Master of Research

Name: Master of Research
Price: <p>Fee type for this course: <a href='#fees-and-scholarships'> Research </a></p> AUD

VU course code: URRS | CRICOS: 099080K | Level of study: Research

Duration

1.5 years full time or longer for part time

Delivery mode

In Person

Fees

Fee type for this course: Research

Location

City Tower

Next start date

01 July 2025

Application closes

11 May 2025

Overview

Complete a Master of Research in 18 months in a broad range of disciplines. This program is tailored to graduates with a related bachelor degree, or an honours degree in a different discipline.

During your Master of Research at Victoria University, your study will be individualised according to your academic background. You'll gain crucial skills in research ethics and project design. Then you'll either study further research methods, or a disciplinary component relevant to your research. On passing the units with a 70% average, you’ll begin your own research in a field of personal passion and interest.

For your original thesis, you'll receive expert guidance from leading researchers within our 'Sustainable industries and liveable cities' research group, which includes:

VU also offers exceptional opportunities for research into Indigenous history and society, in our Moondani Balluk research unit.

In your chosen area of research – as diverse as arts, business, computer science, education, engineering, economics, science, law, and sociology – you'll address important contemporary issues such as:

climate change
cultural diversity, arts and social justice
technology in future industries, education and policy
urban planning.

Further opportunities exist to complete a Masters of Research in the Institute for Health & Sport.

: 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. (Please note: students with different entry levels into the MRes program may be eligible for Advanced Standing for particular units. For example, a student with a AQF Level 7 degree in the same discipline in which they will undertake their research degree will gain Advanced Standing for 1 unit of disciplinary studies.) 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 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
: Victoria University offers Master of Research options to fit your experience and qualifications.
Within our Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities focus areas, we also offer:
Master of Applied Research – a two-year, full-time program for graduates of any bachelor program to move into 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 Masters of Research or choose from the same suite of research degrees, within our health and sport focus area.
: VU is recognised for research excellence – in the latest Excellence in Research for Australia rankings, we were rated above world standard for our engineering, mathematical sciences, and applied-mathematics areas, among others.
We have also been ranked:
2nd in Victoria for computer science
3rd in Victoria for engineering & technology (Times Higher Education).
: Our research is aligned with two interdisciplinary flagship research themes, delivered through six research focus areas. You can research Indigenous history and society in our Moondani Balluk research unit.
You'll have access to expertise in our collaborative law and policy institutes:
The Mitchell Institute – health and education policy
Sir Zelman Cowen Centre – law-related topics for industry, government and the community.
You can also undertake a masters through VU's Institute for Health and Sport.
: 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 and Recreation
Some of these disciplines will be better aligned with a Masters of Research in the Institute for Health & Sport.
: Engineering & science labs
Victoria University has high-tech laboratories and equipment that enable our innovative research.
These include:
computer modelling software packages including GIS and REALM
controlled-temperature rooms for botanical work
dynamics labs including drop- and shock-testing and thermal-imaging equipment
e-health software and systems, including PhysAnalyser & GP E-connect
fluid mechanics and hydraulics lab
large-scale structural fire-test furnace
materials engineering labs
PCR molecular labs
pluviometers, flowmeters, and water-quality monitoring equipment
polymer research lab.
Libraries & special collections
The VU Library holds several special collections and archives that are available to assist graduate students and staff in their research.
: We have working partnerships with most universities in Victoria, and several large industry and government departments.
Our collaborative partners include the following, among many others:
Attorney-General’s Department
Australian Federal Police
Australian Multicultural Foundation
Australian Social Policy Institute (ASPI)
Cross Yarra Tunnel
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).
: Conduct research that addresses major challenges faced by communities and industries. We offer leading supervision in several areas:
Cultural Diversity: Migration and mobility, Social inclusion, cohesion and equity, Access to justice, Community services, Creative arts
Urbanisation – Leading Urban Planning for the West & Beyond: Infrastructure and services, Urban and peri-urban planning, Quality of life
Climate Change: Impact analysis, mitigation and adaptation, Infrastructure and planning, Risk analysis and management, Decision support
Industrial Futures Preparing Technology-driven Futures: Technological change, Product innovation, Economic policy, Regulation and governance
Future of Work: Technological change, Micro, small and medium business, Skill and knowledge development.
: 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 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 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: