Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Engineering (Research) is a higher degree by research designed for students who want to undertake supervised, independent engineering research and produce a substantial research thesis.

Key benefits include:

• Opportunity to undertake supervised research in an engineering discipline of the student’s choice.
• Development of independent research, critical thinking, decision-making and project-management skills.
• Research training in areas such as thesis writing, academic publishing and research presentation.
• A substantial research thesis provides an opportunity to demonstrate advanced knowledge and mastery of inquiry in an engineering field.
• Access to Swinburne’s engineering research environment, research supervisors and research facilities.
• Internship opportunities are available for Higher Degree by Research students.
• The qualification can support careers in research, academia, government, industry, consulting and engineering-related business development.
• It can also provide preparation for further doctoral research.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

Unlike a taught engineering master's degree, the Master of Engineering (Research) does not consist of a fixed sequence of standard coursework subjects.

The programme is centred on a research project and thesis.

Research process:

1. Select a research topic aligned with Swinburne’s engineering research expertise.
2. Identify a suitable research supervisor.
3. Discuss the proposed research project with the supervisor.
4. Submit the research-degree application.
5. Undertake supervised research and investigation.
6. Participate in relevant research training activities.
7. Complete progress reviews during candidature.
8. Prepare and submit the major research thesis.
9. Complete the examination process for the thesis.

Master’s thesis:

• Approximately 50,000–60,000 words.
• The thesis is the principal and published sole form of assessment for the degree.
• The research must demonstrate mastery of inquiry in the selected engineering discipline or profession.

Research training may include topics such as:

• Thesis writing
• Academic publishing
• Research presentation
• Research methodology
• Research project development
• Academic communication

Progress reviews:

Swinburne uses progress reviews to monitor research progress and provide feedback during candidature. The published course information identifies stages including:

• Pre-confirmation review
• Confirmation of candidature review
• Draft thesis review

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Master of Engineering (Research) offers research opportunities across the following areas:

• Engineering – general
• Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Engineering
• Maritime Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering

Programme Highlights

• Higher Degree by Research qualification.
• Two-year full-time research master's.
• Hawthorn campus.
• CRICOS 046754M.
• Supervised independent engineering research.
• Major thesis of approximately 50,000–60,000 words.
• Research areas covering mechanical, civil, electrical, biomedical, materials, maritime and aerospace engineering.
• Research training in academic communication and research dissemination.
• Formal progress reviews during candidature.
• Internship opportunities available to Higher Degree by Research students.
• Opportunity to develop research expertise relevant to industry, government or academia.
• Potential pathway toward doctoral-level research.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies potential career directions including:

• Academic
• Researcher
• Research consultant
• Government researcher or consultant
• Industry researcher
• Not-for-profit researcher or consultant
• Entrepreneur
• Business development professional
• Policy analyst
• Market analyst
• Quantitative analyst

Depending on the research specialisation, graduates may also pursue engineering research and development roles in areas such as:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Energy and electrical systems
• Aerospace
• Civil infrastructure
• Materials
• Biomedical engineering
• Maritime engineering
• Mechanical and industrial engineering

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• 2027 research commencement dates are currently 1 January and 1 July.
• Application deadlines are currently 27 December 2026 and 26 June 2027.
• Applicants must identify an appropriate and willing research supervisor before applying.
• Swinburne states that an application will not be considered unless there is an appropriate and willing supervisor for the proposed research.
• The proposed research topic should align with Swinburne’s available research areas and expertise.
• Research applicants should review Swinburne’s schools, departments, research institutes, research centres and research groups when developing a research topic.
• The degree is thesis-based rather than a conventional coursework master's.
• Research progress is monitored through formal candidature reviews.
• Internship opportunities are available for Higher Degree by Research students.
• Credit transfer/RPL in the conventional coursework sense is not the primary structure of this research degree.
• The final research topic and supervision arrangement are subject to Swinburne approval.
• Meeting the minimum academic and English requirements does not guarantee an offer.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students undertaking this course in Australia generally use the Student visa, subclass 500.

Key requirements include:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for the CRICOS-registered course.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the required visa period.
• Genuine Student requirement.
• Evidence of financial capacity where required.
• Meeting applicable health requirements.
• Meeting applicable character requirements.
• Providing any documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Maintaining the required enrolment and complying with visa conditions.