What to do
Are you interested in a postgraduate research degree from UNSW Canberra?
UNSW Canberra offers supervision for postgraduate research students leading to the degree of Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), Master of Engineering (ME), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Research degrees require the preparation and submission of a thesis embodying the results of an original investigation or design or, in the case of the Masters by research, a combination of research and coursework or research only. Eligibility for a Masters by research and a PhD is a Bachelor with Honours degree from a recognised institution, or equivalent qualification.
Before you make a formal application through Student Administrative Services for entry to our postgraduate research program, you need to contact the Research Coordinator of the relevant School. The Research Coordinator, and the School’s Research Committee, is required to make recommendations based on the following:
- Do you have the appropriate qualifications for entry into a UNSW research degree?
- Do you have a project that could be used as the basis for a research degree?
- Does the School have supervisors with the appropriate expertise to supervise your research?
To assist with determining this information you will therefore need to supply the Research Coordinator with the following materials:
- a curriculum vitae which clearly sets out your academic background and achievements. Please do not send originals of your academic transcripts - copies are acceptable.
- a proposal* outlining your project. This proposal should cover at least the following issues:
- what you propose to research
- what your methods of research will be
- what your research will add to the existing literature
- what is the literature within which your research will be situated
- whether your research should be a Masters or Doctoral project
- a suggestion about at least one member of the School whom you think would be an appropriate supervisor of your work. The research interests of School staff are available from the various School websites.
- a statement about whether you wish to study full-time or part-time
- a statement about where you will reside if your candidature is accepted. If you live outside Canberra, and cannot attend the University on a regular basis, we will require you to reside in Canberra and work with your supervisor for between four and six weeks every year of your candidature.
The Research Coordinator will circulate this material to the relevant School’s Research Committee, which will make a recommendation to the Head of School about your candidature, and inform you as soon as practicable. It is only at this point that you should begin to make a formal application to the UNSW Canberra for entry as a research student.
Please note that applications for entry as a research student made directly to Student Administrative Services will be forwarded to the relevant School’s Research Coordinator, who will contact the applicant to ask for the materials outlined above. Processing your request will thereby be delayed. Once you have made the application, you may also need to gain approval for the proposed project from the UNSW Canberra ethics committee.
*As a guide the proposal should be no more than 1000 words. However, please contact School Research Coordinators for School specific information regarding proposals.