Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Research (Health Sciences) at Swinburne University of Technology is a research-focused postgraduate degree designed for students progressing from undergraduate study into higher-degree research. It combines research training with supervised research and is intended to prepare graduates for a PhD and/or careers involving health research.

Key benefits include:

• Develops independent research skills through supervised research.
• Provides training in research methodology, academic communication, project management and data analysis.
• Allows students to undertake research aligned with Swinburne's health-related research strengths.
• Provides a potential pathway to doctoral research, including a PhD.
• Internship opportunities are available for Higher Degree by Research students.
• Develops skills in independent thinking, decision-making, logical reasoning, communication and research project management.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

Unlike a coursework master's, the programme does not publish a list of conventional taught subjects as its core structure.

The programme consists primarily of supervised research leading to a substantial thesis:

• Research topic selection.
• Identification of an appropriate research supervisor.
• Supervised research.
• Research training.
• Research thesis of up to 60,000 words.
• Progress reviews during candidature.
• Final thesis submission.

Swinburne specifies the following progress-review framework:

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

Disciplines / Specialisations

The current Master of Research (Health Sciences) page identifies the following research areas:

• Psychology
  • Social psychology
  • Clinical psychology
  • Forensic psychology
  • Developmental psychology
• Neuroscience
  • Cognitive neuroscience
  • Neuroimaging
  • Neuromarketing
• Health Sciences
  • Digital health
• Data Sciences
  • Health analytics
  • Biostatistics
  • Epidemiology
  • Statistics
• Health Professions
  • Dietetics
  • Nursing.

Programme Highlights

• Research-focused master's degree.
• Two years full-time.
• Hawthorn campus.
• CRICOS code 094718F.
• Current international intake listed: 1 January 2027.
• Research thesis of up to 60,000 words.
• Supervised independent research.
• Research areas spanning psychology, neuroscience, health sciences, health data sciences and health professions.
• Potential pathway to PhD-level research.
• Internship opportunities available for Higher Degree by Research students.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies potential career directions including:

• Academic
• Researcher
• Government, industry or not-for-profit consultant
• Entrepreneur
• Business development professional
• Policy analyst
• Market analyst
• Quantitative analyst.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The most important current requirements and updates are:

• Course code: MR-INTHTHS.
• CRICOS code: 094718F.
• Current duration: 2 years full-time or equivalent part-time.
• Current published international intake: 1 January 2027.
• Current application deadline: 27 December 2026.
• Applicants must successfully complete Swinburne's Bachelor of Research (Honours) with a credit average.
• Applicants are automatically considered for the Bachelor of Research (Honours) when applying for this master's course.
• A suitable research topic must align with Swinburne's research expertise.
• A willing and appropriate supervisor must be identified before the research-degree application can be considered.
• The final research thesis can be up to 60,000 words.
• International Student visa holders must study full-time and on campus.
• Credit-point/unit structure: Not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.

International Student Visa Requirements

The relevant visa for an international student studying this course in Australia is generally the Australian Student visa (subclass 500).

Swinburne specifically states that international students in Australia who hold Student visas must study full-time and on campus.

General Department of Home Affairs requirements include:

• Enrolment in an eligible CRICOS-registered course.
• Valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Meeting applicable health requirements.
• Meeting applicable character requirements.
• Meeting the Genuine Student requirement.
• Providing financial-capacity evidence if required by the Department.
• Meeting any applicable English-language evidence requirements.