macquarie university phd requirements

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Higher Degree Research Thesis Preparation, Submission and Examination Policy

Section 1 - purpose, section 2 - policy, thesis preparation, thesis by publication, creative thesis, thesis submission, appointment of examiners, thesis examination, thesis re-examination, degree award recommendations, thesis finalisation, unforeseen events, section 3 - procedures, section 4 - guidelines, section 5 - definitions.

(1) This Policy establishes the requirements for the preparation, submission and examination of higher degree research (HDR) theses at Macquarie University.

(2) This Policy covers the thesis component of the following degrees:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and all other doctorates by research;
• Master of Philosophy (MPhil); and
• Master of Research (MRes).

(3) Research Doctorates enable candidates to undertake extensive, independent research which forms a distinct contribution to the knowledge of a chosen subject, and which affords evidence of coherence and originality shown either by the discovery of new facts or by the exercise of independent critical power.

(4) The Master of Philosophy is awarded for research that demonstrates that a contribution has been made to knowledge in a particular field of study by presenting new facts or by demonstrating an independent critical ability to evaluate existing material in a new light.

(5) The Master of Research is partly awarded for a research project that critically responds to or reflects on current research in the relevant field by producing clearly justified empirical outcomes or analytical evaluations.

(6) Macquarie University requires HDR candidates to prepare a thesis in fulfillment of higher degree by research requirements and for the thesis to undergo a process of external examination. Reports of the examination process are submitted in writing and reviewed by the Research Degree Subcommittee (RDSC) of the Research and Research Training Committee (RRTC).

(7) When all work on the thesis has been satisfactorily completed (including any compulsory coursework units) and all thesis preparation, submission and examination requirements have been met to the satisfaction of RDSC, a recommendation is made to RRTC as to the award of the relevant degree.

(8) This Policy applies to all:

• higher degree research candidates enrolled at Macquarie University;
• supervisors as defined in the Higher Degree Research Supervision Policy ;
• other Macquarie University academic and professional staff acting on behalf of these HDR candidates; and
• examiners of Macquarie University HDR theses.

(9) As an HDR thesis embodies the results of research and investigation by a candidate enrolled in a higher degree by research, Macquarie University requires that:

• a research degree make a contribution to knowledge and in the case of doctoral degrees, this contribution must be ‘distinct’;
• at least half of the work done towards the thesis must be undertaken while formally enrolled as an HDR candidate at Macquarie University; and
• unless agreed under a formal Joint or Cotutelle enrolment contract, a candidate may not submit as the main content of the thesis any work or material which has been previously submitted for any degree successfully completed at Macquarie University or elsewhere, but may incorporate that work or material in the thesis, if the candidate specifies the work or material which has been so incorporated.
• the length of the thesis conforms to discipline standards. Typically, the thesis should be between 75,000 and a maximum of 100,000 words in length for a doctoral thesis, a maximum of 50,000 words for an MPhil thesis, and a maximum of 20,000 words for an MRes thesis.

(10) The University recognises that theses or parts of theses may be presented in a variety of formats and media. In such cases, theses must incorporate a written component situated in an academic discourse appropriate to the discipline area. In the case of theses that include creative work, at least half of the thesis must take the form of an academic dissertation.

(11) Theses may include relevant papers (including conference presentations) published, accepted, submitted or prepared for publication. These papers must:

• form a coherent and integrated body of work;
• include a comprehensive and critical introduction and an integrative conclusion; and
• focus on a single project or set of related questions or propositions.

(12) In addition to the above requirements, the thesis must:

• be the candidate’s own work and any contribution by other people, including co-authors of papers, must be clearly stated in the thesis;
• be prepared and presented in conformity with all the requirements of the Macquarie University Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research; and
• be written in English and reach a satisfactory level of literary presentation.

(13) Any requests from HDR candidates to submit a thesis or part thereof in a language other than English will require the approval of RDSC as early in candidature as possible.

(14) If the thesis does not meet these requirements, RDSC may decide not to submit it for examination.

(15) Where appropriate, Macquarie University encourages candidates to prepare a thesis by publication as this format provides an opportunity to add further value to the research student experience. A thesis by publication also provides an incentive for timely completion, enhances employment prospects, and improves publication outputs.

(16) The requirements for a thesis by publication are further set out in Schedule 1 - HDR Thesis by Publication .

(17) The University accepts theses for the PhD, MPhil and MRes degrees in the form of combined dissertation and creative work. The creative component of the thesis can be in a variety of forms including but not limited to music, writing, film, performance, drama, and multi-media.

(18) The requirements for creative theses are further set out in Schedule 5 - Creative Theses .

(19) The Principal Supervisor must certify in writing that the thesis meets all of Macquarie University’s preparation requirements before the thesis can be recommended for examination.

(20) If the Principal Supervisor declines to certify in writing that the thesis meets all the preparation requirements, a candidate may submit a thesis for examination against the advice of the Principal Supervisor, to RDSC. RDSC will receive and review the submission and make an appropriate recommendation to RRTC for decision.

(21) The appointment of examiners and the criteria for appointment of examiners of HDR Theses are set out in Schedule 2 - HDR Appointment of Examiners .

(22) Examiners are required to report in writing to RDSC in an approved format indicating their assessment of the thesis.

(23) The criteria for HDR examination are set out in Schedule 3 - HDR Thesis Examination Criteria .

(24) Thesis content will remain confidential during the examination period and Macquarie University reserves the right to request examiners to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement if required.

(25) In the case of Doctoral degrees or the Master of Philosophy, examiners may recommend to RDSC that a candidate undertake such oral, written or practical examination as they may specify. RDSC may determine that such an examination be used to resolve concerns about the thesis. The candidate is required to attend any such examination.

(26) The requirements that must be met for an HDR Thesis re-examination are set out in Schedule 4 - HDR Thesis Re-Examination .

(27) RDSC will determine the examination result to be recommended to RRTC. RDSC will:

• review individual examination reports and the comments submitted about the examination reports by the Principal Supervisor; and
• consider the reports of all examiners in light of the criteria for the award of the degree.

(28) After considering all reports RDSC may:

• recommend to RRTC the award of the degree;
• require that corrections to the thesis to the satisfaction of RDSC be carried out by the candidate before the award of the degree;
• require that the candidate undertakes further study and research, and resubmits the thesis for re-examination by one (1) or more examiners as determined by RDSC;
• in the event of substantial disagreement amongst examiners, appoint a further examiner, moderator or adjudicator or request that an oral examination be held;
• determine that an oral, written or practical examination be used to resolve concerns about the thesis;
• recommend that the degree be not awarded; or
• take such action as it deems appropriate before making a recommendation to RRTC on the examination outcome.

(29) RDSC will make a recommendation to RRTC for the award of a Vice-Chancellor's Commendation for PhD and MPhil theses which are typically nominated by all examiners as being in the top 5 percent (or equivalent) of research at the level of the degree.

(30) Faculty Associate Deans will advise RDSC of the recipients of the award of the Executive Dean's Commendation for Academic Excellence in Year 2 Master of Research. This commendation is awarded to candidates who have demonstrated exceptional performance in Year 2 of the Master of Research, as evidenced by the final WAM and the examination reports. Refer to the Nomination for Executive Dean’s Commendation for Academic Excellence in Year 2 MRes template.

(31) Candidates may appeal decisions relating to the award of PhD, MPhil or MRes degree in accordance with the Academic Appeals Policy . Appeals on this basis are limited to procedural grounds only. Students have 20 working days to submit an appeal following notification of the decision.

(32) A copy of a candidate’s thesis approved by RDSC must be lodged with the Macquarie University Library.

(33) Any dispute or unforeseen event in relation to the preparation, submission or examination of a candidate’s thesis must be referred to RDSC for consideration. RDSC will make appropriate recommendations to RRTC for determination.

(34) Unforeseen events include, but are not limited to: 

• failure or inability of candidate to complete thesis preparation, submission or examination requirements due to illness, incapacity, death or misconduct;
• the Principal Supervisor declining to certify that the candidate’s thesis meets Macquarie University’s preparation requirements in accordance with this Policy and associated Procedures, and the candidate submitting the thesis for examination against the decision of the Principal Supervisor; or
• failure by, or inability of, an examiner commencing or completing examination of a candidate’s thesis due to illness, incapacity, conflict of interest, unwillingness, or death.

(35) Refer to the  Higher Degree Research Thesis Preparation, Submission and Examination Procedure and the Master of Research Thesis Preparation, Submission and Examination Procedure .

(37) The following definitions apply for the purpose of this Policy:

• Academic Senate means the Academic Senate of Macquarie University
• RDSC means Research Degree Subcommittee
• RRTC means Research and Research Training Committee
• Procedure means the Higher Degree Research Thesis Preparation, Submission and Examination Procedure .

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Call for Master and PhD Applications at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia

Macquarie University locates in the north of Greater Sydney with a very nice campus. It is about 20-25 minutes driving to the city/sowntown (19 kms, map ).

RESEARCH AREAS :

• Recommender Systems
• Trust Management
• Social Computing
• Services Computing

SCHOLARSHIPS :

- Successful applicants will receive the tax-free scholarship of about $28,579 per annum (2021 rate) PLUS free tuition fee of 3 years for a PhD, or 2 years for Master Research (MRes).

- A PhD student enrolled in an overseas university can apply for the cotutelle PhD program at Macquarie. A successful applicant can receive scholarship with the same rate of about $28,579 per annum (2021 rate) for 1-2 years. After graduation, the student can be awarded PhD degrees from both the overseas home university and Macquarie University respectively.

- An applicant from China can also apply for CSC (Chinese Scholarship Council) scholarship . If granted, Macquaire covers tuition fee (about $45k+/year) and both CSC and Macquarie will provide stipend ($28,579 per annum) for the entire program.

REQUIREMENTS :

- A good background in any of computer science (CS), information technology (IT), information system (IS), mathematics or electronic engineering (EE) is necessary. Background in other desciplines would be welcome too if relevant to the research project.

- A PhD scholarship applicant should have a 2 years (or more) Master research degree with 50% (or more) research compoment before study commencement at MQ.

- Research paper(s) published or accepted for publication would be valuable for scholarship application.

- Activities, such as receiving prize(s)/award(s)/medal(s)/scholarship(s) is value-added to scholarship application.

- For admission to the PhD program , an international applicant needs an overall score of 6.5 in IELTS, or overall 83 in TOEFL iBT, or overall 58 in PTE. This requirement is waived if you have obtained a Bachelor or Master degree from an English-speaking country, e.g., Canada, USA, UK, New Zealand, Australia etc.

HOW TO APPLY?

You may find useful information for application at https://www.mq.edu.au/research/phd-and-research-degrees/how-to-apply .

- for international applicants

• CSC Scholarship, closing 31 January at Macquarie, and April/May in China
• scholarship commencing this year, closing 10 May
• scholarship commencing next year, closing 31 July
• Cotutelle program, no deadline/can apply any time

- for demostic applicants

• scholarship commencing this year, closing 10 May  
• scholarship commencing next year, closing 31 October  

More information can be found at http://hdr.mq.edu.au/information_about/scholarships .

Candidates with interest please send your CV and transcripts to Prof. Yan Wang ( [email protected] ) as soon as possible.

Prof. Yan Wang Department of Computing Macquarie University Sydney, NSW 2109 Australia

Tel: +61-2-9850-9539 Fax: +61-2-9850-9551 Home Page: http://www.comp.mq.edu.au/~yanwang

• Help & FAQ

Identifying skills, qualifications, and attributes expected to do a PhD

• Department of Actuarial Studies and Business Analytics

Research output : Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Bibliographical note

• Doctoral education
• employability
• natural language processing
• transferable skills

Access to Document

• 10.1080/03075079.2022.2061444 Licence: CC BY-NC-ND
• Publisher version (open access) Final published version, 2.45 MB Licence: CC BY-NC-ND

Other files and links

• Link to publication in Scopus

Fingerprint

• qualification Social Sciences 100%
• Career development Social Sciences 60%
• research focus Social Sciences 57%
• taxonomy Social Sciences 55%
• applicant Social Sciences 54%
• logistics Social Sciences 45%
• time Social Sciences 40%
• career Social Sciences 37%

T1 - Identifying skills, qualifications, and attributes expected to do a PhD

AU - Mantai, Lilia

AU - Marrone, Mauricio

N1 - © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.

PY - 2022/11/2

Y1 - 2022/11/2

N2 - Despite an increasingly competitive academic market, more and more people are seeking a PhD degree. While significant research focuses on skill attainment during PhD candidature and at PhD exit, we know little about the skills that might be present at PhD entry. We developed a data-driven taxonomy and conducted logistic regressions to analyse selection criteria (listing skills, qualifications, and personal attributes) of 13,562 PhD advertisements posted in 2016–2019 on Euraxess, a European recruitment platform for researchers. We analysed the most prevalent attributes sought for PhD admission, country-based and discipline-specific differences, and changes over time. We find that many of these admission attributes include diverse and transferable skills. Specifically, cognitive, interpersonal skills and personal attributes are trending upwards, and PhD requirements vary significantly by country, discipline and year of posting. We highlight the attributes requested by top 5 countries and top 5 disciplines, and show changes over time. The insights provide guidance for practice, specifically to PhD applicants, early career researchers, and those who support career development. We discuss PhD programmes’ alignment and policy implications for pre-doctoral education, redesign of PhD assessment, and improved training provision for students and supervisors.

AB - Despite an increasingly competitive academic market, more and more people are seeking a PhD degree. While significant research focuses on skill attainment during PhD candidature and at PhD exit, we know little about the skills that might be present at PhD entry. We developed a data-driven taxonomy and conducted logistic regressions to analyse selection criteria (listing skills, qualifications, and personal attributes) of 13,562 PhD advertisements posted in 2016–2019 on Euraxess, a European recruitment platform for researchers. We analysed the most prevalent attributes sought for PhD admission, country-based and discipline-specific differences, and changes over time. We find that many of these admission attributes include diverse and transferable skills. Specifically, cognitive, interpersonal skills and personal attributes are trending upwards, and PhD requirements vary significantly by country, discipline and year of posting. We highlight the attributes requested by top 5 countries and top 5 disciplines, and show changes over time. The insights provide guidance for practice, specifically to PhD applicants, early career researchers, and those who support career development. We discuss PhD programmes’ alignment and policy implications for pre-doctoral education, redesign of PhD assessment, and improved training provision for students and supervisors.

KW - Doctoral education

KW - employability

KW - job market

KW - natural language processing

KW - transferable skills

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85128734808&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1080/03075079.2022.2061444

DO - 10.1080/03075079.2022.2061444

M3 - Article

SN - 0307-5079

JO - Studies in Higher Education

JF - Studies in Higher Education

Leading News - Spring 2024

European initiative cohort - malenovice.

Our European Initiative Cohort met again in October, in Malenovice, Czech Republic. During the intensive week, the cohort studied Biblical and Theological Foundations of Leadership with Dr. James Spencer and also explored the Foundations of the missio Dei (Mission of God) with Wheaton’s Professor Emeritus Dr. Rob Gallagher. There was much laughter and thoughtful reflection in the classroom and around tables during fellowship.

A brand new second cohort began by focusing on ‘Foundations of Leadership in a Globalized World’ with Dr. Paul Lee who defines leadership as “enabling others to see and create a better future together.” Keeping with tradition, both cohorts and the instructors visited a local eatery for specialty dishes on Tuesday night. Thursday featured a three-part seminar led by distinguished professor Dr. John Dickson, which was open to evangelical leaders in Eastern Europe. Sixty leaders from several countries gathered to learn of ways that our post-modern world is a ripe field for evangelism and discipleship. Dr. Dickson pointed out that the early church grew by 30% each decade leading up to the early 300’s. You are invited to take a taste of his lecture.

Students and Graduates on Mission

European Leadership Forum 

The Mission of ELF is to unite, equip, and resource evangelical leaders to renew the biblical church and evangelize Europe. This conference brings together hundreds of evangelical Christian leaders from across Europe for specialized training, mentoring, resource sharing, and networking. ELF offers a scholarship rate that is available for evangelical leaders from Eastern, Central, Southern, and now Western Europe. The event seeks to unite, equip, and resource hundreds of evangelical leaders in the continent. The 2024 ELF conference will be on May 25 - 30 at Hotel Golebiewski in Wisła, Poland.  Learn more about the ELF conference.

Meet our Faculty

C. William Pollard Leadership Award

"Believe in yourself and your abilities. Trust that you have what it takes to achieve greatness.." - William Pollard

Serving to Lead Internationally: Resenditional International

Three new international student selected to be Billy Graham Scholars enrolled in the LEAD program from Uganda, Mongolia, and Kenya. Lawrence serves as leader of a ministry planting churches in Ugandan villages. Orgil leads the administration of Alpha in Mongolia and Saruni is engaged in training ministry workers in the Masai in Kenya.

New Concentrations: Non-Profit and Executive Ministry

The M.A. in Leadership (LEAD) program now offers many electives, which students can either take individually according to their development objectives or may intentionally combine them to earn a specialization (via a concentration). The M.A. in Leadership (LEAD) currently offers two concentrations, with other concentrations/specializations being developed.

The Managing Non-Profits Concentration This concentration equips the student to understand and lead with particular insight by taking courses such as Understanding Non-Profits, Fundraising, Entrepreneurial Marketing, Theology of Work, and an elective of their choice.

The Executive Ministry Concentration This concentration extends our partnership with the ministry department and equips those in executive roles in Christian churches, ministries, movements, and organizations. Executive pastors have found the courses offered here as giving them the ability to straddle serving as in ministry with business-savvy competence in finance, strategy, organizational change, advancement, and board leadership.

Learn more about the admission requirements to apply for the program.

M.A. in Leadership Billy Graham Hall 501 College Avenue Wheaton, IL 60187 630.752.7889 MALeadership@wheaton.edu

Inspiring and equipping academically grounded, spiritually maturing, and practically skilled leaders who live out Christ's mission.

• Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) -->
• M.A. in Evangelism and Leadership M.A. in Evangelism and Leadership -->
• M.A. in Higher Education and Student Development M.A. in Higher Education and Student Development -->
• M.A. in Ministry Leadership M.A. in Ministry Leadership -->
• M.A. in Missional Church Movements M.A. in Missional Church Movements -->
• M.A. in Outdoor and Adventure Leadership M.A. in Outdoor and Adventure Leadership -->
• B.A. in Christian Formation and Ministry B.A. in Christian Formation and Ministry -->

Macquarie's L&T Community Blog

Academic Senate Top 5, 21 May 2024

Macquarie University’s Academic Senate convened for its third meeting of the year on 21 May. Check out the top 5 items from this meeting.

Macquarie University’s Academic Senate held its third meeting of the year on 21 May, and here are the top five takeaways that you need to know:

1. Course reaccreditations after comprehensive review

The Academic Senate has approved the reaccreditation of several courses after a thorough review process. This process included external referencing and evaluations by an External Review Panel, with recommendations considered by Faculty Boards and the Academic Standards and Quality Committee. The courses reaccredited for the next seven years are:

• Undergraduate and postgraduate Law degrees from the Faculty of Arts;
• Undergraduate and postgraduate Economics and Finance degrees from the Macquarie Business School;
• Master of Clinical Audiology and Graduate Certificate of Hearing Sciences from the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences; and
• Bachelor of Science and its Open Universities Australia equivalent from the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

2. Oversight of Academic Risk in the Learning Environment

In adherence with the University’s Quality and Standards Monitoring and Reporting Procedure, which functions to provide oversight on Academic Risk, the Academic Senate reviewed reports aligned with the Higher Education Standards Framework (HESF) Domain 2 (Learning environment). The reports covered:

• facilities and infrastructure,
• equity and diversity,
• wellbeing and safety and,
• student grievances and complaints.

These reports outline the Universities policies, procedures, and actions taken to reduce risk since the last report in August 2022. The risk ratings have remained stable, and the Senate’s feedback will be forwarded to the University Council.

3. Update on National Research Assessments

The Australian Research Council Amendment (ARC Review Response) Bill 2023 has paused the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) process. The higher education sector is expecting a new approach as part of the Australian Universities Accord. The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Performance and Development), shared insights on potential changes and how the university is continuing to maintain high-quality research assessments and preparing to meet future requirements.

4. Review of the Rules

The General Coursework Rules , which govern all aspects of preparatory, undergraduate, and postgraduate coursework degrees, have been reviewed. This includes admissions, recognition of prior learning, enrolment, progression, assessment, awards, graduation, and procedures for review and appeal. The review aimed to update outdated content and ensure the rules reflect current best practices. These revisions will now be submitted to the University Council for approval.

5. Learning and Teaching Awards and Grants information transition from Policy Central to Staff Intranet.

With the expiration of the Learning and Teaching Awards and Grants Policy, following a review by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education), the information has been moved from Policy Central to the staff intranet page for Teaching Development and Recognition . This change aligns with existing practices for research and professional services awards, allowing for a more agile response in the provision of awards and grants. The Senate Learning and Teaching Committee (SLTC) and the Academic Senate discussed this change, emphasising the importance of clearly recognising the value of educational excellence within the university community.

Policies in Progress: Your Guide to What’s Under Review

Consultation has closed on the following key policies which are due to come to the next meeting of Academic Senate:

• Graduate Research Supervision Policy and Graduate Research Supervision Procedure (consolidation of Higher Degree Research Doctoral Equivalency Policy; Higher Degree Research Supervision Policy and Higher Degree Research Supervision Procedure

Staff can view policies open for consultation at any time on the Policy Central Bulletin Board .

The next Senate meeting of 2024 will be held on 23 July. Keep an eye out for our notice on the Staff Intranet in early July giving staff an opportunity to observe or contact the Governance Secretariat by email at [email protected] .

• Posted in: Academic Senate
• Tagged in: academic senate

Posted by Jacqueline Phillips

Jacqueline Phillips is a neurophysiologist and Professor of Neuroscience at Macquarie. She worked as a veterinarian before pursuing medical research. She is currently the Chair of Academic Senate.

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Requirements for study

Successfully achieve core learning outcomes.

Inherent requirements are necessary for a student to successfully complete a course or program and graduate.

Students must meet the inherent requirements to complete a Macquarie University course or program and graduate.

Importance of inherent requirements

Macquarie University is committed to providing a learning environment that complements and enhances the University experience for all students.

Inherent requirements ensure students are given the opportunity to make informed decisions:

• as to whether a course or program is suitable and relevant for them, and
• the type of reasonable adjustments that could be put in place to allow them to complete the course without compromising the academic integrity of the course.

To help students to make informed choices about their study, we have identified the inherent requirements for courses or programs offered by the University in the Inherent Requirements Statement under the Admissions (Coursework) Policy .

If there are course-specific inherent requirements they will be listed under the award in the Course Handbook .

Compulsory course requirements

In addition to inherent requirements, there are also compulsory course requirements. These are broader and can include both compliance with the policies, procedures and regulations, which are applicable to all students at the University and the mandatory requirements associated with a program of study (eg attendance, completion of assignments).

Reasonable adjustments

Students with a disability or chronic health condition may have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.

Reasonable adjustments could include:

• flexibility in assessments
• changed exam conditions
• provision of adaptive equipment
• participation support
• flexible teaching material

However, these adjustments:

• must not fundamentally change the nature of the inherent requirement
• be reasonable
• and cannot compromise the academic integrity of the course.

Accessibility Service

All students with a disability and/or health condition are encouraged to register with the Accessibility Service via the online Accessibility registration form .

The Accessibility Service allows you to meet with a member of the Accessibility team who can:

• assess your needs and identify what support you may need at University
• work with you and your faculty to determine the reasonable adjustments to assist you to meet the inherent requirements
• provide guidance regarding other study options in the case where it is determined that inherent requirements cannot be met with reasonable adjustments.

Contact the Accessibility Service at Student Wellbeing on +61 (2) 9850 7497 if you have any questions relating to the assessment and implementation of disability supports, reasonable adjustments or inherent requirements.

If you have any other concerns about your ability to participate in aspects of the course, you should contact your course convenor.

Related links

• Course guidance
• Disability support
• Service Connect

Research School of Earth Sciences ANU College of Science

Professor jochen j. brocks.

Content navigation

Employment history.

• 2019 – cont. Professor
• 2011 – 2019 Associate Professor
• 2005 – 2015 QE-II Fellow, Research School of Earth Sciences, THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
• 2004 – 2005 Research Fellow, Australian Centre For Astrobiology, MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY,
• 2001 – 2004 Junior Fellow, Harvard Society of Fellows, Dept. of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, HARVARD UNIVERSITY 
• 2001 – 2004 Associated Scientist, Geobiology Laboratory, MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Fellowships

• 2010 – 2014 2nd Queen-Elizabeth II Fellowship, Australian Research Council
• 2005 – 2010 Queen-Elizabeth II Fellowship, Australian Research Council
• 2004 – 2005 Macquarie University Research Fellow
• 2001 – 2004 Junior Fellow of the Harvard Society of Fellows . The Harvard Society Fellowship is world-wide one of the most competitive and prestigious research fellowships; it offers three years of study and research as a principal investigator free of formal requirements and with priority access to all facilities at Harvard University
• 1997 – 1998 Overseas Fellowship of the ‘Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes’
• 1994 – 1998 Fellow of the ‘Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes’ (elite scholarship for top 1% of students)

Affiliations

• Geochemistry , Member
• Brocks Geobiology , Researcher

Research interests

Jochen J. Brocks is a professor at the Research School of Earth Sciences at the Australian National University. He received a Masters in physical organic chemistry from the University of Freiburg in Germany and a PhD from the University of Sydney, Australia in 2002. He was a Junior Fellow of the Harvard Society of Fellows from 2001 to 2004. He calls his field of research 'Paleobiogeochemistry' as he is fascinated by biological processes in deep time, from the origin of life to mysterious ecosystems in Earth's earliest oceans, and events that may have spawned the evolution of complex cells and multicellular life. To find clues about ancient ecosystems, he studies molecular fossils of biological lipids (biomarkers) that can be preserved in sedimentary rocks for billions of years. Currently he and his students investigate the question why large, multicellular and active creatures appeared on Earth some 600 million years ago, how primary producers at the base of the foodweb controlled the largest mass extinction of all times, and whether ancient oceans harbored a lost world of complex life that left no traces … apart from some obsolete molecules.

• Origins of organisms, organic-rich rocks and oils: mapping the evolution of algal and cyanobacterial communities in Australian onshore sedimentary basins , Supervisor
• Palaeobiology / Geobiology , Supervisor
• Precambrian sedimentary rocks in northern Australia: a window into the early history of life on Earth , Supervisor
• The biogeochemistry of a Salt Lake , Principal investigator

Teaching information

EMSC 2019 Palaeontology and Geobiology

Publications

• Marynowski, L, Goryl, M, Lempart-Drozd, M et al. 2023, 'Differences in hemicellulose composition and pectin detection in Eocene and Miocene xylites', Chemical Geology, vol. 624.
• Brocks, J & Bobrovskiy, I 2023, 'Some animals make plant sterols', Science, vol. 380, no. 6644, pp. 455-456.
• Bowyer, F, J. Krause, A, Song, Y et al. 2023, 'Biological diversification linked to environmental stabilization following the Sturtian Snowball glaciation', Science Advances, vol. 9, no. 34, p. 18.
• Hoshino, Y, Nettersheim , B, Gold, D et al. 2023, 'Genetics re-establish the utility of 2-methylhopanes as cyanobacterial biomarkers before 750 million years ago', Nature Ecology and Evolution, vol. 7.
• Zhu, Z, Campbell, I, Allen, C et al. 2022, 'The temporal distribution of Earth's supermountains and their potential link to the rise of atmospheric oxygen and biological evolution', Earth and Planetary Science Letters, vol. 580.
• Sforna, M, Loron, C, Demoulin, C et al. 2022, 'Intracellular bound chlorophyll residues identify 1 Gyr-old fossils as eukaryotic algae', Nature Communications, vol. 13, p. 8.
• Tripp , M, Wiemann, J, Brocks, J et al. 2022, 'Fossil Biomarkers and Biosignatures Preserved in Coprolites Reveal Carnivorous Diets in the Carboniferous Mazon Creek Ecosystem', Biology, vol. 11, no. 9.
• Mehra, A, Keller, C, Zhang, T et al. 2021, 'Curation and Analysis of Global Sedimentary Geochemical Data to Inform Earth History', GSA Today, vol. 31, no. 5, pp. 4-9.
• Marynowski, L, Bucha, M, Lempart-Drozd, M et al. 2021, 'Preservation of hemicellulose remnants in sedimentary organic matter', Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, vol. 310, pp. 32-46.
• Lipp, A, Shorttle, O, Sperling, E et al. 2021, 'The composition and weathering of the continents over geologic time', Geochemical Perspectives Letters, vol. 17, pp. 21-26.
• Vinnichenko, G, Hope, J, Jarrett, A et al. 2021, 'Reassessment of thermal preservation of organic matter in the Paleoproterozoic McArthur River (HYC) Zn-Pb ore deposit, Australia', Ore Geology Reviews, vol. 133.
• Farrell, U, Samawi, R, Anjanappa, S et al. 2021, 'The Sedimentary Geochemistry and Paleoenvironments Project', Geobiology, vol. 19, no. 6, pp. 545-556.
• Jurgens, A, Tscharke, D & Brocks, J 2021, 'FROM CALIGARI TO JOKER: the clown prince of crime's psychopathic science', Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics, vol. Online, pp. 1-16.
• Hart, L, McCurry, M, Frese, M et al. 2021, 'The first tetrapod remains from the Upper Jurassic Talbragar Fossil Fish Bed', Alcheringa: An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology, vol. 45, no. 4, pp. 423-428.
• van Maldegem, L, Nettersheim, B, Leider, A et al. 2021, 'Geological alteration of Precambrian steroids mimics early animal signatures', Nature Ecology & Evolution, vol. 5, pp. 169-173.
• Bobrovskiy, I, Hope, J, Nettersheim, B et al. 2021, 'Algal origin of sponge sterane biomarkers negates the oldest evidence for animals in the rock record', Nature Ecology & Evolution, vol. 5, pp. 165-168.
• Vinnichenko, G, Jarrett, A, van Maldegem, L et al. 2021, 'Substantial maturity influence on carbon and hydrogen isotopic composition of n-alkanes in sedimentary rocks', Organic Geochemistry, vol. 152.
• Vinnichenko, G, Jarrett, A, Hope, J et al. 2020, 'Discovery of the oldest known biomarkers provides evidence for phototrophic bacteria in the 1.73Ga Wollogorang Formation, Australia', Geobiology, pp. -.
• Hallmann , C, Nettersheim , B, Brocks, J et al. 2020, 'Reply to: Sources of C30 steroid biomarkers in NeoproterozoicCambrian rocks and oils', Nature Ecology & Evolution, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 37-39.
• Bobrovskiy, I, Hope, J, Golubkova, E et al. 2020, 'Food sources for the Ediacara biota communities', Nature Communications, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. -.
• Nettersheim, B, Brocks, J, Bobrovskiy, I et al. 2019, 'Reconsidering the role of animals and protists during the Neoproterozoic-Cambrian transition', 29th International Meeting on Organic Geochemistry, IMOG 2019 , European Association of Organic Geochemists, Sweden, pp. -.
• Schinteie, R, Colangelo-Lillis, J, Hope, J et al 2019, 'Impact of drill core contamination on compound-specific carbon and hydrogen isotopic signatures', Organic Geochemistry, vol. 128, pp. 161-171.
• Bobrovskiy, I, Krasnova, A, Ivantsov, A et al 2019, 'Simple sediment rheology explains the Ediacara biota preservation', Nature Ecology & Evolution, vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 582-589.
• Jarrett, A, Cox, G, Brocks, J et al 2019, 'Microbial assemblage and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the 1.38 Ga Velkerri Formation, McArthur Basin, northern Australia', Geobiology, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 360-380.
• Eggenkamp, H, Louvat, P, Agrinier, P et al. 2019, 'The bromine and chlorine isotope composition of primary halite deposits and their significance for the secular isotope composition of seawater', Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, vol. 264, pp. 13-29.
• van Maldegem, L, Kipp, M, Hope, J et al. 2019, 'Lipid biomarkers reveal a bacterial dominated ecosystem after the Sturtian glaciation', 29th International Meeting on Organic Geochemistry, IMOG 2019 , European Association of Organic Geochemists, Sweden, pp. -.
• Nettersheim, B, Brocks, J, Schwelm, A, Hope, JM, Not, F, Lomas, M, Schmidt, C, Schiebel,R,. Nowack, ECM, De Deckker, P, et al 2019, 'Putative sponge biomarkers in unicellular Rhizaria question an early rise of animals', Nature Ecology & Evolution, vol. 3, pp. 577-581.
• Brocks, J 2018, 'The transition from a cyanobacterial to algal world and the emergence of animals', Emerging Topics in Life Sciences, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 181-190.
• Guilbaud, R, Slater, B, Poulton, S et al. 2018, 'Oxygen minimum zones in the early Cambrian ocean', Geochemical Perspectives Letters, vol. 6, pp. 33-38.
• Adam, P, Schaeffer, P & Brocks, J 2018, 'Synthesis of 26-methyl cholestane and identification of cryostanes in mid-Neoproterozoic sediments', Organic Geochemistry, vol. 115, pp. 246-249pp.
• Bobrovskiy, I, Hope, J, Krasnova, A et al 2018, 'Molecular fossils from organically preserved Ediacara biota reveal cyanobacterial origin for Beltanelliformis', Nature Ecology & Evolution, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 437-440pp.
• Gueneli, N, McKenna, A, Ohkouchi, N et al 2018, '1.1-billion-year-old porphyrins establish a marine ecosystem dominated by bacterial primary producers', PNAS - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, vol. 115, no. 30, pp. 1-9.
• Goryl, M, Marynowski, L, Brocks, J et al 2018, 'Exceptional preservation of hopanoid and steroid biomarkers in Ediacaran sedimentary rocks of the East European CratoN', Precambrian Research, vol. 316, pp. 38-47pp.
• Bobrovskiy, I, Hope, J, Ivantsov, A et al 2018, 'Ancient steroids establish the Ediacaran fossil Dickinsonia as one of the earliest animals', Science, vol. 361, no. 6408, pp. 1246-1249pp.
• Hoffman, P, Abbot, D, Ashkenazy, Y et al 2017, 'Snowball Earth climate dynamics and Cryogenian geology-geobiology', Science Advances, vol. 3, no. 11, pp. 43pp.
• Hoshino, Y, Poshibaeva, A, Meredith, W et al 2017, 'Cryogenian evolution of stigmasteroid biosynthesis', Science Advances, vol. 3, no. 9, pp. 1-7pp.
• Klaebe, R, Kennedy, M, Jarrett, A et al 2017, 'Local paleoenvironmental controls on the carbon-isotope record defining the Bitter Springs Anomaly', Geobiology, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 65-80pp.
• Gallagher, T, Sheldon, N, Mauk, J et al 2017, 'Constraining the thermal history of the North American Midcontinent Rift System using carbonate clumped isotopes and organic thermal maturity indices', Precambrian Research, vol. 294, pp. 53-66pp.
• Beghin, J, Storme, J, Blanpied, C et al 2017, 'Microfossils from the late Mesoproterozoic - early Neoproterozoic Atar/El Mreiti Group, Taoudeni Basin, Mauritania, northwestern Africa', Precambrian Research, vol. 291, pp. 63-82pp.
• Beghin, J, Guilbaud, R, Poulton, S et al 2017, 'A palaeoecological model for the late Mesoproterozoic ? early Neoproterozoic Atar/El Mre?ti Group, Taoudeni Basin, Mauritania, northwestern Africa', Precambrian Research, vol. 299, pp. 1-14pp.
• Schinteie, R & Brocks, J 2017, 'Paleoecology of Neoproterozoic hypersaline environments: Biomarker evidence for haloarchaea, methanogens, and cyanobacteria', Geobiology, vol. 15, no. 5, pp. 641-663.
• Brocks, J, Jarrett, A, Sirantoine, E et al. 2017, 'The rise of algae in Cryogenian oceans and the emergence of animals', Nature, vol. 548, no. 7669, pp. 578-581pp.
• Brocks, J, Jarrett, A, Sirantoine, E et al 2016, 'Early sponges and toxic protists: Possible sources of cryostane, an age diagnostic biomarker antedating Sturtian Snowball Earth', Geobiology, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 129-149pp.
• Petrash, D, Gueneli, N, Brocks, J et al 2016, 'Black shale deposition and early diagenetic dolomite cementation during Oceanic Anoxic Event 1: The mid-Cretaceous Maracaibo Platform, Northwestern South America', American Journal of Science, vol. 316, no. 7, pp. 669-711.
• Tully, B, Emerson, J, Andrade, K et al 2015, 'De novo sequences of haloquadratum walsbyi from Lake Tyrrell, Australia, reveal a variable genomic landscape', Archaea, vol. 2015, pp. 875784-875784.
• French, K, Hallman, C, Hope, J et al 2015, 'Reappraisal of hydrocarbon biomarkers in Archean rocks', PNAS - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, vol. 112, no. 19, pp. 5915-5920.
• Andrade, K, Logemann, J, Heidelberg, K et al 2015, 'Metagenomic and lipid analyses reveal a diel cycle in a hypersaline microbial ecosystem', The International Society of Microbial Ecology, vol. 9, no. 12, pp. 2697-2711.
• Holman, A, Greenwood, P, Brocks, J et al 2014, 'Effects of sulfide minerals on aromatic maturity parameters: Laboratory investigation using micro-scale sealed vessel pyrolysis', Organic Geochemistry, vol. 76, pp. 270-277.
• Brocks, J & Hope, J 2014, 'Tailing of Chromatographic Peaks in GC-MS Caused by Interaction of Halogenated Solvents with the Ion Source', Journal of Chromatographic Science, vol. 52, no. 6, pp. 471-475.
• Bray, P, Brocks, J & George, S 2014, ' 14 C analysis of aliphatic hydrocarbon fractions from the hypersaline Lake Tyrrell, southeast Australia', Organic Geochemistry, vol. 73, pp. 29-34.
• Wynn, P & Brocks, J 2014, 'A framework for the extraction and interpretation of organic molecules in speleothem carbonate', Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, vol. 28, no. 8, pp. 845-854.
• Schinteie, R & Brocks, J 2014, 'Evidence for ancient halophiles ? Testing biomarker syngeneity of evaporites from Neoproterozoic and Cambrian strata', Organic Geochemistry, vol. 72, pp. 46-58.
• De Deckker, P, Munday, C, Brocks, J et al 2014, 'Characterisation of the major dust storm that traversed over eastern Australia in September 2009; a multidisciplinary approach', Aeolian Research, vol. 15, pp. 133-149.
• Pawlowska, M, Butterfield, N & Brocks, J 2013, 'Lipid taphonomy in the Proterozoic and the effect of microbial mats on biomarker preservation', Geology, vol. 41, no. 2, pp. 103-106.
• Jarrett, A, Schinteie, R, Hope, J et al 2013, 'Micro-ablation, a new technique to remove drilling fluids and other contaminants from fragmented and fissile rock material', Organic Geochemistry, vol. 61, pp. 57-65.
• Greenwood, P, Brocks, J, Grice, K et al 2013, 'Organic geochemistry and mineralogy. I. Characterisation of organic matter associated with metal deposits', Ore Geology Reviews, vol. 50, pp. 1-27.
• Schouten, S, Hopmans, E, Rosell-Mele, A et al 2013, 'An interlaboratory study of TEX86 and BIT analysis of sediments, extracts, and standard mixtures', Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, vol. 14, no. 12, pp. 5263-5285.
• Smith, M, De Deckker, P, Rogers, J et al 2013, 'Comparison of U 37 K' , TEX 86 H and LDI temperature proxies for reconstruction of south-east Australian ocean temperatures', Organic Geochemistry, vol. 64, pp. 94-104.
• Narasingarao, P, Podell, S, Ugalde, J et al 2012, 'De novo metagenomic assembly reveals abundant novel major lineage of Archaea in hypersaline microbial communities', The International Society of Microbial Ecology, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 81-93.
• Bray, P, Jones, C, Fallon, S et al 2012, 'Radiocarbon analysis of halophilic microbial lipids from an Australian salt lake', Quaternary Research, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 104-109.
• Holman, A, Grice, K, Jaraula, C et al 2012, 'Efficiency of extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from the Paleoproterozoic here's your chance Pb/Zn/Ag ore deposit and implications for a study of bitumen II', Organic Geochemistry, vol. 52, pp. 81-87.
• Lee, C & Brocks, J 2011, 'Identification of carotane breakdown products in the 1.64 billion year old Barney Creek Formation, McArthur Basin, northern Australia', Organic Geochemistry, vol. 42, no. 4, pp. 425-430.
• Brocks, J 2011, 'Millimeter-scale concentration gradients of hydrocarbons in Archean shales: Live-oil escape or fingerprint of contamination?', Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, vol. 75, no. 11, pp. 3196-3213.
• Schinteie, R & Brocks, J 2010, 'Assessing microbial diversity during the deposition of a Neoproterozoic (c.800 Ma) saline giant: evaporites as an archive for Precambrian halophiles', Australian Earth Sciences Convention (AESC 2010) , Geological Society of Australia, Sydney, p. 93.
• Chopra, A, Lineweaver, C, Brocks, J et al 2010, 'Palaeoecophylostoichiometrics Searching for the Elemental Composition of the Last Universal Common Ancestor', Australian Space Science Conference 2009 , ed. W Short & I Cairns, National Space Society of Australia Ltd, Australia, pp. 91-104.
• Brocks, J & Butterfield, N 2009, 'Early animals out in the cold', Nature, vol. 457, no. online 5 February 2009, pp. 672-673.
• Brocks, J & Banfield, J 2009, 'Unravelling ancient microbial history with community proteogenomics and lipid geochemistry', Nature Reviews Microbiology, vol. 7, no. Aug, pp. 601-609.
• Brocks, J, Bosak, T & Pearson, A 2009, 'Oligoprenyl-curcumanes and other new aromatic isoprenoids from the 1.64 billion year old Barney Creek Formation', Organic Geochemistry, vol. 40, pp. 795-801.
• Brocks, J & Schaeffer, P 2008, 'Okenane, a biomarker for purple sulfur bacteria (Chromatiaceae), and other new carotenoid derivatives from the 1640 Ma Barney Creek Formation', Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, vol. 72, pp. 1396-1414.
• Kontnik, R, Bosak, T, Butcher, R et al 2008, 'Sporulenes, Heptaprenyl Metabolites from Bacillus subtilis Spores ', Organic Letters, vol. 10, no. 16, pp. 3551-3554.
• Brocks, J, Grosjean, E & Logan, G 2008, 'Assessing biomarker syngeneity using branched alkanes with quaternary carbon (BAQCs) and other plastic contaminants', Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, vol. 72, pp. 871-888.
• Rasmussen, B, Fletcher, I, Brocks, J et al. 2008, 'Reassessing the first appearance of eukaryotes and cyanobacteria', Nature, vol. 455, pp. 5p.
• Brocks, J 2006, 'Molecular fossils', in Karan Chandler, John Giacon (ed.), Dhiirrala Gamilaraay! Teach Gamilaraay! A Resource Book for Teachers of Gamilaraay , Bruderlin MacLean Publishing Services, Adelaide, pp. 252-255.
• Wappler, T, Hinsken, S, Brocks, J et al 2005, 'A fossil sawfly of the genus Athalia (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) from the Eocene-Oligocene boundary of Altkirch, France', Academie des Sciences Comptes Rendus: Palevol, vol. 4, pp. 7-16.
• Brocks, J, Love, G, Summons, R et al. 2005, 'Biomarker evidence for green and purple sulphur bacteria in a stratified Palaeoproterozoic sea', Nature, vol. 437, no. 6, pp. 866-870.
• Brocks, J & Pearson, A 2005, 'Building the Biomarker Tree of Life', in J Banfield, J Cervini-Silva & K Nealson (ed.), Molecular geomicrobiology , Mineralogical Society of America, Chantilly, VA, USA, pp. 233-258.
• Brocks, J & Summons, R 2004, 'Sedimentary hydrocarbons, biomarkers for early life', in R.W. Carlson (ed.), Treatise on Geochemistry , Elsevier, Oxford, UK, pp. 63-115.
• Brocks, J, Buick, R, Logan, G et al 2003, 'Composition and syngeneity of molecular fossils from the 2.78 - 2.45 billion year old Mount Bruce Supergroup, Pilbara Craton, Western Australia', Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, vol. 67, no. 22, pp. 4289-4319.
• Brocks, J, Buick, R, Summons, R et al 2003, 'A reconstruction of Archean biological diversity based on molecular fossils from the 2.78 - 2.45 billion year old Mount Bruce Supergroup, Hamersley Basin, Western Australia', Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, vol. 67, no. 22, pp. 4321-4335.
• Brocks, J, Summons, R, Buick, R et al 2003, 'Origin and significance of aromatic hydrocarbons in giant iron ore deposits of the late Archean Hamersley Basin in Western Australia', Organic Geochemistry, vol. 34, no. 8, pp. 1161-1175.
• Brocks, J, Love, G, Snape, C et al 2003, 'Release of bound aromatic hydrocarbons from late Archean and Mesoproterozoic kerogens via hydropyrolysis', Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, vol. 67, no. 8, pp. 1521-1530.
• Pearson, A, Budin, M & Brocks, J 2003, 'Phylogenetic and biochemical evidence for sterol synthesis in the bacterium Gemmata obscuriglobus', PNAS - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, vol. 100, no. 26, pp. 15352-15357.
• Brocks, J, Logan, G, Buick, R et al 1999, 'Archean molecular fossils and the early rise of eukaryotes', Science, vol. 285, no. 5430, pp. 1033-1036.
• Brocks, J, Beckhaus, H, Beckwith, A et al 1998, 'Estimation of bond dissociation energies and radical stabilization energies by ESR spectroscopy', Journal of Organic Chemistry, vol. 63, pp. 1935-1943.
• Brocks, J 1997, 'Are alpha-centered peptide radicals stabilized by a capto-dative effect?', Tetrahedron Letters, vol. 38, no. 44, pp. 7721-7724.
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English language requirements

English language proficiency framework.

Macquarie University requires applicants to provide evidence that their English language proficiency is appropriate for the linguistic demands of their intended course of study.

English proficiency descriptors and standards

The descriptors below outline the minimum levels of English proficiency required for entry to coursework and non-award courses at Macquarie University and the Macquarie University College with reference to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Minimum standards for entry to Macquarie University College courses

Minimum standards for entry to macquarie university courses, what level of english does my course require.

English requirements for your course are available on  Coursefinder - these will be listed in terms of Academic IELTS scores:

• Students applying for Foundation or Diploma programs at the Macquarie University College will need to meet  Functional  or Vocational English (equivalent to an overall Academic IELTS of 5.5 or 6.0 respectively)
• Most undergraduate and postgraduate courses require  Competent English (equivalent to an overall Academic IELTS of 6.5),
• Some courses, such as those in Law, Medicine, and Education, require either  Proficient or Advanced English (equivalent to an overall Academic IELTS greater than 6.5).

How can I demonstrate my proficiency in English?

Macquarie University accepts a range of evidence to demonstrate your English language proficiency. This includes either:

• An approved English language proficiency test
• A recognised qualification with English as the language of instruction
• An approved Foundation Program
• A Macquarie University College English Language Program (ELP)
• Other approved English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs
• Other approved evidence deemed to satisfy minimum standards

English language tests

The following section outlines English language proficiency tests accepted by Macquarie University and the minimum test scores required to satisfy English entry standards to various courses.

Accepted tests

The University recognises the following English language tests:

And also the following online English test:

The following online English tests are no longer recognised as of 1 May 2023 :

• IELTS Indicator / IELTS Online
• TOEFL iBT Home Edition
• PTE Academic Online

Please note for TOEFL iBT: Only for tests taken from 5 May 2024, these results are valid for Australian visa purposes. Otherwise, any TOEFL iBT tests undertaken between 26 July 2023 to 4 May 2024 will not be accepted. See English language visa requirements .

Visa applicants should refer to the Document Checklist Tool to find out which documents need to be attached to their visa application and acceptable English language tests to satisfy the visa requirements.

Validity period

Unless otherwise specified, all English language test scores must be less than two years old at the date of course commencement at the University. Applicants with multiple tests in that period will have their single best test result considered.

Required Scores

Qualification with english as the language of instruction.

The University may accept as meeting English proficiency requirements:

• Recognised qualifications from specified English-speaking countries or regions where English was the language of instruction; or
• Qualifications from other countries with English as an approved subject.

Recognised qualifications may only be considered if they were successfully completed within five (5) years of the date the applicant will start their course at Macquarie University.

This limitation period does not apply to applicants who:

• Meet the minimum institutional English language requirements AND can show evidence that they have continuously resided in an English-speaking country or region since the completion of their English studies until commencing studies at Macquarie University; or
• Completed their secondary studies in English under the GCE Advanced (A-Levels), Advanced Subsidiary (AS-Levels) and Ordinary Levels (O-Levels / GCSE), or International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum with the required results.

Qualifications from specified English-speaking countries or regions

Applicants may satisfy English proficiency requirements for a course based on successfully completed senior secondary and/or tertiary qualifications taught and assessed solely in English from a recognised country as follows:

Qualifications from other countries with English as an approved subject

Approved foundation program.

The University accepts the following Australian foundation programs for purposes of meeting Functional, Vocational, or Competent English proficiency requirements:

MQ College English Language Program (ELP)

Applicants who do not meet English Language requirements, but who otherwise meet academic entry requirements for a course, may be issued a packaged offer of study that includes an English Language Program (ELP) at the Macquarie University College. These programs enable students to meet English entry requirements to most courses at Macquarie University.

Other approved English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program

The University also accepts other English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs from selected providers for the purpose of meeting English language requirements for courses requiring up to Competent English proficiency.

A successfully completed EAP program will only be considered if it has been completed within one year prior to the date the applicant will commence the course at Macquarie University. Unless otherwise specified, only CRICOS-registered AEP programs completed onshore in Australia are recognised.

Other approved evidence

On a case-by-case basis, the University may accept other documentary evidence as meeting minimum English proficiency requirements up to the level of Competent English.