Master of Research

A Master of Research is a research training degree. It sits between coursework master's and a doctorate on the Australian Qualifications Framework. At Adelaide University, this one runs 1.5 years full time. You spend most of that time on your own research project under a supervisor, not in lecture theatres.

What you actually do

Expect a research methods component early on, then a thesis or major research project. The exact mix depends on your discipline, since this degree isn't tied to one subject area. You'll learn how to frame a research question, review literature, choose methods, manage data, and write up findings to academic standards. Supervision is regular and one-on-one or small group. Adelaide has strong research concentrations in health, agriculture, engineering, and the sciences, and projects often connect to those.

How it's structured

Australian master's degrees are built from units of study, each worth credit points. A 1.5-year degree usually totals around 72 credit points, though the split between coursework and research varies. The research component is the bulk of it. Some students complete a thesis; others submit a shorter dissertation plus coursework units. There's no standard semester-by-semester template across all disciplines, so check the official course page for your area.

Who it suits

This degree suits people who want research experience without committing to a three-year doctorate. That includes graduates considering a PhD, professionals who need research skills for their field, and international students who want a recognised Australian research qualification. If you're not sure whether research is for you, this is a way to find out with a structured project and a supervisor.

Practical matters

International students on a Student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available, depending on your circumstances. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 116006H. English requirements vary by discipline; IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall is common, higher for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. Confirm all details on the official page before applying.

• Research assistant or research officer in universities, medical research institutes, and CSIRO
• Policy or data analyst in government departments and consultancies
• Research and development roles in agriculture, health, engineering, and environmental organisations
• PhD candidate, this degree is a common pathway into a doctorate
• Project officer or evaluator in non-profits and community organisations
• Technical or laboratory roles in industry and public research agencies