Master of Arts (Research)

Overview

The Master of Arts (Research) offers students the opportunity to undertake supervised research in the related discipline of their choice.

The program fosters the development of independent research skills, making it ideal preparation for those looking to undertake further research through a PhD program and/or pursue a career in research.

Get a copy of our course guide

Your industry experience

Internship opportunities are available for Higher Degree by Research students.

Explore Work Integrated Learning

Research areas

Cultural studies
Human society
Media and communications
Philosophy
Politics

Skills you’ll learn

Independent thinking
Decision-making skills
Good judgement
Logical thought, rationality
Communication skills
Project management skills
Data analysis
Problem solving
Critical thinking

Your career opportunities

Researcher/consultant in Government, industry or not-for-profit
Analyst – policy, market, quantitative
Business development
Academic
Entrepreneur

Key codes

CRICOS course code

046751C

VTAC Code (CSP)

International student visa

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Why Swinburne?

Top 400 for Arts and Humanities

Times Higher Education World University Ranking by Subject 2023

Ranked top 150 for Art and Design

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

Top 400 for Arts and Humanities

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

Source

Qualifications

You must have completed a three-year bachelor degree at AQF level 7 (or equivalent) with a minimum average of 65% in the final year units of study. Other relevant experience will also be taken into account in assessing your application.

You must have completed a three-year degree with a minimum average of 65% in the final year units of study. Other relevant experience will also be taken into account in assessing your application.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. Check admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 70%, all skills 65% or above
or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Book your Pearson Test of English

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Master of Business (Research)

Discover more (Master of Business (Research))
Master of Research (Design)

Discover more (Master of Research (Design))
Master of Research (Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences)

Discover more (Master of Research (Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences))

Course structure

The Master of Arts (Research) degree is generally completed over a period of two years full-time or four years part-time. Candidates carry out a program of research, investigation or development involving the submission of a substantial major thesis of 50,000 – 60,000 words, which is the sole form of assessment for the degree.

Throughout your candidature you will receive guidance and support from your research supervisors. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a number of research training sessions on topics such as thesis writing, publishing and presenting.

60,000

words

Thesis

Master of Arts (Research)

PhD Thesis

Candidates submit a written research thesis, or a written research thesis including associated papers, of up to 60,000 words.

Progress reviews

Progress reviews used to monitor academic progress and provide feedback to candidates at different stages of their candidature. Progress review due dates will vary based on your degree and enrolment status.

Progress reviews process	Due date from enrolment
Preconfirmation review Completion of thesis-related tasks and attendance at research training workshops	3 months
Confirmation of candidature review Completion of thesis-related tasks and attendance at research training workshops	9-12 months
Mid-candidature review Completion of thesis-related tasks and attendance at research training workshops	I2-24 months
Draft thesis review Completion of thesis-related tasks and attendance at research training workshops	33-36 months and follow-up 3 months prior to thesis submission

2025 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$36,000.00

Fees are estimates only

Published student tuition fees for 2025 unit enrolments in HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees may vary for units studied in future years, with part-time fees being proportionally lower depending on the number of units taken per semester. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

Government-funded Research training program (RTP)

If you are a domestic student (including Australian and New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents) your application will be automatically considered for a Government-funded Research Training Program (RTP) place.

How do I pay my fees?

HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to you if you are eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount.

Find out more about fees

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

log in to My Finances
check your Australian bank account details are correct
check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
pay using your preferred payment method.

Learn more about paying your fees

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2025 are now open. Our research scholarships are awarded to candidates with exceptional potential who are undertaking doctoral studies. These opportunities seek to promote equity and recognise excellence and achievement.

Please view our guidebook to help determine which documents you’ll need to prepare an application.

Learn more about scholarships

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Learn more about scholarships

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents

MR-HAS

Search for agents

Apply for a research degree

Step 1: Decide on a research topic

Your research topic should align with one of the areas of research we are involved in. You can find out about Swinburne's areas of research through our:

Step 2: Find a supervisor

Using the Find a Supervisor tool search for a potential supervisor in your area of interest and contact them directly to discuss supervision. You must find a supervisor for your research project before applying for a research degree. Your application will not be considered unless you have an appropriate and willing supervisor.

Find a supervisor

Step 3: Submit your application

Once you have decided on a research topic and found an appropriate and willing supervisor, you must complete and submit the online application form.

Submit your application

Course code

MR-HAS

Apply directly

Course code

MR-HAS

CRICOS code

046751C

Apply directly

Start dates

Students are able to apply and enrol into this course at any stage during each monthly intake. Start dates are a guide only.

Location

Start dates

Research Period 2

Hawthorn

01-July-2025

Start dates

Students are able to apply and enrol into this course at any stage during each monthly intake. Start dates are a guide only.

Location

Last date to apply

Start dates

Research Period 2

Hawthorn

26-June-2025

01-July-2025

Upcoming research events

Overview

Entry requirements

Study structure

Fees & Scholarships

How to apply

Overview

Your industry experience

Research areas

Skills you’ll learn

Your career opportunities

Key codes

International student visa

Why Swinburne?

Admission requirements

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

2025 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

Fees are estimates only

Fees are estimates only

Start dates

Start dates