postgraduate research unsw

Graduate Research

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Quick facts graduate research, 100 unsw higher degree research candidates from over 100 different countries, 777 unsw graduated 777 higher degree research candidates in 2021, 2000 academics are currently supervising higher degree research candidates, 4000 higher degree research candidates enrolled in 2022.

UNSW Sydney NSW 2052 Australia Telephone +61 2 93851000 Authorised by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) UNSW CRICOS Provider Code: 00098G ABN: 57 195 873 179

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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's 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. 

Your research pathways 

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

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Studying a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at UNSW Canberra, you'll 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. You'll provide evidence of your independent investigation and critical analysis, summarising the research you've completed over three to four years.

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'll 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 prepares you for the highest level of professional practice in which you can make a significant contribution to the development of your specialisation. 

Masters by Research

A Master's 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. 

Master of Philosophy

A Master of Philosophy is an advanced research degree that combines postgraduate coursework and original, in-depth research. If you're a professional with several years' experience in the workforce, this course allows 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. 

Scholarships & funding

Find a research supervisor

Access to world-class teaching & research facilities

Postgraduate research

Delve deeper into your area of interest and contribute new knowledge to the field of infectious diseases.

Why postgraduate research at the Kirby?

The Kirby Institute is a world-leading health research institute at UNSW Sydney. Sitting within the Faculty of Medicine and Health, we work to eliminate infectious diseases, globally. Our specialisation is in developing health solutions for the most at-risk communities. Doing so ultimately builds a safer, healthier world for everyone.

Our researchers and staff are world leaders in their fields and possess a range of knowledge, skills and experience to assist you with your research. As a postgraduate research student at the Kirby Institute, you will benefit from our rich network of academics and professionals, our state-of-the-art laboratory and research facilities and our global reputation as an institute at the forefront of research developments in infection and immunity.

Higher degree research programs

We offer two postgraduate research degrees: the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and the Master of Science by Research (MRes) . You'll undertake an original and critical research project to make a significant contribution to a subject's existing knowledge guided by an academic supervisor.

How to apply

Postgraduate Research Coordinators

Our Postgraduate Research Coordinators are experienced academics who will help guide you through your research program. We are the central point of contact for research students. Contact us at [email protected]

Key research areas

The Kirby Institute has 14 research programs, each dedicated to a specific aspect of our broad-ranging research on infectious diseases. Key research areas include COVID-19 and emerging infections, HIV, sexual health, viral hepatitis, HPV, First Nations health, and global health.

Find out more ➜

Use our search tool to find the contact details of our professors, lecturers, research associates and more. Search by entering a keyword or selecting from the list of roles.

When you join the Kirby research community, you join a passionate group of people who are creating new knowledge to make a positive impact on the world. Browse projects that our academics are actively recruiting for.