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Master of Research (MXM001.1)
Please note these are the 2026 details for this course
Deepen your research expertise
If you're looking to deepen your research expertise, enhance your career prospects, or prepare for doctoral study, then UC’s new Master of Research is for you. Delivered over 18 months full-time (or 36 months part-time), the program combines independent research with up to nine credit points of targeted coursework.
Through an integrated structure, you’ll gain a strong foundation in research design, theory, and methodology, ensuring you are well-prepared to undertake a substantial research project and transition into academic, industry, or policy environments.
Study a Master of Research at UC and you will:
- Conduct independent, specialised research culminating in a thesis, which may include creative works in applicable disciplines.
- Join a dynamic and supportive community of researchers across diverse fields.
- Develop skills in research design, principles, and methods.
- Innovate solutions to real-world problems through evidence-based inquiry.
- Communicate complex concepts effectively to academic and public audiences.
- Address ethical considerations, research integrity, and data governance.
- Apply technical skills in data analysis and statistical reasoning.
- Identify emerging trends and anomalies in your field.
- Gain a suite of transferable professional skills relevant across sectors.
Industry Engagement
Through UC’s Master of Research program, you’ll be encouraged to participate in meaningful engagement with industry and community partners. You may collaborate on research design, data collection, or applied projects that address real-world challenges. These experiences enhance the relevance and impact of your research while building valuable professional networks.
Career Opportunities
Upon graduating with a Master of Research, you will be equipped for a wide range of research-focused roles across academia, government, industry, and the not-for-profit sector. Potential career paths include:
- Research Assistant or Associate
- Policy Analyst or Advisor
- Innovation or Strategy Consultant
- Scientific Writer or Communicator
- Program Evaluator or Community Engagement Officer
- Data Analyst or Research Consultant
- Communications or Media Specialist
- Research Coordinator
- PhD Candidate
Course Specific Information
If you’re passionate about inquiry and innovation, then the Master of Research is for you. Whether you're seeking to advance your career, transition into research-intensive roles, or prepare for doctoral study, this program offers the skills, experience, and support to help you succeed.
You’ll benefit from UC’s vibrant research culture and strong industry connections, gaining access to collaborative projects, expert supervision, and professional development opportunities. With a focus on real-world impact and academic excellence, the Master of Research is your pathway to becoming a confident and capable researcher.
To be eligible to apply for this course:
1. There must be appropriate supervision available to supervise your research topic.
2. You must have completed one of the following Australian or Australian-equivalent qualifications:
a) Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) in the same discipline of the proposed research;
b) Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF Level 8) in any discipline;
c) Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma (AQF Level 8) in any discipline; or
d) Masters Degree (Coursework) (AQF Level 9) in any discipline.
All admissions are subject to the Higher Degree by Research Procedure.
Assumed knowledge
Sufficient knowledge relevant to the study area to enable identification of a need for research and a high level of written English.
Periods course is open for new admissions
| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Research Semester 2 | |||
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Research Semester 1 | |||
| 2027 | Bruce, Canberra | Research Semester 2 | |||
| 2027 | Bruce, Canberra | Research Semester 1 | |||
| 2028 | Bruce, Canberra | Research Semester 1 | |||
| 2028 | Bruce, Canberra | Research Semester 2 |
Credit arrangements
There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Any previous study or work experience will only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and university policy.
Master of Research (MXM001) | 36 credit points
- Education students: You have the option to complete 9087 Education Research Perspectives PG (3cp) instead of the 12187 Research Methods and Skills for Research Students (3cp).
- Information Sciences students: You may choose any coursework units from 973AA Master of Information Technology and Systems with agreement from your supervisory panel or the HDR Convenor
In addition to course requirements, in order to successfully complete your course you must meet the inherent requirements. Please refer to the inherent requirements statement applicable to your course
UC - Canberra, Bruce
Year 1
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Semester 1
Restricted Choice Unit
Year 2
Research Semester 1
Year 1
Research Semester 2
Semester 2
Restricted Choice Unit
Year 2
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Year 1
Research Semester 2
Semester 1
Semester 2
Restricted Choice Unit
Year 2
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Year 3
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Year 1
Year 2
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Semester 1
Restricted Choice Unit
Year 3
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Year 4
Research Semester 1
Course duration
Standard 1.5 years full-time or equivalent. Maximum 5 years.
Learning outcomes
| Learning outcomes | Related graduate attributes |
|---|---|
| Demonstrate knowledge of research ethics, principles and methods appropriate to the chosen field | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload. UC graduates are global citizens: Behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. |
| Synthesise and critically evaluate complex information to formulate a research problem within the field | UC graduates are professional: Use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload. |
| Apply appropriate theoretical frameworks to design and address complex research questions | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload. |
| Critically evaluate research outcomes to identify limitation, implications and future research opportunities | UC graduates are professional: Use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload. |
| Disseminate research findings to academic and professional audiences utilisation advanced communication skills and strategies | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; communicate effectively. |
| Conceive, design and carry to completion a piece of original research which adds to existing knowledge and understanding of the field of study. |
Awards
| Award | Official abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Master of Research | MRes |
Honours
None.
Enquiries
| Student category | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Current and Commencing Students | Email hdrsupport@canberra.edu.au |
| Prospective Students | Email hdrsupport@canberra.edu.au |
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