Deciding to take on a PhD is an enormous decision. Whether a student is aiming for a career in academia or looking to apply their specialised knowledge and research skills to industry, the time and dedication required to complete a PhD can be daunting, even if their passion is strong.

However, when you speak to graduates of Macquarie’s Master of Research (MRes) program about how they felt going into their PhD or post-university career, some common themes emerge. Prepared. Supported. Confident. Excited. The MRes is clearly delivering on its objective to provide a research training program that gives students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed – whatever their chosen path.

Hamid Yahyaei (left), who is nearing the completion of his PhD in the Department of Applied Finance, says there is no doubt the MRes program made a difference to his success as a researcher and ultimately, to his employability.

“The MRes provided excellent preparation for my PhD studies,” Hamid says. “The advanced coursework was especially beneficial in building my research skills and the training I received helped me accelerate the pace of my PhD, which will have been a three-year journey after my two years in the MRes.

“Completing a research masters is no easy accomplishment, and the skills I attained during the MRes definitely enhanced my employability. The MRes teaches you to be a better writer, to manage your time and, most importantly, to think critically and undertake rigorous research.”

Milena Bojovic (right), current PhD candidate in the School of Social Sciences, agrees.

“The MRes gave me the opportunity to learn critical research, writing and thinking skills,” she says. “I was able to read outside of my discipline and learn from peers in other disciplines, which enriched my learning experience and made me a better research communicator.

“In addition to building foundational research skills like reading for purpose, writing with clarity and data analysis, the MRes also helped me to develop my interpersonal skills by teaching me to communicate with diverse audiences and build my scholarly and professional networks. In addition, I was able to do a PACE research internship, which equipped me with qualitative and quantitative skills that I have drawn upon throughout my PhD journey.”

Both Hamid and Milena point to the world-class standard of Macquarie’s supervisors and the support given to students in the MRes program as being key to their success.

“One of my current supervisors, Professor Tom Smith, was instrumental in my success due to the learning I experienced in his classes,” says Hamid. “They were some of the most challenging but rewarding courses I have ever taken.”

Ultimately, Milena says, the MRes is a great starting place for students who are keen to explore their area of passion – whatever that might be.

“The MRes opens so many doors – whether that be down the path of a PhD or into a role that requires you to engage critically with different skills and topics. It was one of the best decisions I ever made for myself.”

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If you, or one of your students, would like to know more about the Master of Research, don’t miss the Master of Research Information Session on Tuesday 12 September.

The University recently announced an increased stipend rate for Macquarie University graduate research students, with all continuing and newly commencing candidates on RTP and MQRES scholarships set to receive a stipend of $35,000 per annum from 1 January 2024.