The Master of Philosophy (Gerontology and Geriatrics) is a research-focused postgraduate degree that equips students to investigate the biological, psychological, clinical, and social dimensions of human ageing and the care of older people. Unlike coursework-based masters degrees, this qualification is conducted primarily through supervised independent research, culminating in a substantial thesis that makes an original contribution to knowledge in the field. The degree sits at the intersection of gerontology — the multidisciplinary study of ageing across physical, mental, and social domains — and geriatrics, the medical specialisation focused on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions in older persons. Students design and execute their own research project under the guidance of expert academic supervisors, typically from within a university's medical, public health, or health sciences faculty.

This degree is designed for health and allied health professionals, clinicians, nurses, social workers, policy analysts, and early-career researchers who wish to develop advanced expertise and research capabilities in the ageing and aged care field. It suits those seeking to transition into academic, research, or senior leadership roles within aged care services, hospitals, government agencies, or research institutions. Students with backgrounds in nursing, medicine, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, social work, public health, or social sciences will find this degree a natural progression. The course prepares graduates to critically analyse ageing-related phenomena, produce evidence-based knowledge, and contribute to improving healthcare outcomes and policy for Australia's growing older population.

Employers of graduates include public hospitals and health networks, residential aged care providers, home care organisations, federal and state government health and aged care departments, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), aged care peak bodies and advocacy organisations, dementia research centres, universities and academic research institutes, and non-government organisations focused on healthy ageing. The degree positions graduates at the forefront of one of Australia's most critical and rapidly expanding sectors.

Admission to a Master of Philosophy (Gerontology and Geriatrics) in Australia is typically competitive and research-focused. Most Australian universities require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree with at least an upper second-class honours result (a distinction average or above), or an equivalent qualification such as a graduate diploma with strong academic performance. Some universities require a prior honours degree or postgraduate diploma with a research component, as the MPhil is a research-by-thesis degree requiring demonstrated capacity for independent academic inquiry. Applicants are generally expected to have a background in a relevant discipline such as medicine, nursing, allied health (occupational therapy, physiotherapy, social work), public health, psychology, or health sciences. In some cases, substantial professional experience working with older people in a health or community care setting may be considered in lieu of formal honours-level study.

A critical component of the application process is identifying a suitable academic supervisor and having a research proposal accepted by the relevant university faculty or school. Most faculties require a written research proposal outlining the intended area of investigation, methodological approach, and its significance to the field of gerontology or geriatrics. Applicants are strongly advised to contact potential supervisors before applying to confirm supervisory availability and alignment of research interests. Admission is typically rolling or semi-annual, with intake in March (Semester 1) or July (Semester 2), though some programmes only accept students once per year.

For international students, English language proficiency requirements apply. Most Australian universities require an IELTS Academic score of at least 6.5 overall (with no individual band below 6.0), or equivalent scores in TOEFL iBT (typically 79–80), PTE Academic (58–65), or other accepted English tests. Some programmes may set higher thresholds for research degrees. Applicants who have completed prior undergraduate or postgraduate studies entirely in English at an accredited institution may be granted an exemption from English proficiency testing. Additional requirements may include academic referee reports, a curriculum vitae, and, for clinically oriented research, evidence of current professional registration with the relevant Australian regulatory body (e.g., AHPRA).