Higher Degrees by Research
Open up an exciting world of possibilities with a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) at UWA.
Drive your career so much further with the immersive and practical experience that a UWA Higher Degree by Research offers. From tackling real-world problems to building strong, collaborative networks worldwide, you’ll pursue research in your area of interest. You'll establish yourself as a professional with higher, in-demand knowledge and abilities.
Find out more
How to apply
Why choose a research-intensive university?
UWA commands 80 per cent of university research funding in WA and is proud to attract the highest calibre, world-class academics and researchers, ready to supervise you through your higher degree course.
You’re on the most exciting journey of discovery when you study research here.
World Top 100 University (QS 2025)*
(QS 2025)*
Member of the prestigious Group of Eight network of Australia's leading research intensive universities
World top 50 for 17 subject areas (QS 2024 and ARWU 2023)
(QS 2024 and ARWU 2023)
UWA ranked second nationally in the 2023 Postgraduate Research Experience Questionnaire
(PREQ)
Graduate Research School
Our Graduate Research School (GRS) provides assistance to help you meet the challenges of higher-level independent thinking and planning that Higher Degree by Research study demands. We offer enrolment and induction support, professional development opportunities, help with internships and more.
Benefits of a research degree
Many high-achieving students undertake a research degree as they have the drive to progress in their chosen area. Whatever your focus, the benefits of a research degree are significant.
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Make key contributions
Explore an area of interest for several years, and make an important contribution to the development of knowledge in that field. -
Challenges & rewards
Many students find enjoyment in the continued academic challenge of higher-level study, and discover independent research as a reward in itself. -
High employability
Graduates from HDR courses are highly employable across many industries, and benefit from outstanding career development. -
Career progression
For a career in academia, a graduate research qualification is necessary. In some fields, progression depends on a Master's degree or PhD. -
Transferable skills
The valuable generic skills developed for success in a Higher Degree by Research are the very same skills employers worldwide prize and demand. -
Project & personal management
A research degree lets employers know you can think critically and independently, solve problems and have effective project management and communication skills. -
Internships to expand networks
All students are assisted by the GRS to design and complete a higher research internship with industry partners or enrol in pre-existing programs.
HDR Course Options
A postgraduate research course provides you with a unique opportunity to explore your passion or follow your interest in an area of research, learning alongside internationally recognised researchers. Browse our research degrees below to find what suits you best.
Doctor of Philosophy
A program of independent, supervised research assessed on the basis of a thesis that demonstrates mastery of a subject, and advances the field of knowledge. It can be taken in any UWA discipline area.
Find out moreProfessional Doctorates
These programs combine a suite of coursework with a research thesis and are often designed to meet specific senior professional needs. They are generally agreed upon by a student, supervisor, head of school and the Board of the Graduate Research School.
Find out moreMaster of Philosophy (MPhil)
A program of independent, supervised research which requires you to show an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in your field of study. This is a highly flexible course that mirrors the structure and breadth of the Doctor of Philosophy.
Find out moreMaster of Research
An independent, supervised degree for which a research thesis in any discipline represents 100 per cent of the assessed requirements. This allows you to delve deeply into your chosen subject, and may lead to a PhD scholarship.
Find out moreThesis-based or project-based research
There are several types of research degrees available at UWA. You can choose a degree that is research only or combine research with some structured coursework.
Thesis-based
If you already have an idea of your own research, identify a supervisor and submit your application for a specific course outlining your research proposal.
Find a supervisor
Supervisors advise and guide you on choosing a topic, designing a project and writing the dissertation. Their area of expertise should align with your research.
Learn more about supervisors
Project-based
You may find your skills, experience and interest align with an existing research project defined by an academic research team.
Find a project
UWA offers excellent opportunities to pursue a Higher Degree by Research course. You may wish to find an already existing research project to study that supports your area of interest. Search the currently available opportunities.
Candidate Stories
We’re proud of all our students and graduates who are contributing new ideas and fresh thinking to help solve the world’s greatest challenges.
Read about their journeys through a UWA research degree, and why they are thriving on this rewarding path.
This journey is a marathon and not a sprint so resilience and grit is very important. Along the way, not only do you learn more about the research topic, it provides an avenue for you to evaluate, reflect and grow as a person"Terence Chia
PhD candidate at the UWA Business School
Important HDR Considerations
UWA offers support and ensures equity and access for all prospective HDR students in our community.
Scholarships and fees
UWA offers a range of stipend scholarships with the minimum value of $35,000 per annum. Domestic students may not be required to pay tuition fees if they’re eligible for the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
How to apply
You’ll need to identify the higher degree you wish to pursue, and determine the eligibility requirements, as well as deciding the research project structure that suits you. Follow the steps to determine this.
Learn moreWorld-Class Facilities
UWA operates more than 75 research and training centres and receives roughly 80 per cent of all research funding to WA universities annually. Take a closer look at our facilities that support graduates and contribute significantly to our State’s economy.
Research facilities