#3 university in Australia for interdisciplinary science research
Workplace-based research for practising surgeons
Joint academic and clinical supervision
Why choose Deakin
This course of study leads to a Masters by Research degree, with the students drawn from qualified medical practitioners, surgeons in training and fellowship-trained surgeons. The program has a primary function in providing doctors with a structured training and experience in independent research, specifically in the surgical speciality. It also fulfils a secondary function in providing discipline-specific training for doctors with aspirations in surgery, and provides an option for students to gain some skills in clinical leadership, for future leadership roles in surgery and broader medicine.
Research training and clinical leadership training will be carried out at the Waurn Ponds campus, with heavy utilisation of online resources to support the teaching. Research activity, although coordinated from the Waurn Ponds campus, will mainly be carried out at the student’s place of work, although the School of Medicine’s Anatomy Laboratory will also be utilised where the Clinical Anatomy Investigation project involves cadaveric inspection or dissection. Primary supervision will be shared by academics within the School and other experts local to the workplace.
Through completion of the Master of Surgical Research it is expected that medical graduates, surgeons in training and qualified surgeons will:
- gain an understanding of research techniques relevant to surgery;
- produce high quality written work, suitable for publication in scientific journals, and present this orally to a high standard;
- gain the skills needed to critically evaluate their own, and therefore other’s, work;
- demonstrate their ability to apply research techniques in surgery and to lead research work; and
- develop, or consolidate, an advanced knowledge of human anatomy, as relevant to their discipline
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Workplace-based surgical research
Benefit from joint supervision by Deakin academics and experienced surgical experts from your workplace, combining academic rigour with clinical expertise.
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Clinical anatomy investigation
Advance your surgical anatomy knowledge through clinical anatomy investigation and access to Deakin's School of Medicine Anatomy Laboratory at the #1 Victorian university for facilities and resources.
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Flexible research delivery
Complete your research across online learning, Waurn Ponds campus intensives and partner health services while continuing your clinical practice.
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Healthcare research partnerships
Connect your research with healthcare through our partnerships with University Hospital (Barwon Health), Epworth and St John of God.
Connected to industry
Engaging with industry during your PhD or masters by research ensures your research is relevant, future‑focused and positioned to create impact. Develop the skills your future employers need with industry-embedded projects, co‑supervision arrangements, access to partner facilities and opportunities to translate research into practice.
FAQs
To apply for a research degree at Deakin, you will need a qualification at level 8 or 9 of the Australian Qualifications Framework, completed within the last five years. For a PhD, you need a minimum grade equivalent to 70%, including a research component with a dissertation or equivalent. For a masters by research, the minimum is 65%, including at least 65% for the research component. If your qualifications are older than five years, you can still apply with a portfolio of recent research or professional experience. As an international applicant, you will also need to demonstrate English language proficiency and hold a valid student visa (Subclass 500). Refer to the entry requirements section on the course page for specific requirements.
Both degrees involve producing an original written thesis with the support of a research supervisor, but they differ in scope, duration and depth. A masters by research takes approximately two years full time and can serve as a pathway to PhD study. A PhD takes approximately three years full time and requires original research that makes a new contribution to your field, with higher entry grade requirements.
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for student support. From orientation to graduation, you will benefit from dedicated supervision, a personalised online candidature profile to track milestones and access to the Researcher Development Academy, which offers workshops on research practice, writing and communication. You may also access experiences beyond your thesis, including study trips, research fieldwork, fellowships and industry mentorship. Support continues after graduation through Deakin's researcher development programs and lifetime access to Deakin TALENT.
The two main scholarship options for international graduate researchers are the Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship and Deakin's Postgraduate Research Scholarship (DUPR). These scholarships may include full tuition fee coverage, Overseas Student Health Cover, relocation allowances and a tax-exempt living stipend. To be competitive, you will generally need an H1 grade average or equivalent. Use the find a scholarship tool to explore all available options.
Australia is consistently recognised as one of the world's most liveable countries, and Deakin's campuses in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool offer an immersive experience in vibrant, multicultural communities. As an international graduate researcher at Deakin, you will join a diverse research community, access world-class facilities and benefit from a safe, supportive campus environment. Depending on your visa conditions, you may also be able to work part time while you study.
Finding the right supervisor is an important first step in your research journey. Begin by reviewing Deakin's research strengths and browsing our institutes and research groups to identify a topic that aligns with work happening across the university. Then use the supervisor directory to search by name, faculty, research area or keyword. Check individual profiles to confirm availability, then email your preferred supervisor directly to introduce yourself and discuss your research interests. At Deakin, you will be supported by a team of at least two supervisors throughout your degree.
If you are applying to the Faculty of Business and Law, Deakin will identify a relevant supervisor based on your proposed research area and available expertise. Before applying, explore Deakin's Business and Law research to understand where your proposed research aligns with our areas of expertise.
Your supervisor can make a significant difference to your research journey, so it is important to find the right fit. When searching for a supervisor, look for expertise that aligns with your research interests and take time to understand how they approach supervision and work with their team. You can search Deakin's directory of experts by name, faculty, research area or keyword, then reach out directly to discuss your interests and explore supervision opportunities.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Surgical Research, you must pass 16 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Research Training and Preparation Units (5 credit points)
PLUS (Total 11 credit points)
#Rolling enrolment
Students' course plans will be designed to ensure the students use a combination of the above units to achieve 11 credit points of Research Project in Surgery across the 4 quarters of enrolment per year. HDR Faculty Research advisers will undertake this task with students.
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Students will usually be required to provide evidence that they have the relevant Police Checks, Working With Children Checks, and immunisations to allow them to work with patients in a given health service. As students will be registered medical practitioners, these mandatory checks are usually a requirement of their professional registering body (e.g. AHPRA), thus these should already be in place.
The course will be delivered online and at Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus and at hospitals and other health centre sites of Deakin’s partner organisations, and of other healthcare organisations.
Approximately 2400 hours for the full 16 credit points of the course.
There are no compulsory learning experiences, beyond the requirement to complete the standard research and research training activities in the core units of the course as specified. Students have the opportunity of choice in the selection of their project and work/study environment and can therefore tailor their study to any specific needs they may have.
Students will usually carry out their mandatory research project work in their own work environment and sometimes through the process of carrying out their actual work duties.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in surgical anatomy and the surgical discipline. Plan and execute a substantial research project in the surgical discipline that demonstrates complex knowledge and application of clinical and medical research principles, cognitive and technical skills, and methods. |
| Interpret and transmit knowledge, skills, ideas and data to specialist and non-specialist audiences using highly developed written and oral communication skills. Apply listening and effective communication skills to accommodate, encourage and answer questions from an audience and to defend research findings and propositions. |
| Use digital technologies to locate, curate, interpret and disseminate relevant evidence-based literature to formulate research hypotheses, concepts and theories. |
| Critically analyse literature, research data and other information relevant to surgical anatomy and the surgical discipline to produce a substantial research project. |
| Critically analyse, reflect upon and synthesise complex information, concepts and theories in surgery and surgical anatomy. Contribute to advancements in knowledge of the discipline through mastering the use of instruments and techniques, to collect, interpret, analyse, synthesise and disseminate research data and findings. |
| Demonstrate a high level of personal autonomy, professionalism and responsibility in the acquisition of knowledge and in the planning and execution of research projects and interpretation of data and findings. |
| Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with research peers and non-specialist stakeholders to address complex real-world problems in surgery. |
| Demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills in conducting best-practice research of the highest ethical standards and in managing, sharing data and disseminating research findings across wider medical, research and cultural communities. |
- Award granted
- Master of Surgical Research
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H801
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 098424K Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Higher Degree Research
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$48,200
for 1 yr full-time AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Get all the information you need to successfully apply for a Deakin research degree or PhD, including key dates, entry requirements, supporting documents and finding a research supervisor. We’re here to support you through the process.
Recognition of prior learning
As this is a research degree there will be no nested courses, and there are no guaranteed pathways and no recognition of prior learning for the research component of the degree. However, the course is designed to offer articulation through a credit structure, as follows: Students entering with an MBBS, or equivalent, will be expected to complete all 16 core credit points of the course. Students entering with an MBBS, or equivalent, and an Honours degree will be expected to complete 14 credit points of study, including 1 credit point of ‘Clinical Anatomy Investigation’, 2 credit points of ‘Research Communication’ and at least 11 credit points of ‘Research Project in Surgery’. Students entering with an MBBS, or equivalent, and a postgraduate anatomy qualification will be expected to complete 15 credit points of study, including the 4 credit points of research training units and 11 credit points of ‘Research Project in Surgery’. Students entering with an MBBS, or equivalent, and a higher degree by research, will be expected to complete 12 credit points of study, including 1 credit point of ‘Clinical Anatomy Investigation’ and 11 credit points of ‘Research Project in Surgery’. Students entering with an MBBS, or equivalent, a postgraduate anatomy qualification and an Honours degree will be expected to complete 13 credit points of study, including 2 credit points of ‘Research Communication’ and 11 credit points of ‘Research Project in Surgery’.
Pathways
The Master of Surgical Research is a pathway to PhD enrolment.