Please note supervisors may request additional documentation at that time, such as academic transcripts or writing samples.
At this stage you will also be expected to further develop your thesis proposal based on supervisory feedback to 5-10 pages for admissions and scholarship assessment.
Step 5: Make a formal application to the ANU
Once a supervisor has interviewed you and signed off on your proposal, the Director of Education will advise you to apply through the ANU online application process. The RegNet MPhil program code is 8560XMPHIL.
See requirements for the full ANU application here.
Please note your application is NOT complete until your referee reports have been received. Referee reports must be received by scholarship and admissions deadlines. Referees will receive the report template to complete only after you submit your application to the ANU. Therefore, leave appropriate time between submitting the application and the scholarship/admission deadline for your referees to complete and send their reports. These reports must be sent confidentially and directly to the University rather than to you.
All applicants should include a section in their application detailing the viability of their project in the context of COVID restrictions. This section should either (a) explain how the project is not dependent on travel and/or fieldwork and therefore feasible regardless of restrictions in these domains; or (b) provide a 12-month plan outlining how the project will proceed if the current restrictions on fieldwork and travel continue. Applicants should discuss the viability of their research project under COVID restrictions with their proposed supervisors prior to submitting the application.
International students are required to have a valid visa at all times. Applying for a visa can be a long process, so please take a look at the information on visas on the ANU website as early as possible.
Step 6: Get ready!
You may find it useful to look at our recommended introductory readings on regulatory theory.
