Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Information and Communication Technologies (Research) is a higher-degree-by-research qualification designed for students who want to undertake independent, supervised research in an ICT-related discipline.

Key benefits include:

• Opportunity to undertake a substantial original research project under academic supervision.
• Development of independent research and critical-thinking capabilities.
• Research training in areas such as thesis writing, publishing and presenting research.
• Opportunity to develop decision-making, logical reasoning, communication and project-management skills.
• Preparation for further doctoral research, including a potential pathway towards a PhD.
• Internship opportunities are available for Higher Degree by Research students.
• Access to Swinburne's research environment, including research schools, institutes, centres and research groups.
• International students can undertake the qualification at Swinburne's Hawthorn campus.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

This is a research-only master's programme rather than a conventional coursework programme.

The principal academic component is:

• Supervised research project.
• Independent investigation and/or development.
• Research methodology and research training.
• Major written research thesis.
• Thesis-related research outputs/associated papers where applicable.
• Research presentation and communication activities.
• Progress reviews during candidature.

The thesis is approximately 50,000–60,000 words and is the sole form of assessment for the degree. Swinburne states that candidates receive guidance from research supervisors throughout their candidature and can participate in research training sessions covering areas such as thesis writing, publishing and presenting.

Current progress-review information includes:

• Preconfirmation 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

The programme allows students to undertake supervised research in a related ICT discipline of their choice.

Swinburne currently identifies research areas including:

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

Programme Highlights

• Higher-degree-by-research master's qualification.
• 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time.
• Hawthorn campus.
• CRICOS registered: 082696F.
• Two research-period intakes in 2027.
• 50,000–60,000-word major thesis.
• Thesis is the sole form of assessment.
• Supervised independent research.
• Research training in thesis writing, publishing and presentation.
• Research areas including cloud computing, adaptive design, energy-management software, data management and cybersecurity.
• Internship opportunities are available for Higher Degree by Research students.
• Potential preparation for further PhD research.
• Requires an appropriate and willing supervisor before the application can be considered.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies the following career opportunities for graduates:

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

International Student Visa Requirements

The relevant Australian visa is generally the Student visa, subclass 500.

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

Key visa requirements can include:

• Valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Valid passport and identity documentation.
• Appropriate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
• Evidence of financial capacity where required.
• English-language evidence where required by Home Affairs.
• Satisfaction of the Genuine Student requirement.
• Compliance with all conditions attached to the Student visa.
• For research students, research-topic/thesis information and CV evidence where requested by the visa document checklist.