Master of Research - Business
Specialisation

Develop advanced capability in quantitative research design, analysis and interpretation. Engage with experimental and quasi-experimental methods, sampling strategies, regression and classification models, time-series approaches and model validation. Apply ethical and reproducible data practices to evaluate validity, bias, reliability and uncertainty in empirical research. Work with datasets aligned to your field and communicate quantitative findings clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Develop advanced capability in qualitative research design and analysis for IT and business research contexts. Examine epistemological foundations, design studies using interviews, observation, document analysis and case studies, and apply systematic coding and thematic analysis using computer-assisted qualitative data analysis tools (CAQDAS). Practice ethical reflexivity, apply sampling strategies and evaluate trustworthiness criteria such as credibility, transferability and dependability. Present rigorous qualitative findings with clarity and impact.

Integrate your research training into a structured literature review, research proposal and supervised feasibility study. You will learn to identify research gaps, formulate aims and questions, justify methodological choices and assess feasibility, ethics and resource requirements. Working with a supervisor, you will conduct preliminary data collection or pilot work to evaluate methodological alignment and practical viability. This unit establishes the foundation for the major thesis by confirming candidature and refining the proposed research design.

Undertake an independent business research project under academic supervision and contribute to knowledge or practice within your field of Business. Refine your research design, synthesise literature, collect and analyse data, interpret findings and produce a written thesis that meets scholarly, ethical and disciplinary standards. Present work-in-progress through scheduled meetings and milestone reports, respond to supervisory feedback and demonstrate critical reflection on research decisions. This capstone unit consolidates advanced research capability and supports progression to doctoral study or research-intensive roles in Business. The thesis stage includes milestone presentations and supervisory reviews to support research progress and academic quality.

You can meet VIT’s English language proficiency requirement in any one of the following ways:

1. Previous study in English

   You qualify if you have completed:

   • An Australian foundation or qualifying program (at least 6 months full-time), or
   • Year 12 or an equivalent qualification in an English-speaking country, or
   • Studies taught and assessed in English, such as:
     • Year 12 senior secondary certificate (NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC), Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), or equivalent)
     • A Diploma (AQF 5) or higher
     • At least 4 units (equivalent to 0.5 EFTSL) of study at Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree level (AQF Level 6) or higher.
2. English test results

   You qualify if you have achieved:

   • An IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0, or
   • An equivalent score in another approved English language test.
3. English language programs

   You qualify if you completed:

   • An English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS), such as English for Academic Purposes, or another approved English course at the required IELTS-equivalent level.
4. Professional working experience

   You qualify if you have:

   • Professional work experience in a role requiring English communication skills. You will need to attend an interview so we can confirm your English proficiency for entry into the course.
5. Alternative evidence
   • Other verified evidence of English proficiency may be accepted. Please contact Admissions for further information.

To be eligible for admission, you need to meet at least one of the following academic entry requirements:

• A recognised Bachelor degree (AQF 7 or equivalent) in a business-related or ICT-related discipline.
• A recognised Honours Bachelor, Graduate Certificate, or Graduate Diploma (AQF 8 qualification) in Business or Information Technology.
• You have at least 7 years of relevant Business or ICT professional experience. You may apply for admission to the Graduate Certificate of Research Methods (GCResM) as a pathway to the MRes.

You may be eligible for RPL credit if you have completed a Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7 equivalent) or above in management, IT, Engineering.

Financial aid may be available depending on your circumstances and where you are resident.

Domestic students may be eligible for FEE-HELP from the Government and could be eligible for a VIT Scholarship.

Please contact our team at [email protected] for further information.

You are considered a 'domestic' student if:

You are an Australian citizen;
You are a New Zealand citizen (or dual citizenship holders of either Australia or New Zealand);
You are an Australian permanent resident;
You are an Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder;

If you don’t hold one of the above visas or citizenships, you are considered as an international student.