Courses

Master level 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 have not submitted it for any degree AND have completed an appropriate level research proposal.

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

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Approval for admission to a MPhil requires an applicant to demonstrate that they have sufficient background and experience in independent supervised research to successfully complete the course, and that the University has the appropriate supervision and resourcing available. The Master of Philosophy is a 100% research degree is limited to 2 years full-time enrolment.

Master of Philosophy

Other master level research degrees with a specialisation or a creative component are available.

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 Anthropology
Master of Music

Doctoral level 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 have not submitted it for any degree AND have completed an appropriate level 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 Requirement.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

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.

Doctor of Philosophy

Combined courses

Applicants to these courses must be accepted into the Master level course before approval to the combined PhD course.

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

Other doctorates

Doctor of Architecture (Design)
Doctor of Education
Doctor of Juridical Science
Doctor of Musical Arts

Joint PhD program with Nagoya University

Future students enrolling in Agricultural Sciences may be interested in participating in a joint PhD program with Nagoya University.

The International Collaborative Program in Agricultural Sciences between Nagoya University and UWA was established in 2018.

 

 

How to apply

1. Determine whether you meet the entry criteria

UWA is internationally recognised and ranked in the top 100 universities world-wide, and as such, we aim to attract the highest calibre research students to engage in research that is relevant and world-leading.

Applicants must meet UWA's admissions requirements:

• Adequate research preparation:
  - demonstrated by the completion of an individual authored research thesis with a credit weight of at least 25% in the final year of a qualifying degree and awarded at or above the UWA equivalent of distinction level (70%);
  - a qualifying degree would be a Honours year or Masters comparable course;
  - scholarly peer reviewed publications OR published research reports OR a portfolio of critiqued creative work may also be considered as meeting this requirement for various research fields.

• English language competency:
  - the level of English required for HDR courses is higher than undergraduate & postgraduate coursework degrees;
  - you can check the required qualification and level required here, including specific requirements for some schools here.

• Research:
  - you will be asked to submit a summary of your proposed research that may be discussed with your academic supervisor.
  

2. Search for potential academic supervisors in your field of interest

The role of a supervisor is to guide you to develop your own research.

You will need to identify potential academic supervisors and be informed about their research. There needs to be a good alignment between their area of expertise and your research project.

Search the UWA Research Repository to identify potential supervisors in your field of interest.

Use the UWA People Finder to locate the contact details of your identified potential academic supervisor.

To seek supervision, please contact potential supervisors directly with your CV, a brief outline of research and academic transcripts.

For a variety of reasons (eg insufficient research/grades, lack of capacity), not all prospective students will be successful in finding a willing supervisor.

3. Lodge your application

There are two separate pathways to lodging an application, depending upon your circumstances.

• If you have identified an academic supervisor and identified your financial support, you may submit an admissions pre-assessment application via the online HDR Application Portal. 
  

  This covers the following application categories:
     a) self-funded, or
     b) sponsored, or
     c) applying for a project specific scholarship, or
     d) applying for a UWA-China CSC scholarship, or
     e) domestic and seeking the offer of a place only.

• If you are seeking a full scholarship that includes both tuition fee and living allowance stipend scholarships, you may submit an application directly into the online scholarship portal iAthena as per the appropriate round dates:

    a) International Scholarship Round opens 1 July 2023 and closes 31 August 2023
    b) Domestic Scholarship Round opens 1 September 2023 and closes 31 October 2023

  Visit Research Scholarships for further information including advice for applicants.

There is no cost involved in lodging an application. 

4. Approval

After assessment, your application will be sent to the designated teaching School for consideration. The Graduate Research Coordinator in the School, will evaluate your research preparation, and the required funding and resources for the project, and the availability of appropriate supervision. The School will make a recommendation to the Graduate Research School as to whether UWA can provide a place in the course.

The Dean of the Graduate Research School will consider the recommendation for admission.

5. Offer and enrolment

Successful applicants will receive an offer letter that sets out the terms of admission and enrolment in your degree.

Enrolment can take place any time during the year, with the exception of December and January.

Need help?

Search askUWA FAQs or contact the Graduate Research School via askUWA.