Research students are encouraged to discuss their work with staff involved in similar research, and to participate in activities organised by the research groups. They also may be required to attend lectures in relevant topics from time to time throughout the program. The Master of Philosophy comprises 24 credit points of coursework and a 72-credit points thesis. Students negotiate possible research topics with academic staff. Psychology staff conduct leading research in their fields and cover a wide range of specialisations within the broader field of psychology.

Honours degree with 2nd class Division 2 or higher, coursework Masters with WAM 60+ or GPA of 2.8 out of 4. Candidates with a Coursework Masters degree or a 4-year Bachelor Honours degree in the same discipline may be granted up to 24 credit points of advanced standing for the coursework component of the Master of Philosophy. Special Admission Requirements All applicants for research degrees must submit a written (preferably typed) proposal as part of their application. This proposal should: commence with a statement detailing any previous research or project experience you have undertaken, including if possible a copy of the abstract of such work; contain, in no more than one additional page, a clearly focussed research proposal for the study you would wish to undertake throughout your registration in the course; and conclude with a statement of your motivation for wanting to undertake the research course. You must be able to demonstrate skills in English to satisfy course entry requirements. UOW accepts results in major international English tests, including IELTS, TOEFL, Pearsons, Cambridge, and OET. Previous study in English may also be accepted.