Victoria University
2 years full time or longer for part time
The Master of Applied Research is a 2-year postgraduate program that prepares bachelor graduates from any discipline to conduct independent research at masters level. Students complete core coursework in research methodology, ethics, and design before undertaking a supervised thesis in health, sport, or sustainable industries.
Applicants must hold an Australian Bachelor degree or equivalent qualification in any discipline with a minimum Distinction average in the final year. Victoria University considers education, work experience, current skills, and personal attributes during assessment. Non-academic research and work experience are also evaluated for research candidates. Special entry programs are available for applicants from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds. Credit may be granted for equivalent previous study or work experience, potentially reducing completion time.
The Master of Applied Research comprises core coursework units and a research thesis. Core units include: Introduction to Research Methodology (12 credits), Research Design and Proposal Development (12 credits), Research Integrity and Ethics (12 credits), and Enhancing Researcher Knowledge and Skills (12 credits). Students then undertake a discipline-specific Research Thesis unit. Thesis options span Applied Science, Arts, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, Business, Chemical Sciences, Civil and Building Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics, Education, Electrical Engineering, Environmental and Risk Engineering, Food Science, Law and Justice, Mechanical Engineering, Nursing, Physics, and Sport Science. Research specializations within the Institute for Health and Sport include: Mechanisms & Interventions in Health & Disease (muscle, exercise, movement, cardio-metabolic disorders, cancer and immunology); Sport Performance & Business (analytics, technology, skills development, sport business and policy); Clinical & Community Health & Wellbeing (mental health, maternal and child health, capacity building); and Healthy & Inclusive Communities (movement, diversity, and inclusion).
Victoria University is world-ranked number 6 for sport science education (ShanghaiRankings, 2025) and ranked above world-standard in sport and health fields (Excellence in Research for Australia). The university offers world-class facilities including a $68 million sport and exercise science research complex and a $51.6 million Western Centre for Health Research and Education. VU has partnerships with dozens of leading organizations including the AFL, Australian Institute of Sport, Diabetes Australia Research Trust, and Headspace. The university provides comprehensive support for graduate researchers through specialized Graduate Research Schools, orientation programs, study spaces, and research ambassadors, ensuring students receive expert supervision and access to cutting-edge resources.
Graduates of the Master of Applied Research are prepared for careers as researchers, academic tutors, and senior professionals in specialist fields. The degree opens pathways to leadership positions in healthcare administration and management, policy making and development, public-sector research and writing, sports management and coaching, and scientific research roles. The advanced research skills and thesis completion provide a strong foundation for further doctoral study or entry into competitive professional markets requiring advanced research expertise and disciplinary knowledge.
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