Postgraduate research degrees - The University of Sydney

Postgraduate research degrees - The University of Sydney Library Current students Staff intranet Find an event Give Contact us Study Research Engage with us About us News & opinion false Study false false Study options false false Research true true /content/dam/people/students-in-situ/_06i34991.jpg 50% Postgraduate research degrees Apply your theory-driven research to the real world m-hero--style-1 1280.1280.jpeg 1280w, 1440.810.2x.jpeg 2880w, 800.450.2x.jpeg 1600w, 440.248.2x.jpeg 880w, 220.124.2x.jpeg 440w false Work alongside some of the world's brightest and most accomplished academics, access high-calibre facilities, and discover our Higher Degree by Research (HDR) curriculum.\r\n"}}" id="text-5995d99233" class="cmp-text"> Work alongside some of the world's brightest and most accomplished academics, access high-calibre facilities, and discover our Higher Degree by Research (HDR) curriculum. Our <a href=\"/content/corporate/research.html\">research</a> is driven by the big picture. The University of Sydney is home to leading researchers who are finding solutions to the world's most pressing issues by changing the way they look at them. \r\nWith more than 150 world‑renowned research centres, we are one of the world’s leading research-intensive universities. These centres include the <a href=\"/content/corporate/charles-perkins-centre/home.html\">Charles Perkins Centre,</a> the <a href=\"/content/corporate/brain-mind/home.html\">Brain and Mind Centre</a>, <a href=\"/content/corporate/nano/home.html\">the University of Sydney Nano Institute</a>, the <a href=\"/content/corporate/sydney-policy-lab/home.html\">Sydney Policy Lab</a>, the <a href=\"https://sei.sydney.edu.au/\">Sydney Environment Institute</a>, <a href=\"https://www.sydney.edu.au/net-zero-institute/home.html\">the Sydney Net Zero Institute</a> and the <a href=\"/content/corporate/sydney-southeast-asia-centre/home.html\">Sydney Southeast Asia Centre</a>.\r\nOur interdisciplinary approach means that students are part of a community of scholars that unites experts in fields as diverse as medicine, arts, social sciences, engineering, information technologies and science. \r\nAs a researcher at Sydney, you'll work alongside some of the world's brightest and most accomplished academics. You can access high-calibre facilities and unique international partnerships with top-ranked institutions, including Harvard University, Cornell University, the University of Toronto, the University of Edinburgh, Utrecht University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and the University of Hong Kong.\r\n"}}" id="text-679347cd95" class="cmp-text"> Our research is driven by the big picture. The University of Sydney is home to leading researchers who are finding solutions to the world's most pressing issues by changing the way they look at them. With more than 150 world‑renowned research centres, we are one of the world’s leading research-intensive universities. These centres include the Charles Perkins Centre, the Brain and Mind Centre, the University of Sydney Nano Institute, the Sydney Policy Lab, the Sydney Environment Institute, the Sydney Net Zero Institute and the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre. Our interdisciplinary approach means that students are part of a community of scholars that unites experts in fields as diverse as medicine, arts, social sciences, engineering, information technologies and science. As a researcher at Sydney, you'll work alongside some of the world's brightest and most accomplished academics. You can access high-calibre facilities and unique international partnerships with top-ranked institutions, including Harvard University, Cornell University, the University of Toronto, the University of Edinburgh, Utrecht University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and the University of Hong Kong. _self How to apply h2 for postgraduate research cmp-call-to-action--ochre _self Register your details h2 World-leading researchers and industry experts. Connect with us. cmp-call-to-action--grey Why choose Sydney? Undertake your research degree at one of the world's top universities.\r\n"}}" id="text-c6a4bc0816" class="cmp-text"> Undertake your research degree at one of the world's top universities. Title : 28th in the world Description : We consistently rank among the world's leading universities QS World University Rankings 2027 Link URL: https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us/our-world-rankings.html Icon: /content/dam/icons/approved-icons/medal.svg Title : 15th globally for sustainability Description : We lead to build a sustainable future for all QS World University Rankings 2026 Link URL: https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us/our-world-rankings.html Icon: /content/dam/icons/approved-icons/eco-building.svg Title : 150+ research centres Description : Tackling some of the world's biggest challenges, from health to climate change Link URL: https://www.sydney.edu.au/research/our-research/centres.html Icon: /content/dam/icons/approved-icons/lab-tube-bottle.svg Types of postgraduate research degrees ispopup: false How to apply ispopup: Master's degree by research A master's degree by research at Sydney:\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>is the second-highest qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework</li>\r\n<li>can be a gateway to study at a PhD level</li>\r\n<li>is usually one to two years full-time or two to four years part-time*</li>\r\n<li>is awarded based on a supervised thesis, which makes a substantial contribution to the knowledge of the subject concerned.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n*Part-time is not available to international student visa holders.\r\n"}}" id="text-d9fabfabd1" class="cmp-text"> A master's degree by research at Sydney: is the second-highest qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework can be a gateway to study at a PhD level is usually one to two years full-time or two to four years part-time* is awarded based on a supervised thesis, which makes a substantial contribution to the knowledge of the subject concerned. *Part-time is not available to international student visa holders. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) A PhD at Sydney:\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>is our premier research award and the highest qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework</li>\r\n<li>comprises of independent research and writing on an approved topic toward a thesis for examination</li>\r\n<li>may be undertaken in all faculties and divisions, or across disciplines</li>\r\n<li>is usually 3.5 years of full-time or seven years of part-time* study.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n*Part-time is not available to international student visa holders\r\n"}}" id="text-524594e1b2" class="cmp-text"> A PhD at Sydney: is our premier research award and the highest qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework comprises of independent research and writing on an approved topic toward a thesis for examination may be undertaken in all faculties and divisions, or across disciplines is usually 3.5 years of full-time or seven years of part-time* study. *Part-time is not available to international student visa holders Joint PhDs If you’re interested in a Joint PhD program, you need to follow the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) application steps 1-3. In addition, your proposed supervisor will need to complete a proposal to negotiate a student agreement form. If accepted, you will also be required to sign an individual student agreement. After your student agreement is finalised, you will then be sent an application form for the Joint PhD program.\r\nPlease refer to the University's <a href=\"https://www.sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2011/221&RendNum=0\">Dual and Joint Degree Policy</a> for full policy details.\r\nDownload our <a href=\"https://www.sydney.edu.au/content/dam/corporate/documents/study/study-options/joint-phd-programs-factsheet.pdf\">Joint PhD programs factsheet (pdf, 116KB)</a> to learn more.\r\n"}}" id="text-5aeff26c67" class="cmp-text"> If you’re interested in a Joint PhD program, you need to follow the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) application steps 1-3. In addition, your proposed supervisor will need to complete a proposal to negotiate a student agreement form. If accepted, you will also be required to sign an individual student agreement. After your student agreement is finalised, you will then be sent an application form for the Joint PhD program. Please refer to the University's Dual and Joint Degree Policy for full policy details. Download our Joint PhD programs factsheet (pdf, 116KB) to learn more. Find a supervisor or research project H2 Find a supervisor with relevant expertise by searching by discipline, keywords or name, or browse postgraduate research opportunities to identify projects that align with your experience and interests. Find the right scholarship for you H2 We have one of the largest research scholarship schemes in Australia. This is just one way we are ensuring our continued commitment to supporting our future research students. Working with industry Our graduates pursue diverse career paths in both academia and industry.\r\nThere are a variety of ways to gain industry experience during your PhD, including an industry scholarship, research collaboration with an external partner, internships or working part-time in a relevant sector.\r\n"}}" id="text-69eec01177" class="cmp-text"> Our graduates pursue diverse career paths in both academia and industry. There are a variety of ways to gain industry experience during your PhD, including an industry scholarship, research collaboration with an external partner, internships or working part-time in a relevant sector. Internships Students undertake a discrete research and development project over 3-6 months with an organisation of interest in a range of sectors. \r\nThe University supports students in finding opportunities and partners with Australian Postgraduate Research Intern, which provides <a href=\"/content/corporate/research/graduate-research/current-students/industry-opportunities.html\">internships</a> in a range of sectors and disciplines.\r\nThe University also provides a range of <a href=\"/content/corporate/research/graduate-research/current-students/development-opportunities.html\">development opportunities</a> to support you in building the skills you need as you plan your career.\r\n"}}" id="text-ec29ac3d2f" class="cmp-text"> Students undertake a discrete research and development project over 3-6 months with an organisation of interest in a range of sectors. The University supports students in finding opportunities and partners with Australian Postgraduate Research Intern, which provides internships in a range of sectors and disciplines. The University also provides a range of development opportunities to support you in building the skills you need as you plan your career. ispopup: false Explore HDR internship opportunities ispopup: 50 automatic Link How to finance my research degree H2 Discover the range of funding options for your tuition fees, living costs and research time. How to write a research proposal H2 Read our step-by-step guide to help you prepare a strong research proposal for your PhD application. Frequently asked questions Getting started Do I need prior research experience? Yes, all HDR courses require prior research experience. This is because HDR courses are largely self-driven, requiring pre-requisite research, time and project management skills.\r\n"}}" id="text-44f81103e3" class="cmp-text"> Yes, all HDR courses require prior research experience. This is because HDR courses are largely self-driven, requiring pre-requisite research, time and project management skills. If I have no prior research…