Postgraduate Research Programs

The University of Adelaide provides a stimulating environment for postgraduate research students. By choosing to undertake your PhD or Masters at Adelaide you will be part of a culture that promotes excellence, fosters creativity and is conducive to success.

The University of Adelaide offers higher degrees by research in several disciplines.

Types of Higher Degrees

The degree of Doctor Philosophy (PhD) is available in every faculty and is normally completed within 2-4 years full-time or the equivalent part-time. The candidate completes an approved program of study and research under supervision and presents a thesis embodying the results of original investigation.

The thesis may comprise a conventional written narrative presented as typescript, a single major publication such as a book or a portfolio of publications that have been accepted following peer review or a creative or visual work(s).

Masters degrees by research are offered in every faculty and are similar in nature to the PhD but do not necessarily require the candidate to make a significant original contribution to research. The program is conducted over 1-2 years and students are supervised in research methodology and techniques as well as being engaged in the critical evaluation of literature and results in the substantive area of the thesis. There is generally no compulsory formal lecture or coursework component unless specified in the specific program rules.

The University also offers other types higher research degrees such as Professional Doctorates, Remote Research Programs, Doctoral Degrees Governed by a Cotutelle de Thèse Agreement, Double-Badged PhD Degrees and Higher Doctorates.

Admission and Scholarships

Any student who is a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or a citizen of New Zealand enrols at the University of Adelaide as a domestic (local) student. All other applicants must apply as international students. Domestic students who enrol in a higher degree by research at the University of Adelaide are allocated a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place, paying no HECS for up to four years of full-time candidature for a doctoral degree or two years for a Masters by Research degree.

Local Students

Admission to doctoral candidature is normally granted on the basis of a Bachelors degree with at least a second class Honours (upper division) or a Masters degree with a substantial research component. Coursework degrees that do not contain a significant research component are not acceptable for the purposes of admission to a PhD or indeed, to any HDR program.

The admission requirements for Masters Degrees by Research are set out in the general academic program rules, located in the University's Postgraduate Calendar.

Application forms for admission and scholarship can be found here. Please see the Postgraduate Research Prospectus 2010 for details of the application process. While it is possible to apply for admission at any time of the year the University's preferred start dates are:

• January to mid February for students intending to start in Semester 1 (2nd January - 30th June);
• June for students intending to start in Semester 2 (1st July - 31st December).

Each year the University has what is known as the ‘Major Round’ of scholarship applications, closing at the end of October. This is the most effective way to maximise your chances of obtaining a scholarship as you will be considered for everything you are eligible for and everything that is currently open for application.

International Students

Applications for admission and scholarships are completed on a single form (even if you are not applying for a scholarship) - download an application form. Please see the Postgraduate Research Prospectus 2010 for details of the application process. Completed applications must be received by the International Office, University of Adelaide, by the following dates:

• Entry into academic programs commencing Semester 1, 2010: 1 December 2009
• Entry into academic programs commencing Semester 2, 2010: 1 May 2010
• Entry into academic programs commencing Semester 1, 2011: 1 December 2010

Note: Lengthier visa application processes apply to students from certain countries under the current Australian Government immigration regulations. Students from Assessment Level 3-5 countries must submit their applications at least three months before the above application closing dates.

Selection for scholarships is extremely competitive. Recent successful applicants for the research awards have usually had a research Masters, or a coursework Masters with a substantial research component, outstanding academic performance at an internationally recognised university, and publications in internationally refereed journals. To be considered for postgraduate scholarships in 2010, applications must have been received by 31 August 2009.