Courses

Master's degree by research courses

Applicants are required to demonstrate that they have met the requirements of the University Policy on: Adequate Research Preparation and any other requirements for admission of the University, and (a) have a bachelor's degree of this University or equivalent qualification OR (b) have previously undertaken work, of a sufficiently high standard, towards a higher degree by research in this or another approved institution but not have submitted it for any degree AND have completed an appropriate MPhil research proposal.

Prior to enrolment, all applicants are required to demonstrate that they have met the Postgraduate Research Language Requirements

MPhil and MRes courses

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Approval for admission to an MPhil requires an applicant to demonstrate that they have sufficient background and experience in independent supervised research to successfully complete the course, and the University to ensure that appropriate supervision and resourcing are available.

Master of Philosophy
Master of Advanced Social Work
Master of Architecture (Design)
Master of Arts (Creative Writing)
Master of Curatorial Studies in Fine Arts
Master of Fine Arts
Master of Forensic Science
Master of Music

Master of Research (MRes)

The Master of Research (MRes, 00720) is designed as a two-year course of study to broaden options for Honours students who wish to expand their research output, but who have been unsure about transitioning straight from Honours to PhD. The first year of the course comprises the Honours year, and students who are admitted to the MRes proceed directly from the Honours year into the second year of the MRes. Students do not take out the award of Honours but graduate with a Master’s degree on completion of the MRes.

To be admitted to the MRes, a student must have:

• completed the requirements of an end-on Honours degree at this University or another Australian tertiary institution recognised by the Board of the Graduate Research School with a weighted average mark of at least 70%, but not had the degree conferred. The Master of Research is not directly available for students undertaking the Bachelor of Philosophy (Hons) at UWA. Students in the Bachelor of Philosophy (Hons) interested in the MRes should consult the BPhil Coordinator.
• demonstrated the ability to undertake research through the production of an Honours thesis that is assessed as being at Honours 1 or 2A standard.
• submitted and had approved by the Board of the Graduate Research School a Research Proposal comprising the abstract and literature review from the Honours thesis for UWA students, or the whole draft Honours thesis (and copies of any ethics approval notifications, if relevant) for students from other universities, plus a description of the proposed supervision arrangements, resourcing and additional research to be carried out during the Master’s year.

PhD, higher and professional doctorates

Approval for admission to a PhD requires an applicant to demonstrate that they have sufficient background and experience in independent supervised research to successfully complete the course, and the University to ensure that appropriate supervision and resourcing are available.

Applicants are required to demonstrate that they have met the requirements of the University Policy on: Adequate Research Preparation and any other requirements for admission of the University, and (a) have a bachelor's degree of this University or equivalent qualification; or (b) have previously undertaken work, of a sufficiently high standard, towards a higher degree by research in this or another approved institution but not have submitted it for any degree AND have completed an appropriate PhD research proposal.  

A student who wishes to undertake a PhD in the field of creative writing must, in addition, submit a substantial folio of published creative work, normally in the form of one or more books.

Prior to enrolment, all applicants are required to demonstrate that they have met the Postgraduate Research Language Requirements

PhD courses

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Clinical Audiology
Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Clinical Neuropsychology
Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Clinical Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Forensic Science
Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Industrial and Organisational Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Infectious Diseases

How to apply

1. Determine whether you meet the entry criteria

If you do not meet the criteria for direct entry to your course of choice, or you are uncertain, please contact the Higher Degree by Research (HDR) support team in the most appropriate Faculty to seek advice – UWA has multiple pathways to Higher Degrees by Research.

Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Education

Faculty of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Faculty of Science

2. Search for potential supervisors in your field of interest

The UWA Profiles and Research Repository is where you can discover UWA staff, find information about their research, teaching, grants, and activities, and access their research outputs. Search here to find potential supervisors in your field of interest.

3. Contact your HDR support team

Now you have identified a potential supervisor in your area of interest, please contact the most appropriate Faculty via the email addresses below to confirm their availability to supervise your project

Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Education

Faculty of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Faculty of Science

4. Lodge your application

Lodge an application for all courses except the MRes

Submit an application to the respective HDR support team in the Faculty. This should include:

• A completed Higher Degree by Research application form
• All certified documents as listed on the application form
• A summary (2-3 pages) of your proposed research project, which may include some or all of the following information: (i) background to the topic; (ii) aims of the research; (iii) significance of the research; (iv) the methodology you will use, and (v) a brief reference list
  
• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements for the course 
   

Lodge an application for the MRes

Submit an application to the relevant HDR support team in the Faculty. This should include:

• A completed Master of Research application form
• A Research Proposal comprising the abstract and literature review from the Honours thesis for UWA students, or the whole draft Honours thesis (and copies of any ethics approval notifications, if relevant) for students from other universities, plus a description of the proposed supervision arrangements, resourcing and additional research to be carried out during the Master’s year.

The timeline for MRes applications for UWA students is very strict due to the cut-off dates for graduation:

• Students will need to apply for graduation by 25 September, confirming their attendance by 26 October regardless of the MRes application outcome.
• The deadline for MRes applications is 1 November (no late applications accepted).
• If successful in gaining entry into MRes (by 28 November), students lose their place in the December graduation. The GRS will advise the Graduation Office of the change in intention to graduate.
• If unsuccessful in gaining entry into MRes (by 28 November), students remain in the December graduation ceremony. No additional action needs to be taken by the student.

5. Obtain your School's recommendation

Your application will be sent to the designated School for consideration. The Graduate Research Coordinator is asked to evaluate each applicant’s research preparation, funding and resources for the project, and the availability of appropriate supervision. The School will then make a recommendation to the Board of the Graduate Research School as to whether UWA can provide a place in the course.

6. Enrol

Successful applicants receive a detailed offer letter and acceptance package which sets out the terms of enrolment and requirements for the degree. This letter provides authority to enrol and should be taken to the Graduate Research School in Hackett Hall on the day the successful applicant wishes to commence the course.