Master of Research (High Cost)

A Master of Research at Western Sydney University is a two-year research degree. You spend most of that time on your own project under supervision, not in lectures. The first year builds your research skills — research design, methods, ethics, literature review, academic writing. The second year is largely your thesis. You graduate with a substantial piece of original research and the skills to carry out research independently.

How it works

Australian research master's degrees are structured around a supervised thesis rather than a list of coursework units. You'll be assigned a supervisor (or a small panel) in your field, and you'll meet regularly to plan, review and refine your work. Some candidature includes coursework units in research methods, which carry credit points toward your degree. The exact mix of coursework and thesis, and the number of credit points, varies by discipline and is confirmed by the university. This is a research qualification, so there's no standard semester-by-semester unit list like an undergraduate degree. Your progress is measured through milestones — confirmation of candidature, progress reports, and eventually submission and examination of your thesis.

What you'll actually do

You'll read widely in your field, define a research question, design a study or methodology, collect and analyse data or sources, and write a thesis of roughly 40,000 to 60,000 words (or the equivalent in creative or professional practice, depending on the discipline). You'll present your work to peers and academics, take feedback, and revise. Many candidates also publish papers or present at conferences during candidature. The skills you build are transferable: critical analysis, project management, data interpretation, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly in writing and speech.

Who it suits

This degree suits people who want to research a specific question in depth. That includes recent graduates considering a PhD, professionals who need research skills for their field, and people whose work involves evidence, policy or practice improvement. It's also a pathway to a doctorate — many graduates go on to PhD study. If you prefer structured coursework and exams, a coursework master's may suit you better. If you want to spend two years on one project and become the person who knows that topic inside out, this is the right shape of degree.

Practicalities

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 lets eligible graduates stay and work in Australia for a period that depends on your qualification level. English requirements for entry are set by the university; check the official course page on the CRICOS register (course code 085507C) for the current tuition and English requirements, and confirm the details with Western Sydney University before you apply.

• Researcher in universities, research institutes, government agencies and private consultancies
• Policy analyst or advisor in federal and state government departments, NGOs and think tanks
• Data analyst or research officer in health, education, social services, business and industry
• Academic pathway — many graduates continue to a PhD and an academic career
• Professional roles that need research skills, such as evaluation, program management, market and social research, and evidence-based practice
• Industries that hire: higher education and research, government, health and community services, education, business and consulting, and not-for-profit organisations