Postgraduate Research

Developing Future Research Leaders

UNSW Canberra delivers an unparalleled postgraduate research environment specifically designed to help HDR candidates thrive in their chosen field of research. We support international experience, providing vibrant and stimulating research training with a global mindset. Whether you're looking to study a PhD, Master by Research or Professional Doctorate, our range of higher degree research study options are designed to expand your ability to pursue a career with real impact.

With access to first-rate facilities and world-class supervisors at the forefront of their fields, you'll develop research and professional skills, as well as a broad intellectual sophistication that is prized by employers in industry, the public sector, academia, and the broader community. As you engage in theoretical, practical, and creative approaches to your study, you'll have access to our supportive postgraduate student structures to help you develop progressive thinking and exciting interdisciplinary findings.

In collaboration with industry, government, defence, and community, our leading researchers utilise new techniques to find answers to the most pressing issues within our society. Your research work will support original innovations and discoveries that make a difference in creating a better future.

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View our 2020 Postgraduate Guide

Your Research Pathways

Explore our range of postgraduate research degrees to kick start your research journey with UNSW Canberra.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

By choosing to study a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at UNSW Canberra, you can make a significant, original contribution to knowledge and understanding in your chosen discipline in an international context. It will open doors to academic, research, and professional roles nationally and internationally.

You'll demonstrate your specialist research skills by producing a high-quality thesis of up to 100,000 words. Your thesis will provide evidence for your independent investigation and critical analysis, summarising the research you have completed over three to four years.

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Professional Doctorate

The Professional Doctorate program combines research and coursework components with professional practice to meet the needs of industry and professional groups. Through workplace-based projects, you will generate and analyse evidence to address real-world problems and produce a thesis of up to 60,000 words that reflects applied investigation, problem-solving, and original research.

Completion of this three to four-year (full-time) degree will prepare you for the highest level of professional practice in which you can make a significant contribution to the development of your specialisation.

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Masters by Research

A Masters by Research is your opportunity to contribute new knowledge within your chosen discipline. You'll use research skills and methodologies to demonstrate original insights and produce a thesis of up to 75,000 words.

To be eligible for this degree, you must show clear potential to undertake significant independent research by completing a relevant honours degree, professional work following your undergraduate degree, or completing a postgraduate coursework degree with a significant research component.

The degree can take up to two years to complete (full-time) and the work you do will help you pursue a PhD or enter a career in research.

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Master of Philosophy

A Master of Philosophy is an advanced research degree that combines postgraduate coursework and original, in-depth research. If you are a professional with several years of experience in the workforce, this course will allow you to develop research skills and focus in-depth on a specific area of interest.

You’ll produce a thesis of up to 40,000 words that demonstrates independent thought, enhanced disciplinary knowledge, analytical skills, and mastery of related research methodologies. The degree can take up to two years to complete (full-time) and provides you with the opportunity to advance to a PhD.

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Scholarships & Funding

UNSW offers a wide range of scholarships and funding to both domestic and international students at all levels of study. Research candidates with exceptional potential who plan to undertake a higher degree by research are invited to apply for scholarships that provide a range of benefits and financial support such as an annual stipend, tuition fees, and student health cover.

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Find a Research Supervisor

UNSW Canberra academics are leaders in their fields and are eager to work with emerging researchers from around the world. The expertise of our scholars covers a wide breadth of research areas. They will guide and support you through your higher degree postgraduate research study.

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Access to World-Class Teaching & Research Facilities

We’re home to several cutting-edge facilities dedicated to finding solutions to the world’s most complex problems.

Our purpose-built workshops, laboratories, and specialised training facilities make UNSW Canberra the ideal location to gain hands-on experience and prepare you for your future career.

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