Why Study/Key Benefits

The Master of Research (Science) is a research master's designed to provide a pathway from undergraduate study into higher-degree research. Students undertake supervised research and develop the independent research skills required for further doctoral study or research-oriented careers.

Key benefits include:

• Research-focused postgraduate study in science.
• Development of independent research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Supervised research experience leading to a substantial research thesis.
• Preparation for progression to a PhD or other higher degree by research.
• Development of decision-making, judgement, logical reasoning, communication and project-management skills.
• Potential internship opportunities for Higher Degree by Research students.
• Research opportunities across science, astrophysics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and physics.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The Master of Research (Science) is research-focused rather than a conventional coursework master's.

The current programme structure requires:

• One core component.
• Supervised research.
• Research training and thesis-related activities.
• A final written research thesis, including associated papers, of up to 60,000 words.

The programme's research process includes formal progress reviews:

• Pre-confirmation review: approximately 3 months after enrolment.
• Confirmation of candidature review: approximately 9–12 months.
• Mid-candidature review: approximately 21–24 months.
• Draft thesis review: approximately 33–36 months, with a follow-up approximately three months before thesis submission.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The programme's listed research areas are:

• Science
• Astrophysics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Mathematics
• Physics.

Programme Highlights

• Master's degree by research.
• Course code: MR-INTSCI.
• CRICOS: 094718F.
• Hawthorn campus.
• 2 years full-time or equivalent part-time.
• Research areas covering science, astrophysics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and physics.
• Supervised research.
• Final thesis of up to 60,000 words.
• Formal research progress reviews.
• Potential internship opportunities for Higher Degree by Research students.
• Designed as preparation for PhD-level research and research careers.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne lists potential career opportunities including:

• Academic
• Researcher
• Government consultant
• Entrepreneur
• Business development
• Policy analyst
• Market analyst
• Quantitative analyst.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

The current international course code is MR-INTSCI and the CRICOS code is 094718F.

The most important application requirement is the research-supervisor process:

1. Decide on a research topic.
2. Identify a potential Swinburne supervisor in the relevant research area.
3. Contact the potential supervisor and discuss the proposed research.
4. Obtain support from an appropriate and willing supervisor.
5. Submit the formal research-degree application.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students coming to Australia to undertake this on-campus research master's generally require an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).

The programme has CRICOS code 094718F.

Key Student visa requirements generally include:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Meeting the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meeting applicable health requirements.
• Meeting applicable character requirements.
• Providing financial evidence where required.
• Providing English-language evidence where required.
• Complying with all Student visa conditions.