Master of Philosophy Arts and Social Sciences (CRICOS course code 0101259) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 2 years. This course is for international students seeking advanced research training in society and culture fields. UNSW is a government-funded university located in Kensington, NSW, with CRICOS provider code 00098G. The course is registered on the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring quality standards under the ESOS Act. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, sourced directly from CRICOS. Prospective students should verify current fees and entry requirements with UNSW.
Master of Philosophy Arts and Social Sciences (CRICOS course code 0101259) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by The University of New South Wales (UNSW) over 2 years. As a research degree at AQF Level 9, it focuses on independent investigation under supervision, culminating in a thesis. The field of education is Society and Culture (broad field 09), specifically Other Society and Culture (0999). Graduates typically develop advanced analytical, critical thinking, and research skills applicable to academia, policy, and cultural sectors. UNSW is a Group of Eight university, ranked among the world's top 50, with strong research output. The course is delivered at the Kensington campus in Sydney, a major city with over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student community.
This research master's program in Society and Culture covers interdisciplinary topics within the broad field of society and culture, including but not limited to sociology, anthropology, cultural studies, history, and philosophy. Students undertake supervised research leading to a thesis. The exact research topic is determined by the student in consultation with their supervisor. Graduates are prepared for careers in research, education, government, and non-profit organisations or for further study at doctoral level. The program does not include a prescribed coursework component; it is a pure research degree. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, the provider must meet national quality standards. Australia has over 26,000 courses across 1,556 providers, ensuring diverse options for international students.
The Master of Philosophy Arts and Social Sciences has a CRICOS duration of 2 years (104 weeks). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. Full-time study is required for international students to maintain their Student visa (Subclass 500). Part-time study is generally not permitted for onshore international students. The course is offered on-campus at UNSW Kensington. As a research degree, students may also have access to off-site facilities depending on their research requirements. Always check the provider's website for the most current delivery modes.
The indicative tuition fee for the Master of Philosophy Arts and Social Sciences is A$86,000 total for the course, as recorded on the CRICOS register (April 2026). Non-tuition fees amount to A$2,000, covering items such as student services and amenities. The estimated total cost is A$88,000. These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. For example, OSHC for a single student is approximately A$600–700 per year, and living costs in Sydney (including rent, groceries, and transport) are around A$30,000–40,000 per year. Fees are indicative only and set by UNSW; confirm the current fees on the UNSW website before applying. All listed providers on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, and fee data is sourced directly from the official register.
English language requirements vary by provider — for postgraduate research degrees at UNSW, typical requirements include IELTS overall 6.5–7.0 (with no band less than 6.0) or equivalent. Some disciplines may require higher scores. Prior qualifications normally include a bachelor's degree with honours or a master's degree in a related field, with a research component. Applicants may need to submit a research proposal and identify a supervisor. For pathway options, UNSW may offer foundation programs or graduate certificates, but this is not a foundation course. International students must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting UNSW's admissions page and a registered migration agent for visa guidance. UNSW is a government university, and all entry requirements are subject to change.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. As a research master's, the program is focused on independent research and thesis writing. However, student visa holders on Subclass 500 are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, provided they meet visa conditions. This work right can help offset living costs. It is important to note that any employment must not interfere with the course requirements. The ESOS Act ensures that students can focus on their studies without exploitation.
The course is delivered at The University of New South Wales — Kensington, NSW. Kensington is a suburb in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, approximately 5 km from the city centre. Sydney has over 20 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student population. The campus is accessible by public transport, including buses and light rail. Living costs in Sydney are higher than the national average, with indicative weekly rent for a room around A$400–600, groceries A$100–150, and transport A$40–60. All CRICOS-registered courses must be delivered at approved locations; UNSW's Kensington campus is the sole location for this course.
International students enrolled in this course need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key conditions include: maintaining enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, holding adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, and having sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. Student work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. Dependants may have different work rights. The ESOS Act provides protections including tuition fee refunds in certain circumstances. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a MARA-registered agent or the Department of Home Affairs for your specific situation.
1) Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the CRICOS register to verify that UNSW (CRICOS 00098G) offers this course. HeadStart Academy's free resource helps you compare courses across Australia. 2) Apply directly to UNSW: Check entry requirements, English language test scores (e.g., IELTS), and application deadlines. Submit your application online through UNSW's admissions portal, including academic transcripts, research proposal, and referee reports. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, UNSW will issue a CoE. Then lodge a visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, providing evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, and GTE. Consult a registered migration agent if needed.
Start your application for Master of Philosophy Arts and Social Sciences at UNSW today. Research the course on the UNSW website and apply directly.
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Master of Philosophy Arts and Social Sciences is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of New South Wales (UNSW). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.