A Masters by Research enables a candidate to develop knowledge of the principal doctrines of research in their discipline area and a substantive understanding of key conventions, norms and perspectives in the disciplinary or multi-disciplinary environment. Research is conducted over 1-2 years of full time equivalent study and normally results in a thesis (or its creative equivalent) of 50,000 – 60,000 words (depending on the discipline), written in English and independently examined by a minimum of three examiners external to and independent of the University. The campus of study will vary depending on the location of the candidate, the supervisor and the research field. 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: rural health, health service delivery, policy, climate change, ageing, workforce, eHealth, intercultural health, food security, health literacy, community engagement in health, the training and education of health professionals, inter- professional practice.

Master of Research degrees are internationally recognised research degrees. 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: public and private pathology laboratories, research institutes and quality assurance agencies.