The Master of Social Science by Research degree program requires the completion of three courses and a research thesis or project. The degree is completed in either three or four sessions (full-time). It is designed for students wishing to engage in serious research but who are not able to devote the three years required to complete a PhD. Alternatively they have a research project which does not lend itself to that level of extended treatment. Clear indication of potential to undertake research is required, either through a relevant Honours degree or through a period of professional work following a relevant undergraduate degree.

The Master of Social Science by Research degree program is designed for students wishing to engage in serious research and students who complete the program will be competent to carry out research in their chosen area.

A full-time student in the program would normally enrol in three coursework courses (in consultation with their supervisor) in the first session of study. The second session of study involves the completion of a thesis proposal. The three courses are to be chosen from: one or more of SLSP5002 Information and Research for Policy, ARTS5022 Qualitative Research Methods, or ARTS5023 Quantitative Research Methods; the remaining course(s) are to be chosen from those offered in the graduate programs of the School or other approved courses offered by other Schools or Faculties.

Year 2 of study concentrates on the completion of a 30,000 word thesis.

ARTS5020 Effective Interview Techniques
ARTS5022 Qualitative Research Methods
ARTS5024 Thesis Writing for Arts and Social Sciences Research Students
ARTS5025 Teaching in the Arts and Social Sciences
ARTS5026 Theories of Community and Difference
ARTS5060 Developing a Research Proposal

Please refer to the Conditions for the Award of the Degree.

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/fees/FeesMainPage.html