Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Master of Arts (Research) is designed for students who want to undertake supervised, independent research in an arts, humanities or social-science-related discipline.
• It develops research capability and is particularly suitable for students considering a future PhD or a research-oriented professional career.
• Students undertake an individual research project under the guidance of research supervisors rather than following a conventional coursework-heavy master's structure.
• Skills developed include independent thinking, decision-making, judgement, logical reasoning, communication, project management, data analysis, problem solving and critical thinking.
• Swinburne also states that internship opportunities are available for Higher Degree by Research students.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

This is a thesis-based research degree rather than a programme consisting of a normal list of taught subjects.

The main components are:

• Independent research, investigation or development.
• Supervised research throughout the candidature.
• A substantial master's thesis of approximately 50,000–60,000 words.
• The thesis is the sole form of assessment for the degree.
• Research training opportunities are provided, including sessions covering areas such as thesis writing, publishing and presenting.
• Candidates undergo formal progress reviews during their candidature.

The progress-review framework shown by Swinburne includes:

• Pre-confirmation review: around 3 months.
• Confirmation of candidature review: approximately 9–12 months.
• Draft thesis review: approximately 33–36 months, with follow-up approximately 3 months before thesis submission for longer candidature arrangements.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The current Master of Arts (Research) page identifies these research areas:

• Cultural studies
• Human society
• Media and communications
• Philosophy
• Politics

Programme Highlights

• Research master's degree with a strong independent-research focus.
• 50,000–60,000-word substantial thesis.
• Individual supervision by an appropriate research supervisor.
• Research training in thesis writing, publishing and presentation.
• Research areas spanning cultural studies, human society, media and communications, philosophy and politics.
• Opportunity to develop advanced research and analytical skills.
• Suitable preparation for progression to PhD-level research.
• Internship opportunities are available for Higher Degree by Research students.
• CRICOS registered for international students: 046751C.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies the following potential career directions:

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

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The most important current requirements and updates are:

• Current course code: MR-HAS.
• Current CRICOS code: 046751C.
• Current listed campus: Hawthorn.
• Current duration: 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time.
• Current research start dates shown by Swinburne: 1 January 2027 and 1 July 2027.
• Applicants need an appropriate and willing research supervisor before their application can be considered.
• International students in Australia on student visas must study full-time and on campus.
• The research thesis is the central assessment component.
• A minimum 65% final-year average is specified for the bachelor's degree.
• IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 is the course-specific English requirement.

International Student Visa Requirements

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

Key requirements and conditions include:

• Obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from Swinburne before completing the student visa application.
• Maintain appropriate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the required period.
• Demonstrate sufficient financial capacity when required.
• Meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
• Meet the applicable Department of Home Affairs health and character requirements.
• Maintain enrolment in a registered course.
• Maintain satisfactory course progress and attendance as required by the education provider.
• Comply with all conditions attached to the individual visa.