Program Overview

Master of Science

The Master of Science is a postgraduate degree that allows students to investigate areas of interest and conduct independent and original research. The degree usually consists of two parts: coursework and a thesis.

Introduction

The Master of Science is available in over 30 subjects, and some can only be studied at postgraduate level, which can allow for specialisation in academic and career pathways. The MSc may be awarded with Distinction, Merit, or Honours.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the Master of Science, students must have completed one of the following:

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Science with Honours
• Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours
• Postgraduate Diploma in Science
• Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Geology
• or any bachelor's degree and a qualifying programme. Students will need to have completed their previous degree with a B Grade Point Average or better. If English is not their first language, they are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements.

Degree Structure

The Master of Science consists of two parts: Part I (coursework) and Part II (thesis or dissertation). Coursework must be satisfactorily completed in Part I before proceeding to Part II. Some subjects require only Part II.

• Part I and Part II must be completed in 2 years full-time; up to 4 years part-time.
• Part I must be completed full-time in 1 year, or part-time up to 2 years.
• Part II is completed full-time in 12 years or, with permission, part-time in up to 4 years.

Start Dates

Part I has a February or a July start date. For Part II, most MSc subjects can be started at the beginning of any month. Select subjects have a February-only start date Biochemistry, Chemistry, Industrial and Organisational Psychology, and Speech and Language Sciences.

Subjects and Courses

The Master of Science is available in a wide range of subjects, including:

• Astronomy
• Biochemistry
• Biological Sciences
• Biotechnology
• Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Chemistry
• Child and Family Psychology
• Computational and Applied Mathematical Sciences
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Disaster Risk and Resilience
• Ecology
• Economics
• Engineering Geology
• Environmental Science
• Finance
• Geography
• Geology
• Geospatial Data Science
• Industrial and Organisational Psychology
• Mathematics
• Medical Physics
• Medical Physics (Clinical)
• Microbiology
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Psychology
• Speech and Language Sciences
• Statistics
• Water Science and Management

Fees

The tuition fees for the Master of Science are as follows:

• Domestic students:
  • Part I (coursework): 2025 tuition fee estimate: $9,706 (120 points), 2026 tuition fee estimate: $10,288 (120 points)
  • Part II (thesis/dissertation): 2025 tuition fee estimate: $9,150 (120 points), 2026 tuition fee estimate: $9,699 (120 points)
• International students:
  • 2025 tuition fee estimate: $87,600 (240 points) ($43,800 per 120 points)
  • 2026 tuition fee estimate: $90,600 (240 points) ($45,300 per 120 points)
  • 2027 tuition fee estimate: $95,200 (240 points) ($47,600 per 120 points)

Further Study

After completing the Master of Science, students may go on to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies in their subject.

Career Opportunities

Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits, including specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.