Curtin University

What you'll study

The MPhil (Health Science) is a thesis-based research degree in which you will undertake an original research project under academic supervision. Your study will centre on designing, conducting and reporting a substantive piece of health research that contributes to knowledge in areas such as public health, epidemiology, health services research, allied health practice, occupational health, chronic disease prevention, Indigenous health, health promotion, clinical trials, or biomedical and translational research.

Core components include:

• Development of a research proposal and literature review
• Design and application of appropriate research methodologies (qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods)
• Data collection, management and analysis, including use of statistical and qualitative analysis tools
• Thesis writing and preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication
• Progress reviews, seminars and candidature milestones with supervisory feedback

Depending on your project and discipline, you may also undertake ethics approval processes, work with clinical or community partners, and access specialised facilities (laboratories, simulation suites, or population datasets). Curtin provides structured HDR (Higher Degree by Research) training modules and workshops to support research skills, academic writing and research integrity.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised undergraduate honours degree with a significant research component, or a relevant postgraduate qualification with substantial research experience. Equivalent professional experience combined with a demonstrated capacity for research may also be considered. Applicants should submit a research proposal outlining the intended topic, methodology and alignment with Curtin supervisors, a curriculum vitae, and academic references.

Admission is subject to availability of suitable supervision and resources for the proposed project. International applicants are required to meet Curtin's English language proficiency requirements for research candidates (evidence of an accepted English test or equivalent). All candidates must satisfy Curtin's general admission and candidature requirements for higher degrees by research.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MPhil (Health Science) are well placed for careers where advanced research skills are required. Typical pathways include:

• Research officer or research fellow roles in universities, medical research institutes and government research agencies
• Policy analyst or evaluator positions in public health departments, health policy units and NGOs
• Research positions in hospitals, clinical trials units and allied health services
• Graduate entry to doctoral study (PhD) or industry research and development roles
• Specialist analytic or consultancy roles in health data, surveillance and program evaluation

The degree also develops transferable skills valued across sectors: critical appraisal, project management, scientific communication and ethical research practice.

Why study at Curtin University

Curtin offers a strong research environment in health sciences with interdisciplinary centres and links to hospitals, industry and community health partners. The university provides dedicated support for higher degree by research candidates, including supervisory teams, methodological and statistical support, HDR training programs and assistance with publishing and grant writing.

Research candidates benefit from access to contemporary facilities, research networks and opportunities to collaborate on applied projects that address local and global health challenges. Curtin's focus on translational research and community engagement helps ensure projects have practical relevance and pathways to impact.