Master of Philosophical Studies

Course Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
AQF and Course Codes
  • Masters Degree (AQF 9)
  • CRICOS: (N/A)
Tuition Fees
AU$40,608
at 2026 fees
Next Intake
February, July
Apply

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Course Overview

The Master of Philosophical Studies enables students to apply an advanced body of knowledge in philosophy in relation to broader theological studies. Students broaden their knowledge and skills and deepen their engagement with select areas of study to prepare them for professional practice and further learning.

Course Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Philosophical Studies:

  1. have advanced knowledge of sources, terms and concepts required in philosophy, and of the relation of philosophy to broader theological studies
  2. have mastery of methodologies for historical and critical analysis of philosophical texts
  3. have advanced skills of interpretation and critical reflection in philosophy, with awareness of implications for and applications to historical and contemporary issues and contexts, in order to generate and evaluate ideas for professional practice and further learning
  4. articulate and communicate knowledge and insights in philosophy to specialist and non-specialist audiences
  5. apply relevant philosophical and hermeneutical skills through the execution of a substantial research-based project, capstone experience or piece of scholarship.

Course Structure

The Master of Philosophical Studies consists of 288 points.

Course Structure Points
Postgraduate foundational units in three disciplines from at least two fields, where one of the disciplines is Philosophy. 72
Postgraduate elective units in the discipline of Philosophy 96
Postgraduate elective units in any discipline 24
Either:

  • A capstone unit in Philosophy or in synthesis with it (at least 24 points)

Or:
Further postgraduate units in any discipline
Course Rules and Restrictions

  • At least 192 points must be taken in the discipline of Philosophy

Successful completion of an undergraduate degree, or an approved equivalent.

The Master of Philosophical Studies requires the completion of 288 points (12 standard postgraduate units).

Fees for 2026 are $3,384 per standard unit or $20,304 for a full-time year (6 units). The total cost of the course at 2026 fees is $40,608.

Fees are subject to change from year to year. For more information about fees, please visit the Fees page.

Credit of up to 144 points may be granted towards this award.

Credit is granted in accordance with the Credit Policy.

Choose a Home College

Catholic Theological College

Study Modes

Courses can be delivered through a variety of modes, such as:

  • Face-to-face: This is the traditional mode of study where you attend your classes in person at a physical location.
  • Online: In this mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered online.
  • Mixed-modes: This combines both face-to-face and online units throughout your award.
  • Intensive: this involves completing a condensed amount of content over a shorter period of time. Intensives can be face-to-face or online.
  • Supervised Research: This involves independent research, which is supervised by one or more people with expertise in the field.

Course Duration

The standard full-time duration of the Master of Philosophical Studies is two years. The Master of Philosophical Studies must be completed in not less than two years and not more than six years from the date on which the course is commenced.
Standard Minimum Maximum
2 years
2 years
6 years

AQF Level:

Regulation:

Regulation 11 Awards, Courses and Units

Course Code:

CRICOS Code:

N/A

The table gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students admitted into this course. It provides data on all students who commenced study in the most relevant recent intake period.

This course did not have any new students commence in the most recent semester.

You can compare other institutions with the University of Divinity to help inform your undergraduate study choices. ComparED is an initiative of the Australian Government. It’s powered by QILT (Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching) surveys that draw data from real life student experiences from commencement of study through to employment.

Upon successful completion of all course requirements, students will receive an invitation to graduate. This entitles the graduate to wear the approved Academic Dress at the graduation ceremony, and to use the approved postnominals after their name.

Academic Dress

Gown: Black Masters gown

Headwear: Black trencher

Hood: Olive Green

Postnominals

MPS

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