Master of Applied Science (Research)

Apply your science knowledge to a research project of your choice

If you are a science or applied science graduate and wish to further develop your research skills, then this is the course for you. The Master of Applied Science (Research) presents you with an opportunity to undertake independent research in a specialised area with expert supervision. This two-year full-time course has two study routes, and you can choose to complete it via a mixture of coursework and thesis, or thesis only.

As a Higher Degree by Research (HDR), it 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. On completion of the program, you can either continue with postgraduate research study in the form of a PhD, or confidently seek employment in a range of areas both nationally and internationally, such as government and private industry laboratories, or across natural and environmental services.

Study a Master of Applied Science (Research) at UC and you will:

• have access to expert staff supervision in applied and health science, including: human physiology, immunology, microbiology, toxicology, drug analysis, pharmacology, forensic science and neuromuscular co-ordination
• have access to resource and environmental science expertise in the fields of: vegetation and wildlife ecology, freshwater ecology, conservation biology, wildlife genetics, environmental chemistry, geomorphology, micro-meteorology, geographical information systems, and resource and environmental management
• be assigned a supervisory panel and primary supervisor to act as a mentor
• receive support and skills development to plan and undertake research.

Work Integrated Learning

Whether you choose the thesis and coursework, or thesis only study route, Work Integrated Learning (WIL) will be a core component of your course. The research project which leads to your thesis will be practice-based, and you will be encouraged to tailor your studies to suit either your previous employment experience or future career ambitions.

Career opportunities

• Research scientist
• Research assistant
• Research officer
• Research associate
• Policy officer
• Science communicator

Course-specific information

Before submitting your application, it is recommended that you prepare a research proposal and identify a potential supervisor.

To be eligible for admission, applicants must have:

• an honours degree in science (at H1 or H2A level) or the equivalent in a relevant professional field; or
• a bachelor's degree in science or applied science, with above average performance; or
• a bachelor's degree followed by a graduate diploma in applied science; or
• an honours degree in science (at H2B or H3 level) and evidence of a capacity for conducting research at master's degree level.

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.

Professional accreditation

None.