Science - S6000

Science

Master's degree

Deepen your knowledge and skills through advanced coursework and a a research project or industry application to boost your career or pursue further research. The Monash Master of Science is an expert master’s course that prepares you for professional employment or for PhD studies.

An advanced program for science graduates with an undergraduate degree in a related discipline, you will be able to choose from the following disciplines that leads to a specialist award:

  • Astrophysics
  • Atmospheric science
  • Earth science
  • Physics

Reflecting the breadth and depth of our research expertise and industry connections, you can undertake a range of subjects in each of the four disciplines that will empower you to build upon your science training and knowledge to influence the future and make new discoveries.

From astrophysics to X-ray optics, from dynamical meteorology to geochemistry, the Master of Science degree provides significant opportunities to develop your creativity and your passion for original thought - enabling you to gain new perspectives on the world, and to make connections with people in both academia and industry.

For example, the specialisations in atmospheric and earth sciences are delivered in cooperation with the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences (VIEPS) – offering you unparalleled access to the academic expertise of our collaborators and industry partners, by providing engagement opportunities with VIEPS members.

PATHWAYS AND OUTCOMES

This master’s program provides a wealth of professional employment opportunities across four disciplines: Astrophysics, Atmospheric Science, Earth Science, Physics. It can also be used to prepare students for a PhD.

GET IN TOUCH

If you have more questions, please get in touch.

Book a one-on-one phone or Zoom consultation with the Course Director or Course Coordinator

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At a glance

Course Details

Location
  • On-campus at Clayton: Full time
Duration
 1, 1.5 or 2 years full-time depending on prior qualifications. See entry requirements.
Start date
 First Semester (February) 1.5 years/1 year, Second Semester (July) 2 years/1year
Qualification
 Master of Science in Astrophysics, Master of Science in Atmospheric science, Master of Science in Earth science, Master of Science in Physics
Fees

Information about fees

Course Handbook

Please select a specialisation for more details:

Entry Requirements

You need to satisfy the following entrance requirements to be considered for entry to this course.

Minimum Entry Requirements (International students)

Qualifications

Depending on prior qualifications:

Entry level 1: 96 points to complete - Duration: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time.

An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) with specific topic knowledge as outlined below, and at least 65% (high credit) average overall, or equivalent qualification and experience approved by the faculty.

Topic knowledge
For Astrophysics:
Foundation knowledge in multivariable calculus, including vector calculus; differential equations (Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations); linear algebra and matrices. A background in classical mechanics and astronomy/astrophysics.

For Atmospheric Science:
Any minor in atmospheric science, oceanography, mathematics, physics or a related field, which must include differential calculus.

For Earth Science:
A minor in earth science, environmental science, or any related discipline

For Physics:
Foundational knowledge in Multivariable calculus, including vector calculus; differential equations (Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations); linear algebra and matrices. A background in classical mechanics and field theory, including relativity and classical electrodynamics. A background in quantum mechanics at the upper-level undergraduate level.

Entry level 2: 48 points to complete - Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) with at least a major and specific topic knowledge in the intended Master specialisation with at least 65% (high credit) average, or equivalent qualification and experience approved by the Faculty of Science.

In addition to requirements of level 1 entry, the following specific topic knowledge:

For Astrophysics:
A background in computational fluid dynamics and numerical solutions of Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations, modern cosmology, computational fluid dynamics, numerical solutions of Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations.

For Atmospheric Science:
An upper-level undergraduate understanding of moist thermodynamics, dynamical meteorology, physical meteorology and multivariable calculus.

For Earth Science:

For Physics:
A background in statistical mechanics and condensed matter physics.

Entry level 3: 48 points to complete – Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

A four-year Australian honours degree (or equivalent) in a cognate science discipline with at least a 65% (high credit) average in the intended Master discipline or equivalent qualification and experience approved by the Faculty of Science.

English entry requirements

Level A
IELTS (Academic): 6.5 Overall score, with minimum band scores: Listening 6.0, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0 and Speaking 6.0 or Pearson Test of English (Academic): 58 Overall score, with minimum scores: Listening 50, Reading 50, Speaking 50 and Writing 50 or TOEFL iBT:

0 - 120 scale:
79 Overall score, with minimum scores: Reading 13, Listening 12, Speaking 18 and Writing 21

1 - 6 scale:
4 Overall score, with minimum scores: Reading 3.5, Listening 3, Speaking 3.5 and Writing 4.5

 or Courses that require English Level A only: Other approved English tests (minimum entry scores apply)

Courses with English Level B, C, D, E and F: Other approved English tests (higher entry scores apply than specified)

University entrance requirements

Minimum entrance requirements for admission to Monash University Australia.

Extra Requirements

Interview

The course structure and progression map can be viewed in the Handbook.

Making the application

Future students

Semester one (February)

Apply directly to Monash using course code S6000

Apply

Semester two (July)

Apply directly to Monash using course code S6000

Apply

Current Monash students

You may apply to transfer from another Monash course. Transfers are a competitive process. You may apply mid-year for available courses however consideration will be given as to whether you will be able to follow your course progression.

Please note that if you apply for a course transfer, you should still enrol in your current course as if you were continuing so as not to jeopardise your enrolment in the Faculty if your transfer application is unsuccessful. More about Course Transfer.

Self assess for credit eligibility

Check for study credit using the "Credit search" link on the Credit for prior study page.

Fees

Fees are subject to change annually.

International fee

Fees are per 48 credit points which represents a standard full-time course load for a year. The fees for 2026 are:

A$57,700

Scholarships

We offer over 360 types of scholarships, valued at up to $280,000. Some scholarships offer one-off payments while others continue for the length of your course. Learn more about Monash Scholarships.

Other costs and fees

For information on other study costs and fees, see other study costs.

Enrolment Obligations

International students enrolling in a CRICOS-registered course can study no more than one third (33%) of their course by distance and/or online learning. Students must enrol in at least one unit that is not by distance and/or online in each compulsory study period unless the student is completing the last unit of their course. See standard 8.19 and 8.20 of National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018.

CRICOS code: 096867K

International course guides

If you are an international student and wish to find out more about our courses, entry requirements, studying at Monash and more, please download our international course guides below.

International Study Grants

International study grants

International Study Grants valued at up to $10,000