A Master of Research enables individuals to expand their breadth of knowledge and expertise in their chosen discipline. The Degree provides candidates with advanced skills to carry out independent and sustained research. Candidates will be able to demonstrate specialist knowledge in the area of their research, present the results of their research in a publishable quality and demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, research ethics and codes of practice. Areas of particular research expertise within the Faculty include: Aboriginal studies, International relations, Ancient civilisations, Japanese, Asian languages and studies, Journalism, Asian religions, Media, English communication, European studies, Political science, French, Performing arts, German, Public policy, Gender studies, Social work, Government, Sociology, History, Philosophy.

The Master of Research is a demonstration of a graduate's ability to initiate a research project and to formulate viable research questions, to design, conduct and report independent and original research on a defined project and to demonstrate critical evaluation of scholarly literature. As a result, Master of Research graduates have the opportunity to pursue diverse career paths, including professions in research and academia, as well as a broad spectrum of professions in the public and private sector, including: education, management, journalism, public policy, human resources, marketing and criminology.