Master of Philosophy (CRICOS course code 096609F) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by Torrens University Australia Limited over 2 years. This AQF Level 9 qualification falls under the field of Society and Culture (099999), providing advanced research training across multiple disciplines. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 03389E), it meets Australian Government standards for international students. Torrens University, a private institution, delivers this program at campuses in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland. Whether you aim to pursue a PhD or build a career in academia, industry, or government, this research-focused degree develops critical thinking, independent inquiry, and scholarly communication skills.
As a Master of Philosophy candidate, you will undertake original research under academic supervision, culminating in a thesis of approximately 50,000 words. The field of education - Society and Culture, n.e.c. (099999) - encompasses a broad range of topics including social theory, cultural studies, policy analysis, and interdisciplinary approaches. While specific research areas depend on your chosen topic and supervisor, graduates of this level typically develop advanced skills in research design, data collection and analysis, academic writing, and ethical research practice. You will engage with scholarly literature, attend seminars, and may have opportunities to present your work at conferences. Torrens University's research agenda focuses on areas such as business, design, health, and technology, offering diverse supervision options.
The Master of Philosophy is registered on CRICOS with a duration of 2 years (104 weeks). The program is delivered in English, with no dual qualification or foundation studies component. Study mode is typically full-time on campus, though some research activities may be conducted off-site depending on your project. This is a single qualification - not combined with another degree. The 2-year duration provides intensive research training, with milestones including confirmation of candidature and thesis submission. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with student visa conditions.
Tuition fees for the Master of Philosophy at Torrens University Australia Limited are indicative at A$59,000 for the entire program, with no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register, bringing the estimated total to A$59,000. Please note that these fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. For the most current fee schedule, always visit the Torrens University website. Fees are set by the institution and subject to change. International students should budget approximately A$20,000-A$30,000 per year for living costs, depending on location (e.g., Sydney is more expensive than Adelaide). We strongly recommend consulting the Department of Home Affairs for current financial capacity requirements.
Admission to a Master of Philosophy typically requires completion of a bachelor's degree with honours (AQF Level 8) or a coursework master's degree (AQF Level 9) with a research component, in a relevant discipline. English language proficiency requirements vary by provider. For Torrens University, you may need an IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band below 6.0) or equivalent; some research-intensive programs may require 7.0. Always check the exact requirements on the provider's website, as they can differ by course and campus. If you do not meet academic prerequisites, some pathway options (e.g., graduate certificates) may be available - contact Torrens University for advice.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, as a research student, you may engage in teaching assistance or research assistant roles on a casual basis, subject to visa work limitations. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Note that work rights are subject to visa conditions and may change. Any employment should not interfere with your study program.
Torrens University Australia Limited delivers the Master of Philosophy at five locations: 1-37 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010 (Sydney); 16 Fitzroy Street, Leura NSW 2780 (Blue Mountains); 196 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000; 82-98 Wakefield Street, Adelaide SA 5000; and 90 Bowen Terrace, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 (Brisbane). Each campus offers access to research facilities, libraries, and academic support. Sydney and Melbourne have the largest international student populations, with over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers across Australia offering diverse study environments. Living costs vary: Sydney is approximately A$600-800/week for rent, while Adelaide may be A$400-600/week. All campuses are accessible by public transport.
International students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Key requirements include meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration, and demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. As of 2026, single students need approximately A$29,710 per year for living costs, plus OSHC (around A$600-1,000 per year) and visa application fee (A$1,600). Work rights are 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during breaks (subject to visa conditions). Remember to check the Department of Home Affairs for current requirements. The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act protects your rights, including course quality and tuition fee refunds.
Follow these three steps to secure your place:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy's tools to filter by course level (Masters Degree Research), field (Society and Culture), and location. Confirm Torrens University is registered for this course (CRICOS 03389E).
2. **Apply directly to Torrens University** – Review entry requirements (including English test scores and academic transcripts), prepare a research proposal, and submit your application via the Torrens University website. Deadlines vary by intake; contact the admissions team for guidance.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, you'll get a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and financial evidence ready. Consult a registered migration agent (MARA) if needed – HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
A Master of Philosophy is a significant commitment requiring self-motivation and independent work. Consider the following: - **Research fit**: Does Torrens University have supervisors with expertise in your area? Check their research profiles. - **Location**: Each campus offers a different lifestyle – Sydney and Melbourne are vibrant, cosmopolitan cities with high living costs; Adelaide and Brisbane offer more affordable living; Leura provides a quiet, nature-focused setting. - **Career outcomes**: While many MPhil graduates pursue PhDs, others enter research roles in industry, government, or consulting. Employability depends on your research field and networking. - **Funding**: Explore scholarships offered by Torrens University, including the International Student Scholarship. Over 1,500 CRICOS providers offer thousands of courses – compare your options.
Remember: all data on HeadStart Academy comes directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) and is provided free of charge with no referral fees.
Ready to advance your research career? Explore Master of Philosophy at Torrens University and start your application today.
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Master of Philosophy is a CRICOS-registered programme at Torrens University Australia Limited. 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.