Master degrees
Upskill, specialise or pivot your career with a master degree. Gain the advanced expertise to take the next step in your professional life – whether you're advancing in your field or entering a new one.
What is a master degree?
A master degree is a postgraduate qualification that takes your professional or academic career to the next level. You can complete most master degrees in two to four years, studying full-time or part-time to suit your lifestyle.
You need to have completed a bachelor degree or graduate diploma in order to study a master degree. After obtaining a master degree, you can pursue a doctoral degree (PhD).
Some of our master degrees are nested with the relevant graduate certificate and graduate diploma. This gives you the option to exit:
- with a graduate certificate (after 4 units)
- with a graduate diploma (after 8 units)
- or, with a master degree (after 12 units).
There are two main kinds of master degree – master by research and master by coursework.
Master by research
A master degree by research is designed to show mastery of inquiry in a field of a discipline or profession. You’ll undertake supervised research and complete a thesis of 50,000 to 60,000 words.
Master by coursework
A master degree by coursework gives a high-level overview and theoretical analysis of a specific field of study or professional practice. You’ll complete units of study, assignments and exams alongside research and industry-linked projects.
What is a graduate certificate?
A graduate certificate is an entry-level postgraduate qualification, and usually the first step in a master degree. It's designed for recent graduates or working professionals looking to build specialist knowledge.
What is a graduate diploma?
Graduate diplomas can be a pathway to a master degree or a standalone qualification. A graduate diploma will help you develop professional skills, critical analysis, theory and practice.
Browse our master degrees
Popular master degrees
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Master of Teaching (Secondary)
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Master of Business Administration
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Master of Information Technology
Why study with Swinburne?
#1 in Victoria
For skills development and teaching practices
Highest median income
For postgraduate students in Victoria nine years out
Trailblazing research
Seven Swinburne researchers in Stanford University’s Most-Cited Scientists
Frequently asked questions
A master degree usually takes between two and four years. This depends one whether you decide to study full-time or part-time.
Fast-tracking is available for some master degrees based on prior experience in your chosen area of study.
Yes, you can apply for a master degree without a bachelor degree by enrolling in a graduate certificate – the first step in a master degree – with five years of proven, relevant work experience.
You may also be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to gain credit towards your course. Applicants for RPL are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
We recommend that you check the entry requirements for your chosen course before applying or book a one-on-one appointment with a Future Student Adviser to discuss further.
The cost of a master degree depends on your chosen course. You can find specific fee information in the Fees and Scholarships section of each course page, or view our complete list of indicative course fees.
Yes, financial support and advice is available at Swinburne, including grants for financially disadvantaged students, study and living support grants, scholarships, and more.
Most local students can study an undergraduate degree in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and access a HECS-HELP loan. For vocational education and training, the Skills First Program provides government-subsidised places to eligible students.
Yes. A master degree allows you to specialise deeply and push boundaries, unlocking new opportunities in your career and studies. It signals your readiness to tackle complex challenges, drive innovation and shape the future of your profession.
First, check you meet the entry requirements for your chosen course. Next, you can apply online through Swinburne's application portal. If your application is successful, you'll receive a letter of offer with instructions on how to accept and enrol.
Some master degree applications require academic transcripts, your résumé and a statement of purpose, followed by an interview.
Visit our applying page for more information.
