Should I do a masters by research or a PhD? Here's how to decide
Dr Rea Dennis, Director of Graduate Education in the Faculty of Arts and Education, breaks down the key differences between studying a masters by research or PhD.
Ready to make your mark in your field? A graduate research degree at Deakin can unlock exciting opportunities, from working alongside leading experts to driving discoveries of your own. But which pathway is right for you – a masters by research or a PhD? Spoiler: neither is 'better.' It all comes down to your goals and ambitions.
To help you decide, we asked Dr Rea Dennis, Deakin's Director of Graduate Education in the Faculty of Arts and Education, to break down the key differences between these two graduate research pathways.
What is a PhD and what makes it unique?
A PhD is more than a degree. It's a deep, multi-year commitment to reshaping what we know about the world. It typically takes 3-4 years to complete a PhD – a longer timeframe to accommodate a larger scope.
‘This duration recognises the time it takes to meet one of the main criteria – to make a substantial and original contribution to knowledge in the field of scholarship or practice,’ says Rea.
A PhD challenges the way you think about what you know. It's a time to investigate the history and status quo of knowledge in your area of interest and engage with questions of contemporary importance for society.
Director of Graduate Education, Faculty of Arts and Education
Rea’s point highlights what a PhD is truly about. If you study a PhD, you’ll get to delve deeply into your topic of choice and, ideally, break new ground with your own research. Because of this, PhD topics are usually very specific.
Some PhD research examples include:
- Remote Aboriginal Australia in the twentieth century
- Environmental communication for climate change adaptation using participatory Mapping GIS
- Far-right COVID-19 protests in Australia: media and global influence
- Writing stolen land: creative practice as a decolonising process
- Understanding the role of peer networks on chronic youth offending
- Water theft in the Murray Darling Basin: reduction of biodiversity and the impacts on rural community mental health.
What are the benefits of having a PhD?
A PhD can open doors in ways few other qualifications can – but the benefits depend on what you want to achieve.
‘People may choose to undertake a PhD to support their aspirations to do research,’ Rea says. ‘Some are motivated by their values in lifelong learning or their wish to contribute, to solve problems and to advance society. Others have career motivations, such as working in a university or an industry research centre, policy, government or leadership.’
With its longer duration (3-4 years on average) and rigorous demands, a PhD equips you with far more than specialist knowledge. It builds exceptional skills in thought leadership, ethical practice and communication – strengths that will set you apart whether you pursue a career in academia or beyond.
Can you do a PhD without a masters?
While it's not the most common route, you absolutely can do a PhD without a masters. Typically, entry into a PhD or masters by research requires an honours degree with a research component and a mark of 70 or above. But if you can demonstrate significant, relevant professional experience, you may be able to bypass even getting an honours degree through a pathway called 'equivalence'.
‘The case for equivalence is like that cover letter where you take the time to tell the university how what you have achieved in the past 5-10 years shows you are capable and suggests you are ready to succeed in the degree you are applying for,’ Rea explains. ‘Each discipline will have valued experience that is relevant and specific to that discipline, and you can ask your potential supervisor what might count.’
Think of it as making a strong job pitch – showcasing your skills and accomplishments that prove you're ready to thrive in a PhD program, even without the traditional academic stepping stones.
What makes a masters by research different?
We've explored what a PhD involves – but what about a masters by research, and how does it compare?
Typically completed in two years, a masters by research is smaller in scope but just as valuable in developing key skills. Like a PhD, it builds your expertise in ethical research, research methods and academic autonomy. Rea suggests that the shorter time frame can make it a better fit for some students.
It's a shorter degree in which the student can engage in a smaller scale problem and immerse themselves in the knowledge in the field, while also offering flexibility to students who are balancing study with other priorities.
Director of Graduate Education, Faculty of Arts and Education
What is the difference between a masters by coursework and masters by research?
Masters by research degrees are just that – research degrees. If you’re accepted, you’ll be designing and managing a research project in partnership with a supervision panel.
The key difference between a masters by research and a masters by coursework is structure: coursework degrees focus on compulsory units of study, sometimes with a small research component. This can provide a pathway into a masters by research or even a PhD, but always check with your course director to make sure.
Do you need research experience for a masters?
Like a PhD, a masters by research usually requires you to have completed a dissertation as part of an honours degree, proving you have research experience at an undergraduate level. But prior research experience isn't always essential. If you can show significant real-world experience, you may still be eligible through the 'equivalence' pathway.
Is a research masters worth it?
A masters by research can be a powerful springboard into the world of academic discovery. It's an accessible way to develop advanced research skills, make a meaningful contribution to your field and build the confidence to tackle bigger questions.
For many, it's also the perfect stepping stone to a PhD. But even on its own, it's a highly valuable qualification.
So, is a research masters worth it? Absolutely – if you're ready to open the door to new opportunities and push the boundaries of what you know.
Choosing the right path for your research journey
Masters and PhD research degrees each offer unique opportunities, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice comes down to your goals, lifestyle and where you want your research to lead.
What matters most is finding the path that fits you – because whatever you choose, you'll be advancing your skills, deepening your knowledge and making an impact in your field. And that's something to be truly proud of.
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about Deakin's masters by research and PhD programs to find the path that's right for you.
