Gain a solid foundation in research methods before undertaking a thesis related to any of the disciplines within 'sustainable and liveable cities'. The Master of Applied Research is designed for bachelor graduates in 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 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.

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 related 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 any discipline with an average grade of Distinction (or equivalent) in the final year. 

  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) 

• 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 Applied 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 and be able to:
 

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of fundamental principles and current debates about ethics and integrity in research;
2. Demonstrate familiarity with relevant national codes and university policies that impact on research practice and appropriate conduct in various research environments;
3. Identify key areas of ethics and integrity that relate to their own area of research practice
4. Demonstrate ability to critically evaluate options and approaches to resolve issues in research integrity and ethics that may arise in their field of research; and
5. Critically defend a position in relation to research ethics and integrity as it relates to their own area of research practice and design of their own research project.
6. Develop skills of advanced written and spoken academic communication.

Application of Knowledge and Skills Graduates of a Master of Applied 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 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:

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