A Guide for Prospective Candidates - Applying to become a research student
How to apply? A step-by-step guide
Please read all steps carefully before submitting your application.
- Step 1 - Choose a course and check eligibility
- Step 2 - Match your topic to our expertise
- Step 3 - Submit an inquiry
- Step 4 - School recommendation
- Step 5 - Prepare application materials
Step 1 - Choose a course and check eligibility
The Faculty of Arts offers the following research degrees in the creative arts, languages, humanities and the social sciences:
| Code | Course |
| Research by 100% thesis | |
| 0020 | Doctor of Philosophy |
| 3757 | Doctor of Philosophy (Monash Asia Institute) |
| 2695 | Master of Arts (Research) |
| 3773 | Master of Arts (Creative Writing) |
| 3063 | Master of Arts (Music Composition) |
| 2704 | Master of Bioethics |
| 3939 | Master of Arts (Theatre Performance) |
| 3902 | Master of Environmental Science (100% research) |
| Research with coursework component | |
| 2846 | Master of Arts (Research and coursework) |
| 3059 | Master of Arts (Music Performance) |
| 2702 | Master of Environmental Science (66% research) |
Students considering study at Monash must meet both academic and English language proficiency requirements.
Academic requirements:
- A bachelors degree in a related discipline from Monash University requiring at least four years of full-time study, which normally includes a research component in the fourth year, leading to an honours degree at H1 or H2A level, or
- A course leading to a masters preliminary qualification at a level rated by the faculty as equivalent to an honours class I or IIA degree,or
- A masters degree in a related discipline, including a significant research component, at least equivalent to an Australian honours degree (a full-time year of research and an examined thesis). It is normally expected that a minimum grade of H2A has been obtained for the research thesis or project,or
- A qualification deemed equivalent.
If you do not meet entry requirements for a research degree, you may wish to consider completing the Postgraduate Diploma of Arts (Research). This course is designed for applicants without a research background and is an equivalent to an Australian honours degree.
Step 2 - Match your topic to our expertise
We welcome research topics in those fields in which we have particular expertise and can offer proper supervision. We are always willing to discuss reseaerch proposals that fall within our main supervision areas, and to give guidance on their scope and focus. Before searching for a supervisor for your thesis, you may want to read more about the specific interests of Faculty staff. More information is available from Find a supervisor or from the University's searchable database. Once you have found a compatible supervisor or suitable supervision area, you can submit an expression of interest to us.
Step 3 - Submit an inquiry
To express an interest in undertaking a research degree you need to complete a Pre-application Inquiry Form (rtf, pdf). This form assists the faculty to determine whether sufficient supervision and facilities are available to support your research topic. Note that this is not a formal application and is not an offer of candidature. Please also see the further information on how to draft a thesis proposal.
You will need to ensure that you meet our rigorous entry requirements and if you apply as an International Student you will need to meet the Faculty of Arts English language requirements.
Lodge the pre-application form with the Faculty Office, as directed on the form.
What happens next?
Step 4 - School recommendation
When a pre-application is received, it is sent to the designated school for consideration.
The School will indicate that the detail of the application, including the supervisor(s), commencement date and field of study, is acceptable to the school.
Step 5 - Prepare application materials
If supervision is found within the Faculty, you will be encouraged to submit an application. Applications can be downloaded from the following sites:
| Course | Form |
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | All applicants |
| Masters by Research | Australian or New Zealand citizens or Permanent Residents: International applicants: |
International applicants for both the Master and PhD must submit the application form to International Recruitment Services. Citizens of Australia or New Zealand or permanent residents must submit an application directly to the Faculty Office.
Faculty of Arts
c/- Marketing and International
(Research Degrees)
Building 11
Monash University
VIC 3800
Need more help?
If you require further help with the application process, contact the Faculty Course Advisor or call +61 3 9905 8318.