The Master of Philosophy (Science) — commonly known as the MPhil (Science) — is a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) awarded for the completion of a substantial, original research thesis in a natural or physical science discipline. Unlike coursework master's degrees, the MPhil is almost entirely research-driven: students work independently under the supervision of expert academic panels to design, execute, and report on a significant research project that makes a genuine contribution to scientific knowledge. Disciplines covered typically span biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and statistics, ecology, earth and atmospheric sciences, environmental science, and related fields. The degree is completed in one to two years full-time (or equivalent part-time), culminating in the submission of a substantial thesis and, in most cases, an oral examination. It sits at AQF Level 9 and is classified as a graduate research degree, placing it on par with the early stages of a PhD pathway.

The MPhil (Science) is designed for students who wish to deepen expertise in a specific scientific domain, build advanced research capabilities, and position themselves for either a doctoral degree or high-level professional roles across academia, government, and industry. It is particularly suited to graduates who are ready to pursue independent research but are not yet committed to a full PhD programme, or who wish to demonstrate research excellence before seeking entry into a doctoral candidature. Employers who recruit MPhil graduates in science include the CSIRO, state and federal government departments (such as those responsible for environment, health, and resources), pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, defence research organisations, mining and resources firms, environmental consulting companies, universities, and science communication and policy bodies.

Research areas within the MPhil (Science) are broad and can be tailored to a student's academic background and professional interests. Common specialisations include marine and environmental sciences, astrophysics, computational mathematics, ecology and conservation, materials science, biochemistry and molecular biology, climate science, data science, and geoscience. Because the degree is supervisor-led, the exact focus of each student's thesis is usually agreed upon with their supervisory team and shaped by current funding priorities and institutional research strengths, making every MPhil experience highly individualised.

The typical minimum academic entry requirement for an MPhil (Science) in Australia is a bachelor's degree in a relevant science discipline from a recognised Australian university or equivalent overseas institution, normally achieved with at least a Credit average (equivalent to a GPA of 5.0 out of 7.0) in senior-level units relevant to the proposed research area. Many institutions prefer applicants who hold an honours degree (typically a Bachelor with First Class or Second Class Division A Honours, AQF Level 8), as this provides evidence of prior research training. In some cases, a completed master's degree by coursework — particularly one that includes a substantial research component — may also satisfy entry requirements. Applicants who lack a formal honours year but possess significant professional research experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to faculty approval. Most institutions require applicants to identify a suitable supervisory team and, often, to submit a detailed research proposal outlining their intended project prior to receiving an offer of admission.

For international applicants, English language proficiency is mandatory and is typically demonstrated through standardised tests. Commonly accepted tests and minimum scores include: IELTS Academic — an overall band score of at least 6.5 to 7.0 (with no individual band below 6.0 or 6.5 depending on the institution); TOEFL iBT — typically a minimum total score of 79–90; or Pearson PTE Academic — usually a minimum score of 58–65. Some institutions may accept alternative evidence of English proficiency, such as completion of prior study conducted entirely in English. Eligible domestic students may be funded under the Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP), which may cover tuition fees and provide a living allowance stipend, making the MPhil an accessible and financially supported pathway for high-achieving Australian and New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.