Masters by Research

A research degree is an advanced program of study allowing you to investigate a topic relevant to your field.

Under the supervision of world-class researchers, research degree students learn and apply advanced research methodologies to produce new knowledge and provide solutions to the world’s challenges.

Completing a research degree means becoming an expert in your field.

It’s your opportunity to take a topic that interests you, explore it in depth, tackle intellectual, creative and practical challenges, and communicate your findings.

You can study a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Professional Doctorate, Doctor of Philosophy (by Portfolio of Publications) and Masters by Research.

Research degrees offered at UniSA Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) .axcls-1{fill-rule:evenodd} MORE ABOUT WHAT IS A RESEARCH DEGREE

Entry requirements

A research degree is an advanced program of study allowing you to investigate a topic relevant to your field. Under the supervision of world-class researchers, research degree students learn and apply advanced research methodologies to produce new knowledge and provide solutions to the world’s challenges. Completing a research degree means becoming an expert in your field. It’s your opportunity to take a topic that interests you, explore it in depth, tackle intellectual, creative and practical challenges, and communicate your findings.

You can study a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Professional Doctorate, Doctor of Philosophy (by Portfolio of Publications) and Masters by Research.

Research degrees offered at UniSA

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

UniSA research is inspired by the challenges and opportunities of today. In the 2018 Australian Research Council Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) evaluation of Australian universities, all of our assessed research was rated at world class or above. We are vibrant, outward-facing and responsive. We partner with industry, government and communities to seek answers to questions that arise in the real world. Our research themes are:

• An age friendly world
• Transforming industries
• Scarce resources
• Cancer
• Healthy futures
• Transforming societies

Learn more about our research themes.

The transformed PhD

UniSA intends to deliver industry and end-user informed research that supports employer-relevant curriculum. To achieve this, and to produce entrepreneurial and business-aware graduates, we have developed the transformed PhD.

We have added a structured component to research degrees including enhanced skill development, supervisory panels and a technology-enabled oral defence of the thesis. Through these activities you will develop a set of professional, transferable skills relevant to our knowledge-based enterprise economy.

The aim of the transformed PhD is to increase your employment prospects in any career path. You will possess the knowledge, expertise and confidence to meet the emerging needs of academia, industry, government and the community.

Four good reasons to do a research degree

1. Challenge yourself. You will need to work hard, be dedicated and think analytically at a high level. You will tackle completely new research and different research methods, or extend research already undertaken.
2. Increase your career opportunities. A research degree provides evidence of independent thought and the ability to manage a research project in a given timeframe. Your research could allow you to develop a new specialisation, academic field or career. A research degree at UniSA will also allow you to develop a skillset which sets you apart, putting you at the centre of your professional development.
3. Make your ideas public. Your research findings may be published, presented at conferences, provide a commercial return and have a positive impact on society.
4. Contribute to society. Discover new methods, understandings and techniques, and solve a real-world problem.

Research students can complete exciting and innovative research topics that span areas such as:

• Chemistry
• Clinical laboratory medicine
• Community and Public Health Nutrition
• Drug Therapeutics
• Food Science and Health
• Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
• Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Neuroscience
• Obesity and Chronic Disease
• Physiological Sciences

Our research is also facilitated by research concentrations and groups, including: Cancer Research Institute: Learning cancer research with foresight, to benefit society. Centre for Cancer Biology: An alliance between SA Pathology and UniSA, carrying out vital cancer research. Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre: Consumer-driven, data-informed research, effective in improving use of medicines and improving patient lives.

To find a research area, you'll need to match your qualifications and interests to the research programs and degrees offered at the University of South Australia. Browse our research degrees. Once you’ve done that, you will need to find a supervisor. A supervisor is an academic staff member who will work with you throughout your research degree. In your online application we will ask you to provide the name of your proposed UniSA supervisor. Learn more and find a research supervisor.

A scholarship can allow you to focus on your research without needing to do paid work. Scholarships are offered for Australian and international students looking to undertake a research degree. There are also high achiever scholarships, vacation research scholarships and Vice Chancellor and President’s scholarships.

There are a variety of recommended pathways to gain entry into a Masters by Research.

The Masters by Research can be completed in 1-2 years full-time or 2-4 years part-time, depending on entry qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree (4 years) > Masters by Research (approx. 1 year full-time) > Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Undergraduate degree (3 years) > Masters by Research (approx. 2 years full-time) OR Master of Nursing/Master of Midwifery (minor thesis) > Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Undergraduate degree with Honours (research-based) > Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

If you would like career counselling related to undertaking Masters by Research, the Division of Health Sciences runs a Pathways Session in June of each year. Please contact the Health Research Team: HSC-HealthResearch@unisa.edu.au

Your career

A master’s qualification will advance your career possibilities, is a recognised pathway to PhD and will give you a competitive edge in the work place. You may choose to further your career in industry, academia, or in research with a research institution or university locally or internationally.

Before applying, you will need to do some investigation. Our seven-step guide will take you through the process of preparing your application to maximise your chances of success.

Research degree applications are made through our Apply Online facility, a secure step-by-step online service. Please check the research degrees calendar for all key dates.

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

We offer unparalleled learning facilities, and are committed to continually investing in and upgrading our laboratories, offices and technical capabilities to ensure researchers have access to the very best resources and equipment needed to carry out world-class research. Some of our specialised laboratories and facilities include the:

• UniSA Cancer Research Institute
• Clinical Trial Facility
• Adelaide Biofilm Test Facility (South Australia’s first test facility for antimicrobial agents, pharmaceutical preparations, dressings, materials and coatings)
• A variety of purpose-built laboratories.