Duration
2 years full time / 4 years part time
Mode (Location)
On campus (Parkville)
Intake
March, July
Key dates
Key dates
Fees
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available
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Entry schemes
Access Melbourne is available
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be considered for entry into this course, you must have:
- An undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a directly related discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 65% (or equivalent) in the best 50 points of appropriate discipline studies at third year, AND
- Quantum mechanics studies at both second- and third-year university level.
- Studies in electrodynamics and statistical physics at third-year level is also recommended.
Appropriate discipline studies may include Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Physics, Chemical Physics (or equivalents).
Where degree levels are referenced, levels align with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Applications are assessed against these standards.
Where our admission criteria includes a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) and/or specific subject criteria, these are based on University of Melbourne grades and subjects. If you've studied elsewhere, we'll assess your relevant prior studies and equivalent grades. Your final WAM may be adjusted depending on your previous institution's accreditation, subject grading, and pass marks.
You can use our graduate coursework grade conversion eligibility calculator to get an indication of whether you are eligible for this course based on your previous studies and Weighted Average Mark (WAM).
English language requirements
All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:
- English language test score requirements
If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:
*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE); LanguageCert Academic; Michigan English Test. If a test displays N/A, it is not accepted for this course.IELTS
6.5
with writing 6.0; speaking 6.0; reading 6.0; listening 6.0TOEFL
81
with writing 19; speaking 19; reading 16; listening 16PEARSON
64
with writing 60; speaking 60; reading 60; listening 60CAMBRIDGE
169
with writing 170; speaking 179; reading 163; listening 163LANGUAGECERT ACADEMIC
67
with writing 64; speaking 70; reading 60; listening 57MET
58
with writing 57; speaking 48; reading 55; listening 56
About selection
When assessing (and where relevant, ranking) applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
- Prior academic performance
Supervision requirements
Entry into the Master of Science (Physics) is subject to the capacity of the relevant school to provide adequate supervision in the research project.
You must contact a supervisor for the research project before applying and submit the Supervisor Form as part of the online application.
How to find a supervisor:
Your supervisor must be from the School of Physics at the University of Melbourne. You can find further information available on the School’s website: Academic staff (unimelb.edu.au). You must select a supervisor from the Teaching and Research list of academics. Contact the academics directly to discuss supervision.
Best 50 WAM Calculation
The Weighted Average Mark (WAM) for this course is calculated using the Best 50 points of the most relevant subjects completed at the third-year level or in the final two years of study.
- If you have an undergraduate degree with a course duration of 3 years (full-time), your Best 50 WAM will be calculated using the most relevant discipline-specific subjects completed at third-year level of your course, typically 4 to 6 subjects, depending on the total credit point value of the degree.
- If you have an undergraduate degree with a course duration of 4 to 5 years (full-time), your Best 50 WAM will be calculated using the most relevant discipline-specific subjects completed in the final two years of your course, typically 12 to 14 subjects, depending on the total credit point value of the degree.
For applicants with diverse higher education backgrounds, different comprehensive and appropriate evaluation methods may be used for the Best 50 calculation, as determined by the Selection Committee.
The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission Policy.
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.
Additional information
Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM)
We encourage domestic students to explore eligibility for Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM). GAM offers an opportunity for admission to this course even if your tertiary marks are below the standard entry requirements. GAM applicants may also be considered for financial bursaries and Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) where available.
GAM categories include coming from a rural area, being an Indigenous Australian, experiencing financial hardship or personal difficulties, having refugee status, or living with a disability or medical condition. In assessing applications, we look to balance opportunity and your capacity to succeed.
Advanced Standing
Prior studies may be credited towards your degree and potentially reduce the duration of your course. This is known as Advanced Standing (also known as credit or recognition of prior learning).
For additional, in-depth details on entry requirements and admissions for this course, refer to the University Handbook.