Master of Research

A master degree by research is designed to show mastery of inquiry in a field of a discipline or profession. You'll undertake supervised research and complete a thesis of 50,000 to 60,000 words.

A master degree usually takes between two and four years. This depends on whether you decide to study full-time or part-time. Fast-tracking is available for some master degrees based on prior experience in your chosen area of study.

Yes, you can apply for a master degree without a bachelor degree by enrolling in a graduate certificate – the first step in a master degree – with five years of proven, relevant work experience. You may also be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to gain credit towards your course. Applicants for RPL are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Some of Swinburne's master degrees are nested with the relevant graduate certificate and graduate diploma. This gives you the option to exit with a graduate certificate (after 4 units), with a graduate diploma (after 8 units), or with a master degree (after 12 units).

Yes, financial support and advice is available at Swinburne, including grants for financially disadvantaged students, study and living support grants, scholarships, and more. Most local students can study in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and access a HECS-HELP loan.