Master's Degree Social Sciences & Psychology Full Time

Master of Arts (Research)

at Victoria University · Melbourne, Victoria

CRICOS course code

052707A

CRICOS provider code

00124K

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

2 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$70,584 total

Per year

A$35,292/yr

Intake

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

About this program

The Master of Arts (Research) at Victoria University is built for graduates keen to develop advanced research skills in the social sciences or psychology. You’ll spend most of your time working on an original research project under the guidance of academic supervisors, leading to the submission of a thesis. The research can range from policy analysis to social theory or empirical studies in psychology, aligned with your interests and the expertise available at Victoria University.

This master’s degree typically spans two years full-time, structured as a higher degree by research rather than coursework. Most of the credits come from your supervised research units (expressed as credit points in the Australian system), alongside some research training modules. Expect regular progress milestones to help shape your thesis, plus the possibility to attend seminars and workshops with other postgraduate researchers at the university’s Melbourne campus.

You’ll develop skills in research methodology, data analysis, academic writing, and project planning. There’s a strong emphasis on independent critical thinking and ethical research practices—essential for specialist roles in academia or research-intensive organisations. The programme is best suited to those who enjoy sustained independent work and wish to contribute to new knowledge in the social sciences or psychology.

As an international student, you must meet English requirements (IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 or accepted equivalents). Check the official Victoria University page and CRICOS register for up-to-date details. While studying, you'll have the right to work up to 48 hours per fortnight and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-completion, making this degree a pathway to research or professional roles in Australia.

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

Social and policy researcher roles in Australian government departments and non-profit organisations
Research officer or analyst in community services or mental health sectors
Academic pathway as a PhD candidate or university research assistant
Consultant roles in social policy, advocacy, and program evaluation
Further work in research institutes and think tanks across Melbourne and wider Australia

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Master of Arts (Research) at Victoria University?

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

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$70,584 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Social and policy researcher roles in Australian government departments and non-profit organisationsResearch officer or analyst in community services or mental health sectorsAcademic pathway as a PhD candidate or university research assistantConsultant roles in social policy, adv...

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