Program Overview

Master of Research

The Master of Research is a postgraduate degree that provides students with the opportunity to undertake and complete a research project under supervision at the master's level. This program is tailored to graduates with a related bachelor's degree or an honors degree in a different discipline.

Overview

The Master of Research program is designed to be completed in 18 months, with a broad range of disciplines available for study. Students will gain crucial skills in research ethics and project design, and will have the opportunity to study further research methods or a disciplinary component relevant to their research.

Duration and Delivery

The program has a duration of 1.5 years and is delivered in person.

Fees

The tuition fee for international students is AU$20,700 per semester.

Location

The program is located at the City Tower campus.

Next Start Date

The next start date for the program is 16 February 2026.

Research Areas

Students can undertake research in a range of areas, including:

• Applied Science
• Arts
• Biomedical Sciences
• Biotechnology
• Business
• Chemical Sciences
• Civil and Building Engineering
• Computer Science and Mathematics
• Education
• Electrical Engineering
• Environmental and Risk Engineering
• Food Science
• Law and Justice
• Mechanical Engineering
• Nursing
• Physics
• Sport Science

Learning Outcomes

The Master of Research program provides students with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills for research and professional practice. Graduates will be able to:

• Critically review a body of knowledge
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of research principles and methods
• Develop high-level cognitive, technical, and creative skills
• Analyze, critique, and implement research and research methods
• Develop effective communication and technical skills

Entry Requirements

To be considered for the Master of Research program, applicants must meet the following entry criteria:

• Completion of an Australian Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in the same discipline with an average grade of Distinction (or equivalent) in the final year
• Completion of an Australian Bachelor's Honours degree (or equivalent) in a different discipline with an average grade of Distinction (or equivalent)
• Demonstrate English competency sufficient for study at the master's level

Course Structure

The Master of Research program consists of:

• Required coursework units with a minimum average of 70%
• A Research Thesis unit

Units

The program includes the following units:

• Research Design and Proposal Development
• Research Integrity and Ethics
• Introduction to Research Methodology (for students with an AQF7 qualification in a cognate discipline)
• Enhancing Researcher Knowledge and Skills (for students with an AQF8 qualification in a non-cognate discipline)
• Research Thesis

Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fee for international students is AU$20,700 per semester. Victoria University offers a range of scholarships, including the VU Global Research Scholarship, which provides eligible international students with 20% off tuition fees for the entire duration of a research degree.

Careers

The Master of Research program can lead to a range of career opportunities, including:

• Researcher or academic tutor
• Senior role in a specialist field
• Education in schools or other settings
• Policy making and development
• Public-sector research or writing
• Programmer or IT specialist
• Scientist

Research Opportunities

Victoria University provides a range of research opportunities, including:

• Conducting research that addresses major challenges faced by communities and industries
• Collaborating with industry partners and government departments
• Access to world-class facilities and equipment
• Opportunities for research into Indigenous history and society

Partnerships and Collaboration

Victoria University has working partnerships with a range of organizations, including:

• Attorney-General's Department
• Australian Federal Police
• Australian Multicultural Foundation
• Australian Social Policy Institute (ASPI)
• Defence Science and Technology Group (DST Group)
• Greater Western Water
• GWMWater
• Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV)
• Melbourne City Mission
• Melbourne Metro
• Memcor
• NEXUS Online
• Oztron Energy
• Peter Mac Cancer Centre
• Sunshine Hospital
• Telstra
• The University of Texas El Paso (UTEP)
• United Energy
• World Health Organization (WHO)