Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Master of Research (Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences) is designed as a pathway from an undergraduate degree into higher-degree research.
• Students undertake both coursework and supervised independent research.
• The programme develops independent research capabilities and can prepare students for a future PhD or research-focused career.
• Students work with research supervisors throughout their candidature.
• Internship opportunities are available for Higher Degree by Research students.
• The programme develops independent thinking, decision-making, judgement, logical reasoning, communication and project-management skills.
• Swinburne currently lists research strengths in areas including Education, Media and Communication, Writing and Literature, Film/Television/Screen Production, Games/Animation, Cultural Studies and Sociology. 

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

This is a research-focused master's rather than a conventional taught master's with a long list of standard subjects.

The programme combines:

• Coursework
• Supervised research
• Research training
• A minor research thesis
• Progress reviews throughout candidature.

Research areas currently listed by Swinburne include:

• Education
• Media and Communication
• Writing and Literature
• Film/Television/Screen Production
• Games/Animation
• Cultural Studies and Sociology.

Students develop the ability to:

• Plan and undertake independent research
• Analyse and interpret information
• Develop a research question
• Conduct scholarly investigation
• Communicate research outcomes
• Manage a substantial research project
• Prepare and complete a research thesis.

The current course page also identifies progress reviews. These include:

• Preconfirmation review: around 3 months from enrolment
• Confirmation of candidature review: around 9–12 months
• Draft thesis review: around 33–36 months, followed by a review approximately three months before thesis submission.

Disciplines/Specialisations

Swinburne does not currently present fixed named specialisations for this course.

The principal research disciplines/areas are:

• Education
• Media and Communication
• Writing and Literature
• Film, Television and Screen Production
• Games and Animation
• Cultural Studies
• Sociology.

Programme Highlights

• 2-year full-time postgraduate research qualification.
• Designed as a pathway towards higher-degree research.
• Suitable preparation for potential PhD study.
• Combines coursework with supervised independent research.
• Requires a substantial research thesis.
• Research supervision is a core component.
• Research areas span education, media, literature, screen production, games, animation, cultural studies and sociology.
• Internship opportunities are available to Higher Degree by Research students.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies the following potential career outcomes:

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

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• Current course code: MR-INTHAS.
• Current CRICOS code: 094718F.
• Current listed location: Hawthorn.
• Current published 2027 start: 1 January 2027.
• Current application deadline: 27 December 2026.
• A suitable and willing supervisor is required before an application will be considered.
• The research topic should align with Swinburne's available research expertise.
• Applicants must submit an online research-degree application after identifying their topic and supervisor.
• Minimum final-year undergraduate average: 65%.
• Minimum English: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0.
• The course involves both coursework and supervised research.
• International students in Australia on a Student visa must study full-time and on campus; Swinburne specifically states that entirely online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a Student visa. This programme itself is listed at Hawthorn, so it is not an online-only course.
• Future intake dates, 2027 international tuition beyond the published 2026 figure, and programme-specific research scholarship amounts: Not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU/Swinburne.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student intending to study this programme in Australia, the relevant visa is generally the Australian Student visa, subclass 500.

The programme is CRICOS registered under 094718F.

General Student visa requirements can include:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• Genuine Student requirement
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Evidence of financial capacity where required
• Health requirements
• Character requirements
• Valid passport and identity documentation
• Compliance with Student visa study and work conditions.