Master of Social Research

There is a growing demand in Australia and internationally for people with expertise in high-level social research. The Master of Social Research is a professional degree designed to provide training in social science research. Graduates of this program will gain practical skills that can be applied in government, non-government organisations, and private organisations.

Graduates of the Master of Social Research with a high level of performance also have a strong foundation for PhD studies.

The usual minimum entrance requirement is a relevant undergraduate pass degree of an acceptable standard, adequate skill in mathematics and a satisfactory English proficiency score. Unless exempted by means of a test or documented qualification, students should undertake the Preparatory Program before commencing the degree. Pre-course English training can be undertaken via ANU College, if required.

The degree takes the equivalent of one year of full time study.

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Program structure

Students may choose to do a general degree or specialise in one of four areas:

• Demography
• Social Research Methods
• Social Development and Policy
• Social Science of the Internet

The program comprises 8 courses. Three courses are compulsory for all specialisations and the general degree.  Each specialisation has two additional compulsory courses.

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Fees

Master of Social Research Indicative Fees

How to Apply

International students should apply to the ANU at least 6 months before the January or June commencement date to allow for application and visa processing.

Australian students: The official closing date for applications is 15 December for a semester 1 start. We prefer to receive applications by this date, however, students not undertaking the Preparatory Program may apply by 31 January for a semester 1 start, or 30 June for a semester 2 start. Students taking the Preparatory Program must apply by 15 December.

Apply online.

Hard copy applications forms can be downloaded at http://www.anu.edu.au/sas/forms/#Admission_forms.

All applications for the Master of Social Research must include:

• A completed application form. Please note that International students are required to include an Application Fee with their form. Fees are currently AU$75 for on-line and AU$100 for hard copy applications. This fee has been waived for international students who are currently enrolled in a course of study at ANU, and for ANU graduates.
  
• A curriculum vitae setting out the applicant's previous educational and work experience.
• Certified copies, in English, of academic transcripts for all tertiary courses attended by the applicant, giving details of all subjects undertaken and of the grades obtained in each subject.
• Where applicable, the result of an English language test.

Language Requirements

You must demonstrate an adequate standard of English before you can be accepted for admission. Unless your undergraduate studies were undertaken in English in, for example, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America, you will normally have to sit for either:

• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS),* Academic version, administered internationally by Australian Diplomatic Missions and the British Council,
  or
• The American Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)* in either the paper, computer or internet based test, and the Test of Written English (TWE) or Essay Writing.

* Please note that although the ANU accepts both IELTS and TOEFL certificates, in most countries, when applying for a Student Visa only an IELTS examination certificate will be accepted by Immigration as proof of English ability. Please make enquires at your nearest Australian Embassy or High Commission for the latest requirements before undertaking an English competency test.

Minimum scores required for applicants are as follows:

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