If research excites you, pursuing Masters of Research (Masters of Philosophy) can be a great choice for you. If you are a student who wants to excel in a specified field and are excited by research and studying about a subject in-depth, then Masters of Research could be one of the best options for you.
During your Master of Research at Victoria University, your study will be individualised according to your academic background. You’ll gain crucial skills in research ethics and project design. Then you’ll either study further research methods, or a disciplinary component relevant to your research. On passing the units with a 70% average, you’ll begin your own research in a field of personal passion and interest.
A Master of Philosophy will allow you to conduct research in a specific area of your choosing, culminating in a thesis at the end of one years. A Master’s course is usually taken after study at the Bachelor’s level, and can provide a pathway to a Doctor of Philosophy degree.
What is Masters of Research?
A Masters of Research also known as Master of Philosophy is an advanced research-based qualification which allows the student to conduct in-depth research in their desired field and independently handle a single large research project. The degree aims to prepare researchers, either for professional work or for pursuing a PhD. Since the degree is more independent, it doesn’t have a set timetable to follow. Instead, students are expected to carry out the research as one or more extended projects under the guidance of a faculty supervisor. The degree sharpens the skills and knowledge gained during undergraduate study, as it primarily involves advance research in a chosen field and critical evaluation of different research methodologies.
Why pursue Masters by Research
The degree can be your best fit if you are interested in academic research or pursue a profession which majorly involves applying research skills. Given the scope of the course, this degree will allow you to focus on an independent project to gain associated research skills or undertake a comprehensive research degree (such as a PhD) further.
Masters of Research degree is shorter, research-focused and a stand-alone program with a pathway to PhD. Many professionals with limited research background opt for masters by research. It has a lower pre-requisite entry criterion compared to a PhD entry, that is for more experienced scholars. |
Eligibility requirements
The admission requirements to pursue a Masters of Research degree are similar to a taught MA or MSc:
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject with an eligible score, preferred with some research experience
- A research proposal, or a personal statement describing your academic goals and interests
- The thesis of 20,000 -50,000 words on the relevant subject in the desired field
- A good score in English language proficiency test such as IELTS with a minimum overall score of 6.5 bands and no module with less than 6 band