Master of Philosophy
The Master of Philosophy is offered by many universities in Australia, and it is often the only option to undertake a master's degree in select schools. In Australia, the Master of Philosophy is a research degree which mirrors a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in breadth of research and structure. The candidates are assessed solely on the basis of a thesis. A standard full-time degree often takes two years to complete. The Australian National University, University of Sydney, Curtin University, Griffith University and Melbourne University are also examples of Australian universities offering Masters of Philosophy.
Dottorato di ricerca
After 1999, the "Laurea" corresponds to a Bachelor's Degree while the "Laurea Magistrale" corresponds to a Master's Degree. Only the "Laurea Magistrale" grants access to third cycle programmes (Post-MA degrees, Doctorates or Specializing schools), that last 2 to 5 years (usually completing a PhD takes 3 years). However, it is now established that there is just a unique five-year degree "Laurea Magistrale a ciclo unico" ("Single cycle master's degree") for programmes such as Law (Facoltà di Giurisprudenza), Arts (Accademia di Belle Arti), Music (Conservatorio di Musica) and a few others, and six-years degree for Medicine and Surgery (Medicina e Chirurgia) and Dentistry (Odontoiatria e Protesi Dentaria). The title for MA/MSc/MFA/MD/MJur/MEd graduate students is "dottore" (abbreviation in "dott."/"dott.ssa" or "dr.", meaning Doctor). This title is not to be confused with the PhD and Post-MA graduates, whose title is "Dottore di Ricerca" ("Research Doctor" or "Philosophy Doctor").