The Master of Business (Research) seeks to provide opportunities for advanced study and reflection on practice in the professional fields of accountancy, business management, cross-cultural management, diversity management, economics, finance, general management, human resource development, human resource management, international management, organisational behaviour, organisational theory, performance management, strategic management, and related fields. Such opportunities are to be provided for professionals of standing in a relevant profession who will be able to draw upon their professional experience and expertise, and to extend this experience and expertise.

The Master of Business (Research) course will allow students to develop relevant research skills through a carefully designed program supplemented by a dissertation and relevant choice of electives.

The objectives of the Master of Business (Research) course are to enable practitioners to extend and build upon their professional experience through:

1. Coursework that develops knowledge and skill in research methodology and research methods
2. Development of research, writing and analysis skills which enable students to produce a dissertation which constitutes an original and significant contribution to the relevant literature and/or to professional practice;
3. Preparation of a either a single substantial dissertation, or two smaller but academically rigorous dissertations, which adds to existing knowledge and constitutes an in-depth investigation and analysis of a particular professional issue or set of issues; and
4. Bridging the gap between theory and practice by developing closer links between the University and senior professionals in fields associated with business, economics and related disciplines.

Further Study

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Admission Requirements

Before a candidate is admitted to the Master of Arts in Government program the Faculty must be satisfied that it is able to supervise the candidate's proposed dissertation and that the candidate satisfies the following admission requirements:

1. holds a bachelor degree in a relevant field which is of sufficient quality to gain entry into an honours program, or has completed a bachelor's degree with honours;
2. demonstrates capacity and/or aptitude for research;
3. provides evidence of superior professional performance both intellectually and technically.

A requirement for proceeding to the research component of the degree is completion of the coursework component of the degree and the acceptance and approval of a research proposal and research plan by the course convener.

Course Requirements

48 credit points as set out below:
(a) Required units 12 credit points
(b) Restricted choice 36 credit points.

(a) Required (12 credit points):

• 6647 Research Methodology and Research Design PG (6cp)
• 6650 Literature Review Seminar
• 7910 Business Professional Project Proposal PG

In addition to enrolment in the above units, students are required to attend relevant school research seminars or equivalent academic activity throughout the period of their enrolment.

(b) Restricted choice (36 credit points)

i. Coursework (3 credit points)

• 6649 Qualitative Research Methods B PG OR 6648 Quantitative Research Methods B PG

AND

ii. Research Dissertation (33 credit points)

• 7911 Business Professional Project Dissertation B R (33cp) (maximum 40,000 words) OR

Two thematically linked dissertations:

• 7912 Business Professional Project Dissertation C R (15cp) (maximum 15,000 words) AND 6660 Business Professional Project Dissertation A R F/T (18cp - maximum 25,000 words)

[Students must complete the research dissertation component giving a total of 33 credit points at R level.]

Students are also required to complete a Research Education Program that will enable them to acquire the generic skills and attributes identified as appropriate for graduates of postgraduate research programs at the University of Canberra.

Typical Course Structure

Note: Information provided as a guide only. Consult the UC Handbook for the year of commencement for official course rules. Units are not offered in all semesters.