Why Study/Key Benefits

The Master of Research (Information and Communication Technology) is a research-focused postgraduate degree designed to provide a pathway from undergraduate research study into higher-degree research.

Key benefits include:

• Opportunity to undertake supervised research in an ICT-related discipline of the student's choice.
• Development of independent research skills.
• Major research thesis of up to 20,000 words.
• Development of independent thinking, critical thinking, data analysis and project management skills.
• Development of communication and research skills.
• Preparation for further research study, including a potential PhD pathway.
• Internship opportunities are available for Higher Degree by Research students.
• Research areas currently listed by Swinburne include cloud computing, role-oriented adaptive design, energy-management software, data management and cybersecurity.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The programme combines supervised research, coursework and a major research thesis.

Swinburne states that students must satisfactorily complete the requirements for the Master of Research and submit a written research thesis of up to 20,000 words.

The current programme page also states that students complete coursework as part of the programme.

Research and study activity includes:

• Supervised research
• Research project development
• Data analysis
• Critical analysis
• Research methodology and training
• Thesis development and writing
• Academic communication
• Research presentation and publication-related skills

The programme includes formal research progress reviews. The current Swinburne information identifies the following stages:

• Preconfirmation review: around 3 months after enrolment.
• Confirmation of candidature review: around 9–12 months.
• Draft thesis review: around 33–36 months and a follow-up review approximately 3 months before thesis submission.

Disciplines/Specialisations

Primary discipline:

• Information and Communication Technology

Students undertake supervised research in a related ICT discipline of their choice.

Current research areas specifically listed by Swinburne include:

• Cloud computing
• Role-oriented adaptive design
• Energy-management software
• Data management
• Cybersecurity

Programme Highlights

• Research-focused master's degree in ICT.
• 2 years full-time.
• Hawthorn campus.
• International CRICOS registration: 094718F.
• Course code: MR-INTICT.
• Supervised research in an ICT discipline of the student's choice.
• Major thesis of up to 20,000 words.
• Research areas include cloud computing, adaptive design, energy-management software, data management and cybersecurity.
• Development of independent research, data analysis, critical thinking and project management skills.
• Research progress reviews during candidature.
• Internship opportunities available for Higher Degree by Research students.
• Potential pathway to further higher-degree research such as a PhD.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies career opportunities associated with the programme including:

• Academic
• Researcher
• Government consultant
• Entrepreneur
• Business development
• Analyst – policy, market or quantitative

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

The current programme information has several important requirements for international applicants:

• The course is currently listed as MR-INTICT.
• CRICOS code is 094718F.
• The current published international start is 1 January 2027.
• The application deadline shown for this intake is 27 December 2026.
• The location is Hawthorn.
• Students must study full-time and on campus if they are international students in Australia holding a Student visa.
• Applicants must have completed Swinburne's Bachelor of Research (Honours) (BH-INTICT) with a credit average.
• Applicants are automatically considered for the Bachelor of Research (Honours) when applying for the Master of Research and do not need a separate application for the Bachelor of Research (Honours).
• A suitable research topic and supervisor are required before a research-degree application can be considered.
• Swinburne states that an application will not be considered unless the applicant has an appropriate and willing supervisor.
• The research topic should align with an area in which Swinburne has research expertise.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying this programme in Australia generally require an Australian Student visa, subclass 500.

Key requirements include:

• Enrolment in an eligible course.
• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when the visa is decided.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Satisfaction of the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meeting applicable health and character requirements.
• Meeting the Australian Values Statement requirement where applicable.
• Demonstrating financial capacity where required.