A Masters by Research enables a candidate to develop knowledge of the principal doctrines of research in their discipline area and a substantive understanding of key conventions, norms and perspectives in the disciplinary or multi-disciplinary environment. Research is conducted over 1-2 years of full time equivalent study and normally results in a thesis (or its creative equivalent) of 50,000 – 60,000 words (depending on the discipline), written in English and independently examined by a minimum of three examiners external to and independent of the University. The campus of study will vary depending on the location of the candidate, the supervisor and the research field. A Master of Research enables individuals to expand their breadth of knowledge and expertise in their chosen discipline. The Degree provides candidates with advanced skills to carry out independent and sustained research. Candidates will be able to demonstrate specialist knowledge in the area of their research, present the results of their research in a publishable quality and demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, research ethics and codes of practice. Areas of particular research expertise within the Faculty include: haematology, microbiology, nutrition and molecular biology to investigate an aspect of health and/or disease. At the University of Tasmania candidates are encouraged to demonstrate academic leadership, increasing independence, creativity and innovation in their research and encouraged in the acquisition of a wide range of advanced and transferable skills.

Master of Research degrees are internationally recognised research degrees. The Master of Research is a demonstration of a graduate's ability to initiate a research project and to formulate viable research questions, to design, conduct and report independent and original research on a defined project and to demonstrate critical evaluation of scholarly literature. As a result, Master of Research graduates have the opportunity to pursue diverse career paths, including professions in research and academia, as well as a broad spectrum of professions in the public and private sector