Master of Science (Arts & Sciences)

The Master of Science (Arts & Sciences) at the University of Notre Dame Australia is a two-year postgraduate degree for people who want to work across science and the humanities rather than lock into one narrow specialisation. You might come from a science background and want to add research, communication and policy skills, or from an arts degree and want to build up your science knowledge. Either way, this course is built around choosing units that fit your interests and career direction.

How the degree is structured

As a master's degree, this course sits at Level 9 on the Australian Qualifications Framework. That means it comes after a bachelor degree and carries a substantial research or professional component. You'll study full time over two years, usually across semesters or trimesters. Your degree is made up of units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. You'll complete a mix of core units and electives, and most students finish with a capstone project or a research thesis in an area they choose. The exact unit list and credit point requirements are set by the university, so check the official course page for the current structure.

What you'll actually study

Expect to work across both science and arts disciplines. That could mean research methods, critical analysis, scientific communication, project design, and writing for different audiences. Some students take supervised research units and produce a thesis; others take professional units that focus on applying knowledge in workplaces. The mix depends on the stream you choose. Because the course is interdisciplinary, you'll learn to read research from different fields, weigh evidence, and explain complex ideas clearly — skills that matter whether you end up in a lab, a government department, a museum or a not-for-profit.

Work-integrated learning and research

Where the field uses it, this degree can include professional placement or work-integrated learning. That might be a placement with a research organisation, a government agency, a museum, a science communication team or an industry partner. Notre Dame has campuses in Fremantle, Sydney and Broome, and the university's links with local industry and research bodies vary by location. If placement is part of your chosen stream, the university will tell you how it works and what's required. Confirm details on the official page.

Who this course suits

This master's suits people who want to move between disciplines, not stay inside one. You might be a science graduate who wants stronger writing, policy or research skills. You might be an arts graduate who wants to work in science communication, environmental policy or cultural heritage. Or you might be mid-career and looking to change direction. The course also gives you a pathway to further study, including a PhD, if you take the research-heavy option.

Studying in Australia

If you're an international student, you'll need to meet English language requirements. The university publishes IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall as the common standard for coursework postgraduate degrees, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university's own English programmes accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself. While you study, your visa usually lets you work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register. Check the official course page and CRICOS for current details.

Graduates work across both science and arts sectors. Typical roles include:

• Research assistant or research officer in universities, medical research institutes or CSIRO-linked projects
• Science communicator or policy officer in government departments, museums, science centres or not-for-profits
• Environmental consultant or sustainability officer in private firms, local councils or state agencies
• Data analyst or project officer in health, education or community organisations
• Cultural heritage officer or collections manager in galleries, libraries, archives and museums
• Program coordinator or grants officer in research funding bodies or international development organisations
• Teacher or lecturer (with further study) in secondary or tertiary education

Australian industries that hire these graduates include higher education and research, government and public policy, environmental management, health and community services, media and communication, and cultural institutions. Some roles may require further qualifications or professional registration. Check the official course page for details.