Explore new scientific frontiers.
Upgrade your original training and develop new or existing areas of expertise. The practical focus of this higher degree by research is designed to increase your professional credibility in day-to-day dealings with clients and equip you for senior positions. Undertake a comprehensive review of research literature, learn advanced research techniques, and apply extensive analysis to a project in the workplace.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
Upgrade your original training and develop new or existing areas of expertise. The practical focus of this higher degree by research is designed to increase your professional credibility in day-to-day dealings with clients and equip you for senior positions. Undertake a comprehensive review of research literature, learn advanced research techniques, and apply extensive analysis to a project in the workplace.
Research areas:
You can choose from five recognised research concentrations:
- GeneCology Research Centre
- Cluster for Health Improvement
- Inflammation and Healing Research Cluster
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation
- Stormwater Research Group
You can also access opportunities with the Australian Institute of Fitness Research. If environmental issues are your specialty, consider collaborating with USC staff involved in a number of educational and research projects that focus on climate change adaptation. Research is a major focus in the School of Health and Sport Sciences.
Faculty staff profiles also list the research interests of individual academic staff.
Admission requirements
To be eligible for admission to Master of Science candidature, applicants are normally required to hold a bachelors degree with at least Honours Class 2 Division II from a recognised higher education institution. Applicants who have completed a bachelors degree and have achieved by subsequent work and study a standard equivalent to at least Honours Class 2 Division II may also be considered.
Entry by non-graduates who have relevant governmental or industry experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Executive Dean, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.
In exceptional cases applications may be considered on the basis of other evidence of general and professional qualifications as approved by the Research Degrees Committee. Refer also to the University’s English language requirements.
Admission is subject to availability of appropriate supervision and facilities.
Program structure
As a candidate you are required to conduct research that can be written up as a scholarly thesis.
You must demonstrate research competency and the ability to make a significant and original contribution to the body of knowledge in your chosen area of specialisation.
You must clearly articulate in your research outline, the topic, background, rationale, research question, aim and objectives, methodology, research methods and techniques, and timeframe.
Your research outline is to include a literature review that relates to the research question and objectives. The results of your research activities should be presented succinctly and accurately and as necessary could be supported by more detailed annexures.
Your syntheses analysis and discussion must clearly focus on the research question and the objectives of the work.
Conclusions and recommendations must be drawn from your analysis and discussion and reflect the attainment of the aim and the way in which the research question is addressed.
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements and notes
- Prospective applicants wishing to undertake an MSc will need to find a suitable supervisor by contacting the School of Science and Engineering.
- For further information, refer to the Higher Degrees by Research - Academic Policy.
- Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures.
- Refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
Enrolment and fees
- Domestic candidates: Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents are not required to pay tuition fees for the standard duration of their HDR program. The Australian Government's Research Training Scheme (RTS) covers the cost of HDR tuition fees for these candidates. Research Master candidates are entitled to a maximum of two years full-time equivalent study. Candidates who do not complete their degree within the maximum RTS allowable completion times may be required to pay fees for any additional periods of enrolment. Please refer to Higher Degree by Research fees.
- International candidates: tuition fees apply. Refer to International HDR tuition fees.
- In any semester, full-time enrolment comprises 0.500 EFTSL.*
- In any semester, part-time enrolment comprises 0.250 EFTSL.*
- The census date for withdrawal without financial penalty or academic penalty is the Semester 1 or 2 census date.
* EFTSL - Equivalent Full-Time Student Load. One year of full-time study equates to 1.000 EFTSL