Master's Degree Social Sciences & Psychology Full Time

Master of Arts

at Federation University Australia · Ballarat, Victoria

CRICOS course code

044995K

CRICOS provider code

00103D

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

1.5 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$40,950 total

Per year

A$27,300/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Master of Arts at Federation University Australia is designed to develop advanced knowledge and research skills within the Social Sciences & Psychology disciplines. This 1.5-year programme (full-time) is suited to individuals seeking to engage deeply with theory and methodologies, as well as those aspiring to contribute to research or advanced professional practice. Students undertake a range of core and elective units, accumulating credit points toward their degree. The programme structure typically includes foundational coursework in research methods, discipline-specific studies, and a significant research project or thesis that enables independent inquiry into a chosen area of social science or psychology.

Australian master's degrees generally comprise a sequence of units—these are subjects studied each semester, each carrying a set number of credit points that count toward the qualification. Students gain skills in critical analysis, qualitative and quantitative research, ethical study design, and scholarly communication, preparing them for roles in research, policy, or community projects. The capstone component, often a supervised thesis or substantial project, allows students to focus in-depth on an area aligned with their career interests and to showcase their ability to manage complex, independent work.

The course is ideally suited to graduates from relevant undergraduate backgrounds who wish to advance their academic qualifications or move into more senior roles in social research, policy analysis, project management, or consultancy. The Australian context offers unique advantages: industry engagement, links to both local and national research communities, and the benefit of studying in Ballarat, a vibrant regional centre with diverse community and organisational connections. For international students, the degree meets the requirements for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream and allows for student visa holders to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while enrolled. English language proficiency is a must, as evidenced through IELTS or equivalent tests. Always confirm the latest details, including semester dates and entry criteria, on the university's official website.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Policy analyst in government or non-government organisations
Research officer supporting academic, social, or market research projects
Community development worker in local councils or advocacy groups
Programme coordinator in not-for-profits or service sectors
Project manager in social and community-based projects
Consultant in social research or organisational analysis
Further research roles in universities and think tanks

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Master of Arts at Federation University Australia?

It typically takes 1.5 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$40,950 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Policy analyst in government or non-government organisationsResearch officer supporting academic, social, or market research projectsCommunity development worker in local councils or advocacy groupsProgramme coordinator in not-for-profits or service sectorsProject manager in soci...

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