Course essentials
Entry requirements
Credit
Study mode
Duration
Start dates
Locations
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Course overview
This Masters by Research program sees candidates working with a Principal Supervisor, appointed by the Research Higher Degrees Sub Committee, with the approval of the School.
A minimum of 1.5 years and a maximum of 2 years (full-time equivalent), this degree is awarded on the basis of an eternally examined thesis of approximately 40,000 words.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Graduate Research School
Course co-ordinator
Fadi Charchar
Gippsland (on campus) - Madhu Chetty
Mt Helen (on campus) - Stephen Carey
Career paths
Graduates greatly improve their chances of gaining senior level research positions with environmental and natural resource management agencies.
Graduates with degrees in geology find employment in the minerals industry, environmental consultancies, government agencies such as CSIRO, AGSO and state geological surveys, and at tertiary institutes, either as lecturers, research associates or post-doctoral research fellows.
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
Full fee-paying places are not subsidised by the Australian Government. The indicative fee above is based on a typical first-year enrolment for this course and should be used as a guide only. Your fee will depend on your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
How it’s calculated
The amount is based on the course annual fee for 1 EFTSL (120 credit points). For 0.5 EFTSL (60 credit point) courses, the certificate fee is displayed.
Other fees
You will also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Fee assistance
Domestic students undertaking a higher degree by research may be eligible to receive a Research Training Program (RTP) funded place.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Anytime during the year (2026)
1 January 2026
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat.
Contact hours
Expect to put in at least 38 hours per week (full time) or 19 hours per week (part time).
Entry requirements
To qualify for admission as a candidate to a Higher Degree by Research course, applicants must:
- possess a degree that is the equivalent to an AQF Bachelor degree with Honours with first class or second class, first division, for entry to a PhD or at least third class honours for entry to a Masters by Research, or
- possess a Masters degree with a relevant research component that is equivalent to a Masters degree from Federation University and an equivalent result as outlined above, or
- submit other evidence of relevant qualifications and experience, or research experience, to confirm that the applicant possesses a level of relevant research experience and capacity equivalent to an award in either point above, and
- satisfy such additional requirements for admission to a PhD candidature, if any, as may be prescribed by the Graduate Research School Board
English language requirements
Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall with no band less than 6.0; or equivalent
If you’re only applying for this course, do it via direct application.
Ready to fill out your application?
You'll need this code:
Direct application
Federation University code
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- SA9