Research Programs and Entry Requirements

The completion of a higher degree by research (HDR) at the University of Adelaide will provide you with the skills and experience to undertake a range of rewarding career opportunities.

Employers recognise that the research ability and broad range of transferable skills which Adelaide graduates possess equip them well for challenging and diverse roles in industry, government and business, as well as in research and academic organisations.

Choosing the right degree for you is an important decision and one that will be influenced by your career plans, personal circumstances and prior qualifications. We recommend that you discuss the options with the relevant School. Of course, plans and circumstances can change over time and the University of Adelaide provides you with the flexibility to adapt your study pattern accordingly; this may involve converting to half-time or external candidature, taking a short leave of absence from study or perhaps transferring to a more appropriate program.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Jointly-Awarded PhD Programs)
• The Professional Doctorate
• Master of Philosophy (domestic students only)
• Masters by Research (for international students only)
• Higher Doctorates

The admission requirements for each of these degrees are set out in the relevant set of academic program rules, as published in the University's Academic Program Rules.

We recommend all students read the questions you should ask before starting a Research Program.

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Honours

Honours is a 1 year program consisting of a research project and associated theoretical work. Four-year Bachelor programs may include an Honours component in the fourth year of study. An Honours year provides professional training in a chosen area of specialisation and important experience in research. The Honours year enables students to learn new research techniques and broaden their skill base.

The Honours experience leads to increased job opportunities and is the foundation year for direct entry into postgraduate research degrees in Australia, e.g. the PhD.

In some circumstances, the REDC may decide that other educational and research backgrounds are equivalent to Honours for the purposes of admission. If you are seeking entry based on alternative qualifications, the key consideration will be that you have significant research experience, leading to the production of a significant written report such as a thesis or publications

Prospective Honours students should contact the appropriate Honours coordinator listed for each School. These co-ordinators will assist you in making contact with specific researchers who are working in an area of interest to you.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the basic qualification for a research career or academic position and is available in every Faculty. The PhD involves two to four years of research for a full-time candidate or the equivalent in half-time candidature. In the course of completing the degree under appropriate supervision, candidates develop the capacity to conduct research independently at a high level of originality and quality and make a significant original contribution to knowledge in their chosen discipline.

The candidate completes an approved program of study and research under supervision and presents a thesis embodying the results of original investigation. A PhD thesis usually comprises a conventional written narrative presented as typescript of around 80,000 words. However the University does accept other forms of presentation and students should consult the research student handbook and the academic program rules for details.

Irrespective of the form of thesis presented, examiners will be looking for a candidate to:

• produce a clearly, accurately and cogently written thesis that is suitably illustrated and documented;
• demonstrate a deep knowledge of the research topic;
• relate the research topic to the broader frame-work of the discipline within which it falls;
• demonstrate an independence of thought and approach; and
• make a significant and original contribution to knowledge by the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories, or the innovative reinterpretation of known data and established ideas.

More information.

Jointly-Awarded PhD Programs (including the Cotutelle)

Under the provisions of an approved jointly-awarded PhD agreement, a PhD student at the University of Adelaide may divide his/her candidature between the University of Adelaide and an approved international institution leading to the award of a single doctoral degree that is recognised in both countries; conditions apply.

The benefits of enrolling in a Jointly-Awarded PhD Program include the opportunity to:

• Enhance two way international research collaboration
• Work in two countries and have access to the latest research equipment
• Access new funding sources

To be admitted as a candidate under a jointly-awarded PhD agreement, a suitably resourced project and adequate supervision at both institutions must be available. Additionally, applicants are required to satisfy the normal admission requirements, including all language proficiency requirements, at both the University of Adelaide and the Partner institution.

Where a Jointly-Awarded agreement is made between the University of Adelaide and a French university, it is known as a Cotutelle Agreement. International students wishing to apply for a Jointly-Awarded PhD with the University of Adelaide as their Partner institution must demonstrate, prior to application, that:

1. They are already enrolled in a PhD in an approved University
2. Arrangements exist for an approximately equal sharing of candidature between institutions.

Further information:

• About establishing a Jointly-Awarded degree
• Rules for Jointly-Awarded degrees at the University of Adelaide

Enquiries concerning participation in Cotutelle or other Jointly-Awarded doctorates should be directed to the Dean of Graduate Studies.

The Professional Doctorate

The University offers three professional doctorates in the disciplines of Clinical Dentistry, Education and Nursing. Professional doctorates combine research, project activity and advanced coursework in a single program of study and are specifically aimed at practitioners in the field.

To qualify for a professional doctorate, a candidate is required to pass each component of the program individually and to complete any coursework or project requirements before submitting his/her thesis for examination.

Master of Philosophy (domestic students only)

The Master of Philosophy is offered in every faculty. It may be presented in two formats: one with a 33% coursework component; and one which is 100% research, although not every faculty offers the two formats to domestic students.

Programs are conducted over 2 years of fulltime study (or the equivalent half-time) and students are supervised in research methodology and techniques, as well as being engaged in the critical evaluation of literature and results in the substantive area of the thesis at an advanced level. The thesis will normally comprise a conventional written narrative presented as typescript however, where acceptable to the faculty other formats may be permitted and student should consult the research student handbook and the academic program rules for details. The thesis is examined by at least two examiners, one of whom is external to the university. Examiners of a Masters degree will be seeking evidence that the candidate has:

• a thorough understanding of the relevant methodologies in the field as demonstrated by a thorough critical review of the literature;
• demonstrated competence in the chosen field through judicious selection and application of appropriate methodology to yield meaningful results;
• demonstrated the capacity to evaluate critically these results and present a clear and well-written thesis; and
• provided a contribution to knowledge of a quantum and quality consistent with one to two years of full-time study and supervised research training after an Honours degree or equivalent.

Whilst the Master of Philosophy may include an advanced coursework component, the focus is on research.

More information.

Masters by Research (for international students only)

The University is currently transitioning towards a new structure for masters degrees available to international students.  This is likely to take effect in 2013 and as a consequence in 2012 Masters degrees by Research (excluding Master of Philosophy) will be offered under the 2009 Academic Program rules.

Higher Doctorates

The University of Adelaide offers the following higher doctorates: the Doctor of Dental Science; the Doctor of Engineering; the Doctor of Science in the Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences; the Doctor of Letters; the Doctor of Laws; the Doctor of Health Sciences; the Doctor of Music; and the Doctor of Science in the Faculty of Sciences. Higher doctorates are typically awarded on the basis of a collection of works that have been published or accepted for publication.

Candidates for a higher doctorate are required to have a substantial association with the University of Adelaide and at the time of application, to have made an original contribution of distinguished merit to their disciplines over the course of their careers. Typically, candidates are mid-career professionals who have held a doctorate such as a PhD for a minimum of five years prior to their application.

Any enquiries about higher doctorates should be directed to the Graduate Centre or the relevant Head of School.