Master of Research (ICT)
Course Overview
The Master of Research (ICT) is designed to develop advanced research capabilities in the field of Information and Communication Technology. It equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to design, conduct, and present high-quality research that addresses real-world ICT challenges, with particular attention to issues of sustainability and the global impact of ICT.
Students will undertake an original research project under expert supervision, contributing to scholarly knowledge while engaging with the broader social, environmental, and international dimensions of ICT. The program fosters critical awareness of how ICT research can respond to emerging global challenges, including ethical, sustainable, and cross-cultural considerations.
Graduates will be prepared for doctoral study (PhD) as well as research and development roles in ICT-intensive industries, government, and academia, where they can apply advanced research skills to both local and global contexts.
Nested Qualification and Exit Awards
- Graduate Certificate in Research – (6 months full-time)
Key information
CRICOS Code: (to be confirmed)
Duration:
2 years full time (or part-time equivalent)
AQF level:
9
Campus:
Sydney
Melbourne
Course Intakes:
February, March, May, June, August, September, October, November
Student:
Domestic and International
Credit points per unit:
10
Total Credit Points
required for award:
160
Fees
2026
Course tuition Fee
Over 2 years
$56,000
Fee per annum:
$28,000
Fee per unit:
$3,500
All fees and charges listed are in Australian dollars. Fees are subject to change without notice. Course fees are to be paid in full before enrolment/selection of subjects in any given semester. AIH ensures that the conditions and processes for international and domestic students to apply for a refund of tuition fees are equitable and comply with government regulations. Refer to Refund Policy for International and Domestic Students.
What you will learn
Study Hours
This program balances coursework foundations with an extended period of independent research.
- Coursework (first semester, 4 units – MPGR6001–MPGR6004):
- 8 hours of workshops per week (2 × 4 hrs).
- 24 hours of independent study per week.
- Total = ~32 hours per week per unit.
- Research Thesis (MPGR6005–MPGR6016, over 1.5 years):
- 2 hours of supervisory meetings per week.
- 30 hours of independent research, writing, and data analysis per week.
- Supervisory support is also available on a daily basis via email or video conferencing to provide guidance on research, writing, and related matters.
- Total = ~32 hours per week of scholarly activity.
Overall, the course requires approximately 2,816 total study hours
(512 hours coursework + 2,304 hours research), ensuring sustained engagement in independent inquiry,
aligned with AQF Level 9 expectations.
Assessment
Assessment is developmental and research-focused, designed to ensure steady progress and alignment with your thesis goals. You will complete:
- Coursework assessments (MPGR6001–MPGR6004): presentations, literature reviews, methodology reports, ethics and sustainability analyses, proposal writing.
- Research milestone assessments (MPGR6005–6016):
- Interim research proposal
- Research progress portfolio
- Updated literature reviews and methodology validation reports
- Feasibility and ethical compliance reviews
- Data analysis summaries and draft thesis chapters
- Oral presentations to supervisors and academic panels
The course culminates in a 20,000–25,000 word research thesis and a viva voce oral defense, examined by an academic panel and external reviewers with recognised expertise and international standing in the relevant ICT discipline.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate advanced expertise in research methodologies and critical thinking skills to design, conduct, and evaluate independent research addressing complex problems in the ICT domain.
- Critically analyse and synthesise ICT knowledge, including foundational theories and current developments, to generate innovative and interdisciplinary solutions.
- Apply advanced quantitative, qualitative or mixed data analysis techniques and tools to support evidence-based decision-making in the ICT domain.
- Evaluate and apply ethical principles and sustainability practices in ICT research and professional activities to address global challenges.
- Effectively communicate complex research findings and theoretical insights to diverse audiences through written, oral, and digital formats.
Knowledge
Graduates will have advanced and integrated understanding of ICT theories, principles, and developments, with specialised mastery of research methodologies to address complex problems and generate new insights.
Skills
Graduates at this level will have expert, specialised cognitive, technical, and research skills to independently:
- critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate complex ICT concepts, theories, and practices
- design, conduct and defend original ICT research projects using appropriate methodologies
- apply advanced quantitative, qualitative or mixed-methods approaches to data analysis and problem solving
- evaluate and apply ethical, legal and sustainability principles in ICT research and professional contexts
- communicate complex research findings clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences in written, oral, and digital formats
Application
Graduates will apply their knowledge and skills with autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as independent researchers or professional practitioners. They will be capable of:
- Leading ICT research projects.
- Contributing to disciplinary knowledge and professional practice.
- Applying advanced research methods to solve complex ICT problems in academia, industry, government, and consultancy.
- Progressing to doctoral study or advanced leadership in research-intensive roles.
Units you will study
Structure
To complete the degree, you will need to pass sixteen units (160 credit points) delivered over two years: There are four core units (40 credit points in total) and twelve research thesis units (120 credit points in total).The units and their descriptions are listed below.
Level 6000 (AQF 9)
MPGR6001 Research Methods
Unit Description:
Introduces students to advanced research principles, including paradigms, ethics, academic integrity, and literature analysis. Students will develop the skills to critically evaluate research and establish a foundation for independent ICT research projects.
MPGR6002 Quantitative and Qualitative Research Techniques
Unit Description:
Expands students’ methodological competencies by providing practical experience in designing, conducting, and analysing both quantitative and qualitative research within ICT contexts. Emphasis is placed on applying appropriate techniques to real-world research problems.
MPGR6003 Critical Literature Review and Research Ethics
Unit Description:
Strengthens critical thinking and analytical skills through the development of in-depth literature reviews and ethical case evaluations. The unit highlights responsible research conduct and positions students within the broader ICT academic and professional research community.
MPGR6004 Research Design and Proposal
Unit Description:
Culminates the coursework phase by guiding students in developing a comprehensive, methodologically sound research proposal. Students will align research aims, questions, and methods with ethical standards and feasibility considerations, producing an advanced ICT research plan that forms the foundation of their thesis.
Exit Point: Graduate Certificate in Research
Research Thesis (Units MPGR6005-MPGR6016)
Unit Description:
These sequential research thesis units represent the core of the Master of Research (ICT) program. Under the guidance of an academic supervisory team, students undertake an original research project that contributes to knowledge and practice in the ICT domain. The thesis pathway builds progressively, with milestone assessments (such as interim research proposals, research progress portfolios, and draft thesis chapters) providing structure and academic feedback throughout candidature.
Students are expected to:
– Engage in regular supervisory meetings (weekly) to guide research progress.
-Participate in monthly research seminars and collaborative research circles.
-Produce written outputs including literature reviews, methodology chapters, data analysis, and draft thesis sections.
-Address ethical considerations and ensure research integrity throughout the project.
The thesis culminates in the submission of a substantial written dissertation (approximately 20,000–25,000 words) and an oral defence (viva voce) before an academic panel and external examiners. These capstone outcomes demonstrate the student’s ability to conduct independent, original research to AQF Level 9 standards.
Exit Point: Master of Research (ICT)
What you will achieve
- Demonstrate advanced expertise in research methodologies and critical thinking skills to design, conduct, and evaluate independent research addressing complex problems in the ICT domain
- Critically analyse and synthesise ICT knowledge, including foundational theories and current developments, to generate innovative and interdisciplinary solutions.
- Apply advanced quantitative, qualitative or mixed data analysis techniques and tools to support evidence-based decision-making in the ICT domain.
- Evaluate and apply ethical principles and sustainability practices in ICT research and professional activities to address global challenges.
- Effectively communicate complex research findings and theoretical insights to diverse audiences through written, oral, and digital formats.
Career Opportunities
Potential career paths
- ICT Research Scientist
- Lead Research Analyst – ICT or Emerging Technologies
- Technology Strategy Consultant
- ICT Innovation Lead 6
- R&D Project Manager (Technology Sector)
- ICT Policy Advisor (Government or Regulatory Bodies)
- University Research Fellow
- AI Ethics and Bias Analyst R&D Specialist (Information and Communication Technology)
- ICT Project Manager (Research and Development Projects)
- Academic Lecturer / Tutor (ICT Disciplines)
- PhD Candidate / Doctoral Researcher
- Knowledge Management Specialist
- Technical Writer (Research and Policy Documentation)
- Entrepreneur / Startup Founder (ICT-focused Enterprises)
- Specialised areas as per research topic (including but not limited to):
- Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning Researcher
- Data Scientist / Data Researcher
- Systems Analyst (Advanced Research Applications)
- Cybersecurity Researcher
Entry Requirements
To view our Entry Requirements, click here.
How to Apply
To view how to apply click here.
We’re absolutely thrilled that you’re interested in discovering more about the exciting educational opportunities here at AIH! Your inquiries are most welcome, and we can’t wait to give you all the information you require. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us anytime you like – we’re here to help!
Any Question?
Further Study
Options
Completion of this qualification meets the academic requirement for admission to Doctorate courses within Australia and overseas*
*subject to additional institution/course specific requirements