RESEARCH DEGREES

Change the world with us

At UniSA we stop at nothing to make a difference.

By undertaking a research degree you will be partnered with organisations to work on project-based research degrees that explore real world challenges as you develop skills that will see you become an expert in your field.

  • You will gain real world experience through a research degree project partnered with industry and end-users.
  • The process is simple: apply for a research degree project with an established topic, supervisory panel, scholarship and fee waiver.
  • All Australian students receive a fee waiver, as do international students who apply for a project with an attached scholarship.

You will be supported by exceptional researchers and state of the art facilities, you can apply for one of our established research degree projects or develop your own project as you build your career relevance at a university where 100% of our research is rated at or above world class*.

Why study a research degree at UniSA?

By undertaking a project-based research degree at UniSA, you'll be partnered with organisations to work on project-based research degrees that explore real world challenges. You'll develop skills that will see you become an expert in your field.

UniSA Video

 

Find a research project

If you’re interested in studying a research degree at UniSA, browse some of our currently available research projects. New projects are added regularly, so if you don’t see a project that interests you, please complete the Expression of Interest form, and you'll be notified when new projects are listed.

Applicant type

Study level

Financial support

Fields of Research

Industry sectors

Industry Partnered Projects

Closed projects

Create your own

Hear from our researchers

Some of our unstoppable researchers and PhD candidates discuss undertaking a research degree at UniSA.

Social science research degrees

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Professor Siobhan Banks from the Behaviour-Brain-Body Research Centre shares why UniSA is the perfect place to study a research degree in social sciences.

Health research degrees

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Associate Professor Michael Samuel from the Centre for Cancer Biology discusses where a research degree in health at UniSA can take you.

Arts research degrees

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Professor Simon Biggs from the Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments (IVE) shares why you should study a research degree in arts, architecture or design at UniSA.

Business research degrees

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Professor Rachel Kennedy from the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science talks about the benefits of studying a business or marketing research degree at UniSA.

Hear from our PhD graduates

Health research degrees

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Former health PhD students share why you should study a research degree at UniSA.

STEM research degrees

UniSA Video

Dr Joe O'Leary discusses his PhD experience at UniSA.

My PhD with the Australian Track Cycling Team is focused on using the Critical Power model. This model describes the maximal work capacity of elite athletes through aerobic and anaerobic contributions to exercise. As part of my research I worked directly alongside the head coach of the Australian Team, providing sport science support in areas of physiology, biomechanics and performance analysis.

Jason Bartram

Doctor of Philosophy

Organisation: Head Coach of the Australian Women's Track Cycling Endurance Team

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Jason Bartram

Doctor of Philosophy
Head Coach of the Australian Women's Track Cycling Endurance Team

My PhD is investigating the ways in which the culture and practices can foster students’ sense of belonging as a foundation for their engagement in learning. This experience has exposed me to more learning experiences than I ever anticipated and I am very grateful for that.

Megan Curry

Doctor of Philosophy

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Megan Curry

Doctor of Philosophy

Probably my favourite experience during my PhD program, was travelling to London and doing a six month internship with business and news broadcaster, CNBC. I was also given other opportunities to travel, to present at conferences and deliver seminars to the Institute's corporate sponsors. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have grown and expanded my professional skill set whilst...

Dr Cathy Nguyen

PhD graduate

Organisation: Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science

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Dr Cathy Nguyen

PhD graduate
Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science

Latest news about our PhD candidates

Research excellence at UniSA

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No.1 IN AUSTRALIA FOR RESEARCH IMPACT AND ENGAGEMENT

2018 ARC Engagement and Impact Assessment (EI), Combined Impact – Approach to Impact and Engagement on Assessed
Fields.

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100% OF OUR ASSESSED RESEARCH RATED AT OR ABOVE WORLD-CLASS

2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research.

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#1 YOUNG UNIVERSITY IN AUSTRALIA FOR INDUSTRY INCOME

2023 THE World University Rankings

How to apply

Follow our step-by-step guide as you prepare your application to maximise your chance of success.

➜  Apply now

Contact us

For any queries about undertaking a research degree at the University of South Australia please contact the Research Degree Admissions team. We can provide you with further information about your area of research interest.

Research Degree Admissions
p: +61 8 8302 5880
e: research.degrees@unisa.edu.au

Location
Level 2, 101 Currie Street
Adelaide SA 5000
Australia

Postal address
GPO Box 2471
Adelaide SA 5001
Australia

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