The Master of Research at VU provides students with the opportunity to undertake and complete a research project under supervision at Masters level (AQF 9). It will achieve this by providing students with a range of initial coursework units covering a) the nature and expectation of the research process and b) disciplinary specialisations where appropriate. The research progress will also be scaffolded by milestone requirements ensuring support throughout and quality and timely submission of the research.
AQF level 9 criteria: Graduates at this level will have specialised knowledge and skills for research, and/or professional practice and/or further learning and be able to:
Knowledge
- Critically review a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in one or more disciplines
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning
Skills
- Conceptually map and critically evaluate theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on its application to the chosen field
- Develop high level cognitive, technical and creative skills with which to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice
- Develop high level cognitive, technical and creative skills required to generate, evaluate and synthesise complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level
- Analyse, critique and implement cognitive and technical skills required to design, use and evaluate research and research methods
- Develop effective communication and technical skills required to present a coherent and sustained argument and to disseminate research results to specialist and non-specialist audiences
- Demonstrate expertise in the technical and communication skills required to design, evaluate, implement, analyse, theorise and disseminate research that makes a contribution to knowledge.
Application of Knowledge and Skills
Graduates of a Master of Research will demonstrate the application of knowledge & skills:
- with creativity and initiative to new situations and/or for further learning
- with high level personal autonomy and accountability
- to plan and execute a substantial piece of research
