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.

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.

To be considered for postgraduate study, you will need to have specific academic qualifications, as outlined below. We also consider non-academic research and work experience for our research candidates.

Admission criteria

• Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in the same discipline with an average grade of Distinction (or equivalent) in the final year. 

• OR Completion of an Australian Bachelor Honours degree (or equivalent) in a different discipline with an average grade of Distinction (or equivalent). PLUS Demonstrate English competency sufficient for study at masters level by providing evidence of one or more of the following: 

• completion of one or more degrees with English as the language of instruction and assessment, undertaken in a predominantly English-speaking context (within the last two years) <li>IELTS (or equivalent) overall score of 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) 

• a score of not less than 92 with no section score less than 22 in the internet-based Teaching of English Foreign Language (TOEFL) test, or English proficiency equivalent 

• other documented proof of English proficiency equivalent to the above.

The Master of Research 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

1. Critically review a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in one or more disciplines
2. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning

Skills

1. Conceptually map and critically evaluate theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on its application to the chosen field
2. 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
3. Develop high level cognitive, technical and creative skills required to generate, evaluate and synthesise complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level
4. Analyse, critique and implement cognitive and technical skills required to design, use and evaluate research and research methods
5. 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
6. 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

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:

• education in schools or other settings
• policy making and development
• public-sector research or writing
• programmer or IT specialist
• scientist.