Postgraduate research

The Faculty of Science is internationally renowned for fundamental and applied scientific research. Our goal is to educate the next generation of science and scientifically-aware graduates, and through teaching and research, add significantly to innovation through scientific and technological knowledge and practice.

Research within the Faculty is international, with interdisciplinary collaborations within the University as well as affiliations with Collaborative Research Centres (CRCs) and specialist facilities, both local and international.

Award winning Federation Fellows, Eureka prize winners and Rhodes scholars are among the UNSW scientific research staff and their expertise is reflected in the teaching programs.  Researchers of the Faculty include world leaders in their field and their high standing has resulted in strong research funding for the Faculty - every year, the Faculty successfully secures a significant level of funding from major internal and external sources, with annual research income in excess of A$25 million.

The Faculty is involved in collaborative research initiatives with partners from industry, commerce, the government and tertiary education sectors.  There are extensive research interactions with industry sectors such as manufacturing and natural resources and with government organisations both locally and internationally. 

What is Research Study?

Research involves original and critical enquiry that makes a significant contribution to existing knowledge of relevance both nationally and internationally. Postgraduate research students are required to produce a thesis embodying the results of independent investigation under the guidance of an academic supervisor.

The goal of research is the publication, public demonstration and practical application of research findings.

The University offers the following research degrees: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Masters by Research and Masters of Philosophy.

The Difference Between Doctor of Philosophy, Master by Research, Master of Philosophy

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree requires completion of a piece of research that demonstrates a significant and original contribution to knowledge in the field of study. Candidates acquire advanced specialist research training and produce a thesis that summarises the research and provides evidence for independent thought and critical analysis, effective communication and expert knowledge of the discipline in the international context.

For a PhD considerably more original work is required than for a Master by Research. In some Faculties advanced coursework is also prescribed. The nature and level of supervision evolves over the duration of the candidature. The work is closely supervised in the early stages. In the later stages, however, the candidate increases scope to exercise initiatives and is expected to make a significant and original contribution to the research. In the latter part of the program the candidate has acquired sufficient skills to allow independent work and this is reflected in guidance rather than direction by the supervisor.

The minimum length of candidature is 3 years and the maximum length is 4 years.

Master by Research

A Masters by Research degree requires completion of an original piece of research, more limited in scope and nature to that required for a PhD. Candidates develop mastery of appropriate methodology, and they present their findings in the wider context of their discipline.

The minimum length of candidature is 1.5 years and the maximum length is 2 years.

Master of Philosophy

A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree provides an opportunity for students to complete a component of coursework including research methodology relevant to the field of study and a research project of at least 66% of the degree. The degree is ideal for students to acquire basic research training.

The minimum length of candidature is 1 year and the maximum length is 2 years.