Higher Degree Research Programs

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) requires completion of a piece of research that demonstrates a significant and original contribution to knowledge in the field of study.

Candidates acquire advanced specialist research training and produce a thesis that provides evidence for independent thought, critical analysis, and expert knowledge of the discipline in an international context. In some disciplines, creative work may form part of the thesis.

The Professional Doctorate Program combines doctoral research with professional practice. This Program is available in a range of fields including social work, education, architecture, construction, information technology, and public leadership. 

For more information, visit this page. 

UNSW offers two specialised PhD Programs:

• UNSW Scientia PhD Scholarship Scheme

• UNSW-CSIRO Industry PhD Scholarship

Learn more about these programs here. 

A Masters by Research (MRes) requires completion of an original piece of research that, given the timeframe, is more limited in scope and nature than that required for a PhD.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate independent thought, mastery of appropriate methodology, enhanced disciplinary knowledge, and analytical skills through the production of their thesis. In some disciplines, creative work may form part of the thesis. 

A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) combines a thesis comprising an original piece of research that is at least 66% of the degree, and compulsory coursework including research training that is relevant to the field of study.

Candidates are expected to produce a thesis that demonstrates independent thought, enhanced disciplinary knowledge, analytical skills, and mastery of appropriate methodology. In some disciplines, creative work may form part of the thesis.

The Master of Philosophy may provide a pathway to the PhD program.

Once you have decided to apply for a Higher Degree Research program, it is critical that you determine whether you are eligible for admission before submitting an application.

To determine your eligibility, you must use the UNSW HDR Self-Assessment Tool.

The Self-Assessment Tool provides you with an indication of your eligibility for admission to the UNSW research higher degree programs, as well as your competitiveness for a scholarship.

If your results indicate that you are eligible for admission and/or competitive for a scholarship, you will need to submit an application to be formally assessed by the University.

Using the Self-Assessment Tool

To use the Self-Assessment Tool, you need to input details of your academic qualifications, the academic scores listed on your official transcripts, and your research experience. 

Once you have completed the process, you will receive one of the following indicative recommendations:

• Based on your submitted marks you may be eligible for admission and likely to be competitive for a scholarship

• Based on your submitted marks you may be eligible for admission but unlikely to be competitive for a scholarship

• Based on your submitted marks you may not be eligible for admission and will not be competitive for a scholarship

To access the tool, please visit UNSW HDR Self-Assessment Tool. See the UNSW HDR Self-Assessment Tool User Guide for instructions and Frequently Asked Questions. 

If you have any questions, please email selfassessment.grs@unsw.edu.au.
 

The costs associated with enrolment in a research higher degree program vary depending on whether you are a domestic or international candidate. Learn more about the fees and costs associated with your preferred higher degree research program at Fees and Costs. 

UNSW offers two distinct ways of undertaking a collaborative research degree with an international university.

The Joint PhD Program is an official program between UNSW and a strategic partner University. A high level strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Universities exists. The Joint PhD Program supports the research collaboration outlined in the MOU and may have a number of candidates enrolled within it. Candidates enrol concurrently at UNSW and the partner University and are jointly supervised by both a UNSW supervisor and a collaborating supervisor from the partner university. They spent time in both Universities and following examination, graduate with a single Doctor of Philosophy jointly awarded by both Universities. For more information, visit UNSW Joint PhD Program.

Cotutelle is a type of PhD for an individual candidate who is concurrently enrolled at UNSW and another international University. There are supervisors from each University who jointly supervise the project. There is an official Agreement between the candidate and both Universities but no high level Memorandum of Understanding is needed. The candidate spends time at both Universities, submits the same thesis to each University where it is examined separately. They graduate at both Universities and the certificate will acknowledge the collaborative degree. For more information, visit International Research Opportunities.