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UNSW offers three higher degree research programs: Doctor of Philosophy, Masters by Research, and Master of Philosophy.
Each of these degrees requires candidates to undertake an original and critical research project that makes a significant contribution to existing knowledge of relevance both nationally and internationally. Candidates carry out their research under the supervision of some of Australia’s leading researchers.
To support candidates seeking additional development and industry engagement opportunities, UNSW offers some Professional Doctorates and structured PhD programs.
Read about our higher degree research programs below
Doctor of Philosophy
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.
Availability |
Offered in all Faculties |
Duration |
3-4 years (full time)Minimum commitment of 35-40 hours per week8 years (part time)Minimum commitment of 15 hours per week |
Assessment |
A thesis of no more than 100,000 words |
Learning Outcomes |
View the Graduate Attributes and Learning Outcomes for this program here. |
Entry requirements |
The minimum requirement for admission to a PhD is:
The minimum requirement for UNSW Scholarship with admission to a PhD is:
|
Professional Doctorate
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.
Masters by Research
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.
Availability |
Offered in all Faculties except the UNSW Business School and Faculty of Engineering |
Duration |
1.5 - 2 years (full time)
|
Assessment |
A thesis of no more than 75,000 words |
Learning Outcomes |
View the Graduate Attributes and Learning Outcomes for this program here. |
Entry Requirement |
The minimum requirement for admission to a Masters by Research is:
The minimum requirement for UNSW Scholarship with admission to a Masters by Research is:
|
Master of Philosophy
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.
Duration |
1.5 - 2 years (full time)
|
Assessment |
A thesis of no more than 40,000 words |
Learning Outcomes |
View the Graduate Attributes and Learning Outcomes for this program here. |
Entry Requirement |
The minimum requirement for admission to a Master of Philosophy is:
The minimum requirement for UNSW Scholarship with admission to a Master of Philosophy is:
|
Fees and Costs
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.
Joint PhD and Joint Supervision/Cotutelle Programs
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.
Industry Engagement
UNSW offers range of industry programs to strengthen your industry interactions, support your research and prepare you for your future career. These programs include internships, mentoring and the UNSW-CSIRO Industry PhD Program.
Learn more about these programs here.
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