Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Health Sciences (Research) is a supervised research degree that allows students to undertake an independent research project in a health-related discipline. Swinburne describes the course as preparation for further research, including PhD study, and for careers involving research.

Key benefits include:

• Opportunity to undertake supervised research in a chosen health-related discipline.
• Development of independent research skills.
• Research training and academic supervision throughout candidature.
• Development of independent thinking, decision-making, logical reasoning, project management and data-analysis skills.
• Opportunity to participate in internship opportunities available to Higher Degree by Research students.
• Potential preparation for progression to doctoral-level research.
• Access to research expertise across health sciences and related disciplines.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

This is a thesis-based research degree rather than a subject-based taught master's.

The programme requires the student to undertake supervised research and submit a written research thesis, including associated papers, of up to 60,000 words. The thesis is the principal assessment requirement for the degree.

Research progression includes formal progress reviews:

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

Disciplines / Specialisations

Swinburne identifies the following research areas for the Master of Health Sciences (Research):

• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Health Sciences
• Data Sciences
• Health Professions.

Programme Highlights

• 2-year full-time research master's degree.
• Hawthorn campus in Melbourne.
• CRICOS code 082697E.
• Course code MR-HTHSCI.
• January and July 2027 research-period starts.
• Supervised independent research.
• Research areas covering psychology, neuroscience, health sciences, data sciences and health professions.
• Thesis of up to 60,000 words.
• Formal research progress reviews during candidature.
• Internship opportunities may be available for Higher Degree by Research students.
• Designed to develop advanced independent research and analytical capabilities.
• Can provide preparation for future PhD-level research.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies potential career opportunities including:

• Academic
• Researcher or consultant in government, industry or not-for-profit organisations
• Entrepreneur
• Business development
• Policy, market or quantitative analyst.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current 2027 course information lists:

• 1 January 2027 commencement, with applications due by 27 December 2026.
• 1 July 2027 commencement, with applications due by 26 June 2027.
• Hawthorn as the study location.

Important research-degree requirements include:

• A suitable research topic must be identified.
• The topic must align with Swinburne's research expertise.
• A suitable and willing supervisor must be secured before the application can be considered.
• Applicants should research potential supervisors and contact them before submitting the application.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying this programme in Australia normally require an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).

For this programme, Swinburne states that international students in Australia holding Student visas must study full-time and on campus.

Current Department of Home Affairs requirements include:

• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for an eligible course.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Meeting the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
• Meeting applicable health and character requirements.
• Providing financial and English-language evidence where the Department's Document Checklist Tool requires it.

Genuine Student requirement:

For applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024, applicants are assessed under the Genuine Student requirement. The application asks about:

• Current circumstances, including family, community, employment and economic ties.
• Why the applicant wants to study the selected course in Australia with the selected provider.
• Understanding of the course and living/studying requirements in Australia.
• How completing the course will benefit the applicant.
• Other relevant information.