The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Regulation and Governance is a research-focused postgraduate degree that provides interdisciplinary training across the fields of regulation, public policy, and governance. Combining rigorous original research with innovative forms of knowledge translation, the program examines how societies create rules, manage risk, and respond to complex social challenges at local, national, and global levels. Built on principles of justice, sustainability, and human well-being, the degree draws on disciplines including law, political science, sociology, criminology, public administration, and international relations to equip graduates with a sophisticated understanding of how regulatory systems function — and how they can be improved. In Australia, the MPhil is classified as a Higher Degree by Research (HDR), and the Regulation and Governance specialisation is recognised internationally for its interdisciplinary outlook, Asia-Pacific orientation, and emphasis on evidence-based policy solutions.

The course is designed for students who want to contribute original scholarship to the field rather than simply consume it. Students undertake a substantial research thesis — typically up to 60,000 words — alongside compulsory coursework units that ground their research in regulatory theory, social theory, and research methods. Topic areas explored throughout the degree include environmental regulation, health governance, digital and technology regulation, criminal justice, Indigenous governance, risk management, financial regulation, international standards-setting, and urban design. The program actively engages with real-world challenges, asking how governance systems are created, by whom, for what purpose, and how they can better anticipate catastrophic risk and deliver equitable social outcomes.

Graduates are employed across a wide spectrum of organisations, including Commonwealth and state government departments, independent regulatory agencies, international intergovernmental bodies such as the United Nations, non-government and not-for-profit organisations, private sector compliance and consulting firms, law firms, think tanks, and universities. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree means graduates are equipped to address pressing governance challenges in sectors as diverse as health, environment, technology, finance, criminal justice, and international development.

To be eligible for an MPhil in Regulation and Governance in Australia, applicants typically need to hold an Australian honours degree at the level of Honours 2A or above (equivalent to a Distinction average), or an equivalent qualification from overseas. Acceptable equivalents may include a bachelor's degree combined with a graduate diploma or a master's degree that incorporates a research component. In some cases, a bachelor's degree paired with significant professional experience, relevant publications, or professional qualifications may be considered equivalent to an honours degree, particularly where the applicant can demonstrate a capacity for original research. Applicants are also required to submit a research proposal outlining their intended area of inquiry, and to identify a potential supervisor whose expertise aligns with their proposed research topic. Academic referee reports and a current curriculum vitae are typically required as part of a complete application.

For international students, English language proficiency is a mandatory requirement. Commonly accepted tests and minimum scores include: IELTS Academic with an overall score of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT with an overall score of at least 80 (Reading: 20, Writing: 20, Listening: 18, Speaking: 18); Cambridge C1 Advanced with an overall score of at least 176 and no band below 169; and PTE Academic with an overall score of 64 and no band below 55. Students whose undergraduate background is in a cognate discipline — such as anthropology, Asian studies, criminology, development studies, international relations, law, Pacific studies, political science, policy studies, psychology, security studies, or sociology — are particularly well-placed to apply.

Domestic students (Australian and New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents) may be eligible for the Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) Stipend Scholarship, which covers tuition fees and provides a living allowance for the duration of the program. International students are encouraged to explore the AGRTP International Fee Offset Scholarship as well as external funding options such as Australia Awards Scholarships. Applications are generally encouraged for a Semester 1 commencement, and prospective students must allow sufficient time to develop their research proposal, identify a suitable supervisor, and compile complete documentation including referee reports before the relevant deadlines.