Master of Arts in Government (Research) (920AA.2)

Use research to explore your chosen area of government

The Master of Arts in Government (Research) allows you to develop relevant research skills through a carefully designed program which includes a dissertation and relevant choice of coursework units. You will undertake advanced study and reflection on practice in the fields of public sector management, politics and public policy, drawing on your previous professional experience in government, while expanding your skills and expertise.

In your dissertation, you can choose to investigate either a purely theoretical subject matter, or one based on current and real issues in the area of government. Completion of this highly professional course will see you make an original contribution to knowledge and research in this important field, ready to progress to the next stage of your career. As a Higher Degree by Research (HDR), this course is covered under the Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP) funding model, which provides a fee offset for domestic students for the standard duration of the course.

Study a Master of Arts in Government (Research) at UC and you will:

• undertake coursework that develops knowledge and skill in research methodology and research methods
• develop the research, writing and analysis skills which enable you to produce a dissertation which is an original and significant contribution to the relevant literature and/or professional practice
• prepare a substantial dissertation which adds to existing knowledge and forms an in-depth investigation and analysis of a particular professional issue
• initiate closer links between the University and senior professionals in fields associated with public administration and public policy.

Work Integrated Learning

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is a key component of this postgraduate course, and in your dissertation, you will be encouraged to use your existing employment knowledge to undertake new academic research in the study of a professional problem in the field of government, engaging regularly with industry over the course of your studies.

Career opportunities

• Sessional academic
• Research officer
• Research fellow
• Research services officer
• Public servant
• Policy officer
• Project officer
• Board member
• Senior analyst
• Program director
• Strategic adviser
• Consultant
• Indigenous program director
• Entrepreneur
• Social impact assessment consultant
• Indigenous program director
• International diplomat
• International project director
• Campaign manager
• International consultant
• Journalist
• International development worker
• International aid worker
• Community development educator

Course-specific information

Before a candidate is admitted to the Master of Arts in Government (Research) program, the University 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’s 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, along with the acceptance and approval of a research proposal and research plan by the course convener.

Domestic students who are accepted on this course are provided for under the Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP) funding model, which provides a fee offset for the standard duration of the course. Once your RTP entitlement is consumed, you will be charged the annual fee rate that applied at the start of your degree. Further information on fees for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students can be found here.