Master of Applied Science at Victoria University

Overview

Develop a capacity for solutions through independent research and problem analysis with the Master of Applied Science.

You'll expand and develop specialist knowledge in your chosen field of research and provide evidence of independent thought and the ability to manage a research project. You'll learn how to:

• develop problem-solving abilities
• think logically, creatively and critically
• improve your career prospects with skills that will make you competitive in your field.

Be supported by academic staff with experience in research projects, presenting papers to international conferences and publishing academic journals and books.

The standard duration of a Masters by Research varies according to your qualifications. If you have a three-year undergraduate degree, the duration will be two years of full-time study or part-time equivalent. However, if you have an Honours degree in a closely-related discipline, or have equivalent research experience, the standard duration is eighteen months of full-time study or part-time equivalent.

A thesis on an approved subject will also be required. The research will be conducted under the supervision of your principal supervisor and co-supervisor.

Careers

Career opportunities include:

• management-level positions in industry or government
• research in government laboratories, research institutions or in industry
• employment with a university conducting research
• visiting key international research institutes.

Learning outcomes

The course objectives are to produce graduates who have the following knowledge and skills:

• a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in one or more discipline
• advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning
• cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory and its application
• cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice
• cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level
• cognitive and technical skills to design, use and evaluate research and research method
• communication and technical skills to present a coherent and sustained argument and to disseminate research results to specialist and non-specialist audience
• technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse, theorise and disseminate research that makes a contribution to knowledge

This knowledge and these skills will be demonstrated through the planning and execution of a substantial piece of research:

• with creativity and initiative
• with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability, demonstrating expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a learner