Master's Degree Social Sciences & Psychology Full Time

Master of Applied Research

at Victoria University · Melbourne, Victoria

CRICOS course code

099078D

CRICOS provider code

00124K

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

2 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$83,824 total

Per year

A$41,912/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Master of Applied Research at Victoria University is a two-year course in Melbourne, suited to those looking to undertake social sciences or psychology research with practical outcomes. Students select a topic relevant to their professional or community interests and design a project that contributes new knowledge or addresses complex issues. Supervision is provided by academics active in applied research, often with strong links to government and local industries.

Courses are structured around a combination of core research units and elective seminars, covering research design, ethics, and data analysis. The main component is the practical research project, culminating in a substantial thesis. Students develop skills in critical thinking, project management, advanced methodology, and scholarly communication. Unlike taught coursework degrees, the emphasis here is on independent research, although regular guidance and progress reviews support students throughout.

This course is a good fit for those aiming for careers in research, policy, community development, or preparation for further study at the doctoral level. The university may offer opportunities for work-integrated learning, depending on project focus, and students can often collaborate with external organisations or government bodies on applied research topics. Check the official course page for details of research areas and possible placements or projects.

Australian master’s students may work up to 48 hours per fortnight alongside study and could qualify for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-completion. Entry requires evidence of English proficiency—most international applicants meet this through IELTS or equivalent tests. Courses at Victoria University use a credit point system based on units of study. Refer to the university for specifics on unit breakdowns, credit points, and any required prerequisites.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Policy Analyst in government departments or not-for-profit organisations
Research Officer in social research institutes or consultancies
Project Manager for community or social programmes
Data Analyst roles in the public sector or market research firms
Pathway to doctoral research or academic positions

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Master of Applied Research at Victoria University?

It typically takes 2 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$83,824 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Policy Analyst in government departments or not-for-profit organisationsResearch Officer in social research institutes or consultanciesProject Manager for community or social programmesData Analyst roles in the public sector or market research firmsPathway to doctoral research or...

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