A Masters by Thesis (also known as a Masters by Research or MRes) is an advanced postgraduate research degree classified at AQF Level 9 on the Australian Qualifications Framework. Unlike coursework-based master's programs, a Masters by Thesis requires students to conduct original, independent research and communicate their findings through a substantial written thesis — typically between 30,000 and 75,000 words depending on the discipline and institution. Students work closely with one or more academic supervisors and are expected to make a genuine contribution to knowledge in their chosen field. The degree spans approximately two years of full-time study, or up to four years part-time, and is available across virtually every discipline — from science, engineering, and technology to humanities, business, law, health sciences, education, and creative arts. Some institutions also accept alternative outputs such as a creative work (film, novel, or exhibition) accompanied by an explanatory exegesis.

The Masters by Thesis is specifically designed for graduates who wish to deepen their expertise in a defined area of study through self-directed inquiry rather than structured coursework. It suits high-achieving Honours graduates, professionals seeking advanced research credentials, and those who intend to proceed to a PhD. Because the program is largely self-driven with no set lecture timetable, students need strong intrinsic motivation, time management skills, and intellectual curiosity. Supervisors guide the research trajectory and provide regular feedback, but the candidate is responsible for designing, executing, and writing up their own project. Domestic students may be eligible to have their tuition fees covered under the Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset scheme, making this qualification highly accessible for eligible Australian residents.

Employers of Masters by Thesis graduates span an extraordinarily wide range of sectors given the cross-disciplinary nature of the qualification. These include universities and research institutes, federal and state government departments (particularly in science, policy, defence, and health), the CSIRO and other national research agencies, private sector R&D divisions across industries such as biotechnology, energy, mining, technology, and finance, think tanks, consulting firms, hospitals and health networks, cultural institutions, and not-for-profit organisations. The qualification is valued wherever rigorous analytical thinking, evidence-based decision-making, and the capacity to manage complex independent projects are prized.

To be admitted into a Masters by Thesis program at an Australian university, applicants typically need to hold a relevant Bachelor's degree with Honours (at minimum Second Class Honours Division 2, or a mark of 65 or above) or an equivalent qualification that includes a substantial research component. Some institutions require First Class Honours or a strong Second Class Honours Division 1 result for entry into more competitive programs. Alternatively, applicants who hold a bachelor's degree without honours may be considered if they can demonstrate relevant professional experience and research capability, or if they have completed a postgraduate coursework degree with a research component equivalent to at least 25% of the program. Crucially, all applicants must identify a viable research topic and secure written agreement from a registered academic supervisor before their application can proceed — without a confirmed supervisor, applications will generally not be accepted.

Applicants are required to submit a research proposal (typically 500–1,000 words) that outlines the intended research question, its significance, the proposed methodology, and alignment with the host institution's research priorities and available supervisory expertise. Academic referees who can speak to the applicant's research potential are also typically required. For international students, English language proficiency must be demonstrated through an approved test: the most common minimum benchmarks are an IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0), a TOEFL iBT score of 79–90, or equivalent results in PTE Academic or Cambridge English Advanced. Some disciplines or institutions set higher English language thresholds, so applicants should check the specific requirements of their chosen program. Australian citizens, permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens may be eligible for the Commonwealth Government's Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset, which covers tuition for up to two years of full-time study at the Masters level.