Why the University of Newcastle?

The University of Newcastle is a research-intensive university with a vibrant and progressive research culture. As a University of Newcastle graduate researcher you will be part of a dynamic community committed to making significant contributions to knowledge that impact our world.

You will join some of the very best researchers in the world, and be provided with the facilities, supervision, freedom and connections to flourish on the global stage.

The current rankings place in the top echelon of world-class universities. This is a testament to the achievements of our researchers and students who continually succeed on the world stage.

PhD Pathway Stories - Philippa Ditton-Phare

The University values are intrinsic to all that we do. They drive our research and define our purpose. As a University of Newcastle graduate researcher you will be part of a dynamic community committed to making significant contributions to knowledge that impact the world we live in.

Want to be part of something big? Our areas of research strength have scale and span discipline, regional and national boundaries.

  • Health and Medical
  • Science and Engineering
  • Energy and the Environment
  • Humanities and Social Science
  • Creative Arts
  • Education
  • Business and Law
  • Indigenous

Learn more about our research degrees.

At the University of Newcastle you will be guided by world class supervisors. They act as role models, encouraging a research culture of excellence, integrity, professionalism and mutual respect.

You will also make life-long connections with your peers. There are a range of workshops and events on offer so you can gain new skills and expand your network.

You can also take advantage of our innovative Student Peer Advice and Support Scheme for HDR candidates. Student Peer Advisors offer one-on-one support and advice on a variety of topics, from software packages (NVivo, Endnote, R, Excel and more) to adapting to a new academic culture, professional networking and much more.

All graduate researchers automatically become members of the Newcastle University Postgraduate Students’ Association (NUPSA). Membership is free and gains you access to workshops, clubs and societies, social events and support and advocacy services run by the association.

Cutting edge research requires access to enabling facilities and resources. The University of Newcastle’s leading research infrastructure is a critical component in our pursuit of excellence in research, and is reflective of our broad range of research strengths.

Our computer labs, libraries and the student hubs offer a mix of computers and printing facilities for student use. As a graduate researcher you will have access to a range of exclusive facilities.

There is also a lot happening online. Academic Learning Support holds a massive collection of resources to help you along the way, including content specifically designed for graduate researchers.

Once you start your higher degree by research with us you will be provided with a free laptop, which is yours to keep when you graduate.

A range of funding is available to support your research project. You will have access to a minimum of $1,500 (pro-rata for part-time candidates) each year. After approval from your School, this funding can be used for expenses such as travel to a conference or consumables you might need to carry out your research. Learn more about our scholarships.

A higher degree by research will give added impetus to your chosen career path. It will also open up exciting new pathways for you to explore. At the University of Newcastle you will be located within a dynamic research precinct interconnected with local, national and global industry.

Our region is being defined by its innovation and we are at its epicentre. Our Doctoral Training Centres connect researchers with industry partners, and support the production of impactful research outcomes and life-ready graduates.

Our Global Impact Clusters are a means of facilitating meaningful, collaborative research for staff and students on an international scale. They are founded on the concept of multi-disciplinarily and high impact. This positions the University of Newcastle at the forefront of the future economy, where rapid technological and societal shifts will demands research partnerships that reach across specialisms and national boundaries.

Newcastle is not just a great place to study and work, it’s an amazing place to live. But you don’t have to take it from us. No less than the National Geographic recently described our city as “a regional hub of innovation” with “golden beaches, smart galleries, and organic eateries” helping to redefine itself in big ways.

You will find it to be safe and friendly, with an energy that compels you outdoors. There is a vibrant cultural identity that feeds into the creativity of a city reinventing itself.

Newcastle is meeting the challenges of emerging from its industrial heyday, with a zest for the opportunities presented by the future. By living and researching here you will be part of the transformation, while at the same time preparing yourself for the challenges that the wider world is facing as it encounters a similar scenario: how to thrive in a future economy disrupted by new technologies.