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)
2 years full-time or equivalent part-time 2 years full-timeHawthornHawthornQuarter 3 intakeQuarter 1 intakeFull-time, Part-time Full-time -
Master of Business Administration
2 years full-time or equivalent part-time or fast track course 2 years full-timeHawthornHawthornSemester 2Semester 1Part-time, Full-time Full-timeChoose your specialisation
Business Information Systems
The Business Information Systems specialisation teaches students how businesses can exploit technology to improve their decision making.
Digital Marketing
Learn to build businesses with confidence by understanding how to use traditional and data-led marketing strategies with this Digital Marketing specialisation.
Human Resource Management
This specialisation is designed to give you the essential theoretical skills and practical experience to create dynamic workplace cultures.
Project Management
This specialisation equips you with real-world experience, and the tools, knowledge, and innovation, to manage diverse, complex projects.
Supply Chain Innovation
This specialisation is co-designed with industry partners and uniquely combines supply chain management, design thinking and data analytics.
Social impact
Create and lead positive social change with a Swinburne postgraduate course in Social Impact - for professionals seeking deeper skills and a more meaningful future.
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Master of Information Technology
2 years full-time or equivalent part-time 2 years full-timeHawthornHawthornSemester 2Semester 1Full-time, Part-time Full-timeChoose your specialisation
Data Analytics
The Data Analytics specialisation is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to store, manage, organise and analyse data from a variety of computer systems.
Information Systems
The Information Systems specialisation helps students develop the expertise in analysing, protecting, designing and specifying information systems.
Mobile and Cloud Computing
The Mobile and Cloud Computing specialisation teaches the design, coding, testing and operation of distributed, cloud-based and mobile computer systems.
Software Development
The Software Development specialisation specifically targets software developers that can develop and test computer programs as well as manage software quality.
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.
