Australian residents
International students
Duration: 
2 years full time or longer for part time
Location: 
City Campus
Footscray Park
St Albans
Werribee
Delivery mode: 
In person
Start date:
1 July 2025
Register your interest

Overview

Gain a solid foundation in research methods before undertaking a thesis related to any of the disciplines within 'sustainable and liveable cities'. The Master of Applied Research is designed for bachelor graduates in any discipline.

When you undertake a Master of Applied Research at Victoria University, you'll study crucial topics to set you on the path to success, including research methods, ethics, project-design, and disciplinary expertise 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.

For your original thesis, you'll receive expert guidance from leading researchers within our 'Sustainable industries and liveable cities' research group, which includes:

In your chosen area of research – as diverse as arts, business, computer science, education, engineering, economics, science, law, and sociology – you'll address important contemporary issues such as:

  • climate change
  • cultural diversity, arts and social justice
  • technology in future industries, education and related policy
  • urban planning.

Further opportunities exist to complete a Masters of Research in the Institute for Health & Sport.

VU is recognised for research excellence – in the latest Excellence in Research for Australia rankings, we were rated above world standard for our engineering, mathematical sciences, and applied-mathematics areas, among others.

We have also been ranked:

  • 2nd in Victoria for computer science
  • 3rd in Victoria for engineering & technology (Times Higher Education).

Engineering & science labs

Victoria University has high-tech laboratories and equipment that enable our innovative research.

These include:

  • computer modelling software packages including GIS and REALM
  • controlled-temperature rooms for botanical work
  • dynamics labs including drop- and shock-testing and thermal-imaging equipment
  • e-health software and systems, including PhysAnalyser & GP E-connect
  • fluid mechanics and hydraulics lab
  • large-scale structural fire-test furnace
  • materials engineering labs
  • PCR molecular labs
  • pluviometers, flowmeters, and water-quality monitoring equipment
  • polymer research lab.

Libraries & special collections

The VU Library holds several special collections and archives that are available to assist graduate students and staff in their research.

We have working partnerships with most universities in Victoria, and several large industry and government departments.

Our collaborative partners include the following, among many others:

  • Attorney-General’s Department
  • Australian Federal Police
  • Australian Multicultural Foundation
  • Australian Social Policy Institute (ASPI)
  • Cross Yarra Tunnel
  • Defence Science and Technology Group (DST Group)
  • Greater Western Water
  • GWMWater
  • Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV)
  • Melbourne City Mission
  • Melbourne Metro
  • Memcor
  • NEXUS Online
  • Oztron Energy
  • Peter Mac Cancer Centre
  • Sunshine Hospital
  • Telstra
  • The University of Texas El Paso (UTEP)
  • United Energy
  • World Health Organization (WHO).

Our research is aligned with two interdisciplinary flagship research themes, delivered through six research focus areas.

Sustainable industries and liveable cities research is undertaken by:

You'll have access to expertise in our collaborative law and policy institutes:

You can also undertake a masters through VU's Institute for Health and Sport.

Conduct research that addresses major challenges faced by communities and industries. We offer leading supervision in several areas:

  • Cultural Diversity: Migration and mobility; Social inclusion, cohesion and equity; Access to justice; Community services; Creative arts
  • Urbanisation – Leading Urban Planning for the West & Beyond: Infrastructure and services; Urban and peri-urban planning; Quality of life
  • Climate Change: Impact analysis, mitigation and adaptation; Infrastructure and planning; Risk analysis and management; Decision support
  • Industrial Futures Preparing Technology-driven Futures: Technological change; Product innovation; Economic policy; Regulation and governance
  • Future of Work: Technological change; Micro, small and medium business; Skill and knowledge development.

Victoria University has several generous research scholarships available for successful Master of Applied Research students. These scholarships are highly competitive.

There are also externally funded scholarships from dozens of organisations, some of which are aimed at postgraduate students.

VU Research gives you opportunities to:

  • connect with other researchers
  • participate in research festivals and competitions
  • develop your research skills
  • get funding for your research
  • publish and promote your findings.

We offer support for graduate researchers including:

  • an orientation program
  • a specialised Graduate Research School
  • study spaces within your disciplinary area
  • units to help you conceptualise and contextualise your research
  • research ambassadors and student association.

Find out more about graduate opportunities at VU.

Victoria University offers expert supervision for masters research in these areas:

  • 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
  • Sport and Recreation

Some of these disciplines will be better aligned with a Masters of Research in the Institute for Health & Sport.

Victoria University offers Master of Research options to fit your experience and qualifications.

Our Master of Applied Research allows graduates of any bachelor program to move into a different discipline, with the support needed to prepare for high-quality study.

Within our Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities focus areas, we also offer:

  • Master of Research – an 18-month, full-time program for students with a relevant bachelor degree, or honours degree in a different discipline.
  • Master of Research Practice – a one-year program for students with an honours degree in a relevant discipline.

You can also undertake a Master of Applied Research, or choose from the same suite of research degrees, within our health and sport focus area.

Careers

A masters degree is increasingly important for a professional career. The Master of Applied Research will ensure you are prepared to enter the competitive job market.

This course could lead to a career as researcher or academic tutor, and prepare you for a senior role in a number of specialist fields.

You'll have the experience and confidence to take a leading position in a range of fields related to your discipline:

  • education in schools or other settings
  • policy making and development
  • public-sector research or writing
  • programmer or IT specialist
  • scientist.

 

Mastering the art of teaching for the gift of education

Mastering the art of teaching for the gift of education

From a small village in northern Bali, Dodi is studying his Master of Education to one day return to his hometown and teach English.

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Course structure

To attain the Master of Applied Research, students will be required to complete the below mentioned components consisting of:
-
Required coursework units with a minimum average of 70% or have approved advanced standing for the unit(s)
-
A Research Thesis unit and have had their thesis classified as passed by the Dean, Graduate Research (or nominee)

Core Units

Plus

144 credit points of Thesis Units

And

12 credit points of Advanced Disciplinary learning undertaken through the following flexible curriculum unit, to be negotiated by the supervisor and Master of Applied Research coordinator:

Thesis Units

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

Sport Science

The Master of Applied Research at VU provides students with the opportunity to undertake and complete a research project under supervision at masters level (AQF 9). It will achieve this by providing students with a range of initial coursework units covering a) the nature and expectation of the research process and b) disciplinary specialisations where appropriate. The research progress will also be scaffolded by milestone requirements ensuring support throughout and quality and timely submission of the research. 

AQF level 9 criteria: Graduates at this level will have specialised knowledge and skills for research, and/or professional practice and/or further learning and be able to:

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to: 

  1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of fundamental principles and current debates about ethics and integrity in research; 
  2. Demonstrate familiarity with relevant national codes and university policies that impact on research practice and appropriate conduct in various research environments; 
  3. Identify key areas of ethics and integrity that relate to their own area of research practice 
  4. Demonstrate ability to critically evaluate options and approaches to resolve issues in research integrity and ethics that may arise in their field of research; and 
  5. Critically defend a position in relation to research ethics and integrity as it relates to their own area of research practice and design of their own research project. 
  6. Develop skills of advanced written and spoken academic communication.

Application of Knowledge and Skills
Graduates of a Master of Applied Research will demonstrate the application of knowledge & skills:

  • with creativity and initiative to new situations and/or for further learning
  • with high level personal autonomy and accountability
  • to plan and execute a substantial piece of research

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Credits

Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.

Admission & pathways

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with an average grade of Distinction (or equivalent) in the final year.

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.

Credit Calculator

Find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

CALCULATE YOUR CREDIT

How to apply

Available start dates:
  • 1 July 2025

Before you apply

Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:

  • Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
  • Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.

Find out more about applying for our courses.

Apply direct to VU

Direct applications open 10 February 2025.

Already a VU student?

If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.

After you apply

  • It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
  • Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered

You will need to follow the six steps to becoming a research student.

Contact the Office for Researcher Training, Quality & Integrity on +61 3 9919 4522 or email apply.research@vu.edu.au if you require further information.

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At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.