Master of Applied Research

VU course code: URAR | CRICOS: 099077E | Level of study: Research

Duration

2 years full time or longer for part time

Delivery mode

In person

Fees

Fee type for this course: Research

Location

City Campus, Footscray Park, St Albans, Werribee

Applications closed

Overview

Gain a solid foundation in research methods before undertaking a thesis related to health or sport. The Master of Applied Research is designed for bachelor graduates from any discipline.

When you undertake a Master of Applied Research at Victoria University, you'll study crucial topics to set you on the path to success, including research methods, ethics, project-design and disciplinary expertise relevant to your research. On passing the core units with a 70% average, you’ll begin your own research in a field of personal passion and interest that aligns with our focus areas.

Victoria University conducts highly-ranked research:

We are world number 7 for sport science education (ShanghaiRankings).
We are ranked above world-standard in sport and health fields (Excellence in Research for Australia).

Within the Institute for Health & Sport you can study towards a qualification in a range of disciplines, including biomedical sciences, biotechnology, business, nursing, food science, sport science, and social sciences.

Specialise in your area of passion and personal interest within our research programs, which incorporate:

diversity and inclusion
health, mental health and disease
sport performance
sport business
policy.

Further opportunities exist to complete a Master of Research in our Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities.

: The Master of Research at VU provides students with the opportunity to undertake and complete a research project under supervision at masters level (AQF 9). It will achieve this by providing students with a range of initial coursework units covering a) the nature and expectation of the research process and b) disciplinary specialisations where appropriate. The research progress will also be scaffolded by milestone requirements ensuring support throughout and quality and timely submission of the research.

AQF level 9 criteria: Graduates at this level will have specialised knowledge and skills for research, and/or professional practice and/or further learning:

Graduates of a Master of Research will achieve the following learning outcomes and be able to:
Knowledge

Critically review a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in one or more disciplines

Demonstrate advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning

Skills

Conceptually map and critically evaluate theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on its application to the chosen field

Develop high level cognitive, technical and creative skills with which to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice

Develop high level cognitive, technical and creative skills required to generate, evaluate and synthesise complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level

Analyse, critique and implement cognitive and technical skills required to design, use and evaluate research and research methods

Develop effective communication and technical skills required to present a coherent and sustained argument and to disseminate research results to specialist and non-specialist audiences

Demonstrate expertise in the technical and communication skills required to design, evaluate, implement, analyse, theorise and disseminate research that makes a contribution to knowledge

Application of Knowledge and Skills
Graduates of a Master of Research will demonstrate the application of knowledge & skills:

with creativity and initiative to new situations and/or for further learning

with high level personal autonomy and accountability

to plan and execute a substantial piece of research
: VU has partnerships and collaborations with dozens of public institutions, health organisations and private sporting bodies.
We also work with other universities to provide the highest-level expertise and resources for our students.
Our partners include the following, among many others:
AFL Australia
Athletics Australia
Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS)
Australian Institute of Sport
Australian Sports Commission
Diabetes Australia Research Trust
Headspace, the national youth mental health foundation
National Heart Foundation
Tennis Australia
Turning Point Australia
University of Melbourne
Western Bulldogs
Western Centre for Health Research and Education (WCHRE).
: Specialise in your area of passion and personal interest within Institute for Health and Sport (IHES) research programs:
Mechanisms & Interventions in Health & Disease: Muscle, exercise and movement; Cardio-metabolic and muscle disorders; Cancer, autoimmunity and immunology
Sport Performance & Business: Analytics and technology; Skills and development; Sport business, policy and integrity; Training.
Clinical & Community Health & Wellbeing: Mental health and addiction; Maternal and child health; Capacity building in health and wellbeing
Healthy & Inclusive Communities: Movement for healthy bodies and minds; Diversity inclusion and culture
Further research programs exist in VU's Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities.
: Victoria University offers expert supervision for masters research in these areas:
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
Some of these topics are better studied in a Master of Research within our Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities.
: Victoria University offers Master of Research options to fit your experience and qualifications.
Our Master of Applied Research allows graduates of any bachelor program to move into a different discipline, with the support needed to prepare for high-quality study.
Within our Health and Sport focus areas, we also offer:
Master of Research – an 18-month full-time program for students with a relevant bachelor degree, or honours degree in a different discipline.
Master of Research Practice – a one-year program for students with an honours degree in a relevant discipline.
You can also undertake a Master of Research, or choose from the same suite of research degrees, within our Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities.
: Sport & fitness
Our $68 million high-technology sport and exercise science research facilities include:
altitude hotel
biomechanics laboratories
exercise physiology laboratories
exercise rehabilitation laboratories
motor control and biofeedback laboratories
motor learning and skilled performance laboratories
sport and exercise biochemistry laboratories.
Health & wellbeing
This $51.6 million five-level Western Centre for Health Research and Education building at Sunshine Hospital provides cutting-edge education, research and training facilities. Clinical trials area include:
consulting rooms
gait and balance gym
falls and fracture clinic
bone and muscle imaging (DXA and pQCT)
metabolic testing.
Science labs
Our research centre at Werribee campus offers the latest technology for food analysis and scientific research.
We have labs dedicated the full range of science topics, including:
cell culture and PC2 facilities
biotechnology
biochemistry
biomedicine
small-animal testing
imaging research
novel therapeutics testing.
Libraries & special collections
The VU Library holds several special collections and archives that are available to assist graduate students and staff in their research.
: VU Research gives you opportunities to:
connect with other researchers
participate in research festivals and competitions
develop your research skills
get funding for your research
publish and promote your findings.
We offer support for graduate researchers including:
an orientation program
a specialised Graduate Research School
study spaces
units to help you conceptualise and contextualise your research
research ambassadors and student association.
Find out more about graduate opportunities at VU.

Entry requirements

When assessing your application, we consider your education, work experience, current skills and personal attributes (where relevant).

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a different course. We call this a ‘pathway’.

For PhD applicants, we offer a related ‘Integrated PhD’ which allows you to establish relevant skills before beginning your research.

You may also be eligible for course ‘credits’, where you are granted a unit or units towards your qualification for equivalent previous study or work experience, so you can graduate sooner.

Entry criteria

Credit & Entry pathways into this course

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Course structure

To attain the Master of Applied Research, students will be required to complete the below mentioned components consisting of:

Required coursework units with a minimum of an average of 70% or have approved advanced standing for the unit(s)
A Research Thesis unit and have had their thesis classified as passed by the Dean, Graduate Research (or nominee)

Units

Fees & scholarships

As a research student at Victoria University (VU), your fees will vary based on your program of study and your success in applying for grants and scholarships.

Victoria University is proud to support research scholarship recipients each year.

Fees

Scholarships

Careers

A masters degree is increasingly important for a professional career. The Master of Applied Research will ensure you are prepared to enter the competitive job market.

This course could lead to a career as researcher or academic tutor, and prepare you for a senior role in a number of specialist fields.

You'll have the experience and confidence to take a leading position in a range of fields related to your discipline:

healthcare administration or management
policy making and development
public-sector research or writing
sports manager or coach
scientist.

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