Master of Science by Research

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Edith Cowan University

Program Overview

The Master of Science by Research at Edith Cowan University is ideal for students who want to take their scientific knowledge further and develop strong research skills in areas such as environmental science, sustainability, biological science, chemistry, physics, data science and mathematics. Students work with academic supervisors on an independent research project, developing specialist knowledge and completing a substantial thesis based on their chosen area of interest.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

The first year focuses on helping students understand how to plan and carry out high-quality scientific research. Research Proposal Preparation helps students develop their research idea and proposal, while Research Preparation: Principles and Approaches introduces the key methods and approaches used in research. Master Research Preparation then builds on these skills and prepares students for the main research component of the degree.

Year 2

The second year is mainly dedicated to independent research and completing the Master Thesis. Students apply the research skills developed in the first year to investigate a scientific question, analyse their findings and present their results in a clear and professional way. This stage gives students valuable experience in managing a research project from beginning to completion.

Focus Areas

Biological science, environmental science, environmental management, sustainability, horticulture, bioinformatics, analytical chemistry, physics, data science, mathematics, scientific research, research methods and independent investigation

Learning Outcomes

Students develop advanced scientific knowledge, research and analytical skills, learn to investigate complex scientific questions, interpret research findings, communicate scientific results effectively and independently manage and complete a substantial research project.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The course is an AQF Level 9 Master's Degree (Research) and provides strong preparation for research-focused careers in universities, research organisations, government and private industry. The research experience gained through the degree can also provide a strong foundation for students who want to continue into higher-level research.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

ECU has a strong focus on postgraduate learning and student support, with its postgraduate students receiving 5-star ratings in the Good Universities Guide for areas including overall experience, skills development, student support and teaching quality. ECU also highlights its position among the world's leading young universities, providing students with an internationally focused environment for study and research.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Master of Science by Research at ECU is centred on independent research, giving students the opportunity to learn by investigating a real scientific question rather than relying only on classroom study. Students work with academic supervisors and, depending on their research area, can use specialist laboratories, advanced scientific equipment, computing resources and research facilities to develop practical research skills.

Students can gain practical research experience through:

Independent research project: Students develop and carry out their own research project, progressing from research preparation and proposal development to a substantial Master Thesis.
Analytical Chemistry Facility: Students working in areas such as environmental science, chemistry, water quality or pollution research can access advanced equipment including ICP-MS, ICP-OES, GC-MS, HPLC systems, elemental analysers and isotope-ratio mass spectrometry.
Molecular Ecology and Genomics Facility: Students working with biological or environmental samples can use specialist laboratories supporting DNA and RNA isolation, real-time PCR, genomic sequencing, bioinformatics and environmental DNA (eDNA) research.
Mesocosm and Aquarium Facility: Students researching aquatic environments can work with controlled experimental systems, including 500-litre tanks, aquarium systems, temperature controls, water filtration and monitoring equipment. Experiments can examine factors such as temperature, salinity, light, CO₂ and pH.
High Power Computing Facility: Students involved in data science, mathematical modelling, bioinformatics or computational research can use ECU's high-performance computing resources for demanding research projects.
Spectroscopy and Surface Science: Students undertaking chemistry, physics or materials-related research can access equipment such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and spectroscopy systems. Scientific software including Gaussian, CFOUR, ORCA, GAMESS, NWChem and Spartan is also available for relevant research.
Research centres: Students can work within ECU's wider research environment, including the Centre for People, Place and Planet, Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Conservation and Biodiversity Research Centre, and Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
Industry and government links: ECU's School of Science has links with industry and government, providing opportunities for research to address practical scientific and environmental challenges.
Work-integrated learning opportunities: Depending on the research area and project, students may have access to opportunities such as placements, internships, industry projects and volunteering.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Science by Research is a strong choice for students who want to build a research-focused career in science, environmental fields, data science, mathematics or related areas. The degree develops advanced research skills and can prepare graduates for opportunities in universities, research organisations, government and private industry.

Typical career roles include Research Scientist, Research Officer, Scientific Researcher, Environmental Researcher:

Career support: ECU’s Careers and Employability Services provides career advice, job-search support and access to CareerHub, helping students and graduates explore suitable employment opportunities.
Research and industry opportunities: Postgraduate research students can access academic supervision, research networks, higher-degree research training and professional development. Depending on the project, research internships can also provide opportunities to work with industry partners, businesses, government and non-government organisations.
Employment outcomes: ECU reports that 93% of its graduates are in full-time employment within three years, with 71.8% working in professional or managerial positions. The university also reports an average graduate salary of AUD 86,900 per year three years after graduation; these figures are university-wide and are not specific to the Master of Science by Research.
Industry and research connections: ECU works with universities, organisations and businesses on research projects and the development of research outcomes, giving students opportunities to gain experience in research that addresses real-world challenges.
Professional value: The qualification is an AQF Level 9 Master's Degree (Research), demonstrating advanced research capability and specialist knowledge in the student's chosen scientific field.
Graduation opportunities: Graduates can pursue research and scientific roles in universities, research institutions, private companies, corporate organisations and other research-focused environments.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Master of Science by Research, students can progress to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or another doctoral research qualification. The research experience gained through the master's degree provides a strong foundation for students who want to develop an academic or specialist research career.