Faculty Research Higher Degrees

Do you want to develop new ideas, think creatively, solve problems and challenge conventional expectations?

Do you want to contribute to the global community and become part of a network of internationally renowned researchers and academics?

Why should I complete a research higher degree?

Completing a research higher degree is a unique opportunity for you to engage in an in-depth exploration of your interests and make a significant contribution to knowledge in your research area.

Whether you’re preparing for a career in research and academia, or want to become a leader in your industry, a research higher degree will help you on the path to meeting the challenges of the future.

The University's Research Higher Degree website will provide you with detailed information on all aspects of Research Higher Degree studies.

Why should I study with you?

The Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment is internationally recognised for its outstanding research record, which places our Schools among the very best in Australia, and around the world.

Our research-intensive environment has helped to attract the highest calibre academic and research staff from throughout Australia and around the world. While completing your degree, you will be exposed to cutting-edge and world-class thinking while working with internationally renowned researchers who are at the forefront in their field of expertise. 

Each of our students brings a different life experience and contributes to the vibrancy of our community. To give you an idea of how diverse our student body is, explore the following map which will show you where our current RHD students were born.

View Where were our RHD students born? in a larger map

Through our interactions with industry, we bring real-world technology issues into our research laboratories and teaching programs. Working with industry is central to maintaining a ‘forward looking’ approach in our education of students; our close links are demonstrated through scholarships, collaborative research, professional consulting, and involvement with national and international professional bodies.

What can I research?

Your potential supervisors, and our research staff, come from a diverse range of academic backgrounds and are prepared to tackle up-and-coming and more established fields in their area. There are several different ways to find the information you need, we suggest that you view each School and their capabilities, explore our research centres and search the register of supervisors.

The Schools of Architecture and Built Environment, Engineering and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science each have different research strengths and capabilities. If there is something you are interested in that is not advertised please do not hesitate to contact the relevant discipline convenor.

In addition to our schools, the Faculty has research centres and institutes that focus on key areas. Four of the University’s Priority Research Centres are based within the Faculty and another operates jointly with the Faculty of Health. We are also home to a number of commonwealth funded centres, research institutes and University centres that allow us to research and develop new technologies and discover innovative solutions to many of the significant problems that face society today.
 
Our Register of Supervisors allows you to search by researcher, school or keywords and should be your first port of call when looking for a supervisor.

What degrees can I study?

Master of Philosophy (M Phil)

Master of Philosophy candidates are expected to complete their degree within two years of full-time or four years of part-time study. Normal entry to candidature in the degree is a relevant Bachelor degree with Honours Class 1 or 2/1.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy candidates are expected to complete their degree within four years of full-time study or eight years of part-time study. Normal entry to candidature in the degree is a relevant research Masters degree. Applicants with a Bachelor degree with Honours Class 1 or 2/1 or equivalent qualification, or a coursework Master degree (including a minor thesis completed at an appropriate level) may enrol in the M Phil program and apply to upgrade their enrolment to a PhD at the end of their first year.

What resources will I have access to?

The Faculty is committed to providing Research Higher Degree (RHD) candidates with a quality research training experience. This includes the provision of appropriate physical resources to undertake your research, quality supervision, as well as access to various laboratories, studios, machinery and computing systems.

Students who are enrolled fulltime in a RHD program will be provided with a dedicated workstation within their School at which to undertake their research training, students who are enrolled part time may be required to share space. The School will provide a workstation, chair, lockable pedestal drawers and a bookshelf unit in a shared space dedicated to research higher degree students.

Upon enrolment in an RHD program at the University you are entitled to receive a laptop computer, which is provided under the ‘RHD Laptop Scheme’. Further information about the scheme can be found here.

Candidates may be eligible for up to $1500 per annum, under the Postgraduate Research Support Scheme (PGRSS), for various research expenses such as conference travel, workshops, equipment and consumables.

Each school offers varying degrees of support, which may include a thesis binding allowance, conference travel or other assistance. Check with your supervisor to find out what school support is available to you.

For further information…

Take the time to familiarise yourself with the University Code of Practice for Research Higher Degree Candidature. The code is designed to ensure supervisors, their respective academic units and Faculties, and the candidates, are aware and clear about their minimum responsibilities, the responsibilities of each other and of the University.

Once you are enrolled in your program, you will be given access to the Faculty RHD Blackboard site. This will provide you with more detailed information about support, policies, scholarships, news and events that are held throughout the year.

If you have any questions, then please do not hesitate to contact Chanel Hopkinson, Faculty Research and Research Training Officer.