Overview

The Master of Design (Research) at Swinburne University of Technology fosters the development of independent research skills, making it ideal preparation for those looking to undertake further research through a PhD program and/or pursue a career in research.

As a Master of Design (Research) candidate you will undertake supervised research with the aim of completing a major thesis that demonstrates mastery of inquiry in a field of a discipline or profession.

This program is suited to applicants who:

Are interested in a career in research

Have a genuine passion for research of a particular field

Have a naturally inquiring mind and a desire to know more

Are interested in undertaking a PhD program in the future

Wish to gain an internationally recognised qualification

Want to enhance their research education and/or employment opportunities

Aims and objectives

As a student in this program you will develop knowledge of research methodology and techniques appropriate to your field of study, and experience in the application of such methodology by conducting a specified program of research under appropriate supervision. In addition, you will develop skills in analysing literature and engaging in debate in the substantive area of the thesis topic at an advanced level.

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

The Master of Design (Research) degree is generally completed over a period of two years full-time or four years part-time. Candidates carry out a program of research, investigation or development involving the submission of a substantial major thesis of 50,000 – 60,000 words, which is the sole form of assessment for the degree.
Throughout your candidature you will receive guidance and support from your research supervisors. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a number of research training sessions on topics such as thesis writing, publishing and presenting.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months
Part-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-01-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-12-27 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2026-07-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-26 00:00:00 , National

More details

Students are able to apply and enrol into this course at any stage during each monthly intake. Start dates are a guide only.

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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PTE Academic

58

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TOEFL^® IBT

79

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Melbourne, Australia

Disciplines

Design View 55 other Masters in Design in Australia

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

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PTE Academic

58

Schedule a PTE test!

TOEFL^® IBT

79

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Start preparing for IELTS with Free Practice Tests.

Other requirements

General requirements

CRICOS code 046753A

You must have completed a three-year degree with a minimum average of 65% in the final year units of study. Other relevant experience will also be taken into account in assessing your application.

One of the following:

minimum IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0 or a TOEFL iBT (internet-based) minimum score of 79 (with a reading band no less than 18 and writing band no less than 20); or Pearson (PTE) 58 (no communicative skills less than 50) no longer than 24 months before submitting your application
satisfactory completion of Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 70%, all skills 65%
successful completion of a total of 24 months (full time equivalent) of formal study where the language of instruction and assessment was English at AQF level 7 or above (or equivalent) at an approved university no longer than 60 months before submitting your application.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Swinburne University of Technology and/or in Australia, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

36300 AUD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 36300 AUD per year during 24 months.

If you are a domestic student your application will be automatically considered for a Government-funded Research Training Program (RTP) place.

Living costs for Melbourne

1501 - 2659 AUD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Design (Research).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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