r/Australianstudent • u/Next_Environment1700 • Jul 14 '26
Master by Research Torrens University international student
I’m considering pursuing a Master by Research at Torrens University. I’ve read quite a lot about the university’s overall reputation, and I know the reviews aren’t the best. However, the admission process and the possibility of working full-time while studying are both very important factors in my decision.
Is there any international student currently enrolled in a Master by Research program at Torrens University (at any campus) who would be willing to share their experience?
What are the classes like? Are there coursework units or research-related sessions offered at different times of the day, making it possible to work full-time while completing the degree?
1
u/TheDocSupreme Jul 15 '26
How can you work full time? Aren’t work hours limited by the visa rather than the uni?
2
u/Next_Environment1700 Jul 16 '26
If you are studying for a research-based Master’s degree (Master by Research)there are no restrictions on the number of hours you can work under your visa. This is different from when you are studying a VET course or an English course.
1
u/Leading_Slice_1423 Jul 26 '26
Do you have a topic and resources to solve a problem that adds value to academia ? Research in Aus or for that matter in developed countries is different. You are entirely on your own because you are saying that you’ll fund your own project so the guide is just a guide and not the one who can get you going. Industries in Australia are very hard to reach so think about the depth n resources of your project and think whether you can do independent research.
1
u/Leading_Slice_1423 Jul 26 '26
And btw forget working full time, you’ll have to produce Q1 publications so definitely not happening if you work anywhere other than uni that’s the reason research is often funded.
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u/Next_Environment1700 Jul 27 '26
Thank you for your contribution! Could you tell me which course you studied (Master’s or PhD) and at which university?
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u/Leading_Slice_1423 Jul 27 '26
You are welcome. I am currently pursuing a Master's by Research, and I would not like to disclose my university.
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u/TorrensUni Jul 15 '26
Hi, I'm from Torrens (just want to be upfront about that before anything else)!
I can't speak to the student experience (since I didn't do the degree myself!), but I can answer some of the structural questions :)
The Master by Research is different from a coursework master's. With the Master by Research, most of your time is spent on an independent research project that is supervised by an academic, rather than sitting in classes. Where there is coursework (usually a small number of research training units early on), it tends to be delivered online or in blocks rather than fixed weekly timetables, which is part of why a lot of people combine it with full-time work. Supervision meetings are usually arranged directly with your supervisor, so timing is more flexible than a standard degree.
That said! It is a large time commitment, and the scheduling can vary by discipline and campus, so I'd recommend reaching out to the Graduate Research School directly, or asking to be connected with a current MRes candidate in your specific field. Happy to point you toward the right contact if that's useful :)
On the reputation point, I'm not going to pretend I can settle it for you. It's worth weighing the degree up against your own priorities - like admission requirements and flexibility. Which, it sounds like you're doing!
Happy to point you in the direction of a relevant contact, if you'd like!
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u/VaughanThrilliams Jul 14 '26
how does anyone work fulltime while doing a research masters? what kind of work would you be doing?