Master of Arts Scholarship in Philosophy (Clayton)

**The Opportunity**

This Master of Arts scholarship is funded as an key part of an ARC funded project**_The Moral Significance of Being Human_**,**conducted by Suzy Killmister**.**

The project will explore three fundamental philosophical questions:

- In what sense (if at all) is being human morally significant?
- What explains that significance?
- What follows, socially and politically, from that significance?

The project is committed to connecting such abstract philosophical questions to concrete social challenges, such as the failure to uphold the human rights of marginalised persons; dehumanisation; and the ‘(in)humanity’ of Artificial Intelligence.

The successful applicant will contribute to the wider project, but will also undertake their own distinct Masters project. The details of the thesis project are open to negotiation, but could be focused on a topic such as moral status, moral worth, moral equality, foundations of human rights, or dehumanisation (either in general or of particular demographics). Since capacity-based explanations of the moral significance of humanity have already been thoroughly explored in the philosophical literature, preference will be given to applicants developing alternative approaches.

Monash University is the largest university in Australia and regularly ranks in the top 100 universities worldwide. Monash has six globally networked campuses and international alliances in Europe and Asia. The applicant will be based at the Clayton campus in Melbourne. The Philosophy Department at Monash has a thriving research culture, and is ranked 33rd in the world in the latest QS rankings.

The successful applicant will have an excellent academic track record in Philosophy or a cognate discipline, and a thesis proposal that aligns with the goals of the project.

In its assessment, the selection committee will prioritise applicants who hold an Australian (or equivalent international) Honour’s or Master’s degree (both in a relevant field), with a significant research component and with first-class honours/H1 awarded.

Scholarship holders must be enrolled full-time and on campus. Please note: applicants who already hold a PhD will not be considered.

The successful applicant will be expected to enrol by **March 2026**. However, there may be some flexibility as to the date of commencement.

**Enquiries**

**Submit an Expression of Interest**

EOIs shall comprise:

- A cover letter that includes a brief statement of the applicant’s suitability
- A brief research proposal not exceeding 750 words in length that fits within the broad project aims and objectives, and demonstrates some understanding of the area of research
- A curriculum vitae, including a list of any published works, conference presentations and relevant work experience
- A full statement of academic records, degree certificates and official grading system (if available), supported by scanned copies of relevant certified documentation
- English language proficiency test results (if applicable)
- Names and contact details of 2 academic referees
- Copy of your current passport (if available)

**Application Close**:Monday 27 October 2025, 11:55 pm AEST

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