Doctor of Philosophy
Degree Level Research
Year 2018
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- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
LPHD
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
Program level
Doctorate by research
Fees
Fees for research students that have exceeded their RTP entitlement are calculated at the course level.
Refer to the Research Training Program
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Entry requirements
You must check the entry requirements for the type of research degree you wish to apply for and make sure you are eligible.
Please note- If you are an international applicant you also need to check that you meet the English language requirements.
- Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not automatically guarantee entry into a research degree.
Deferment
This degree is not available for deferment.
Key features
- Contribute to the progress of science and technology in an area that interests you.
- Flourish in a technology hub of theoretical, applied and cross-disciplinary research.
- Work alongside world-class supervisors on industry-based projects.
- Become part of a research team with active connections to national and international institutions, and industries.
- Number 1 in South Australia in engineering research.1
- Home to the multi-million dollar Future Industries Institute – transforming the industries of today and seeding the industries of tomorrow.
1 2015 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
Why do a research degree?
UniSA research is inspired by the challenges and opportunities of today. In the 2015 Australian Research Council Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) evaluation of Australian universities, 97 per cent of our research was rated at world class or above. We are vibrant, outward-facing and responsive. We partner with industry, government and communities to seek answers to questions that arise in the real world. Our research themes are:
- An age friendly world
- Transforming industries
- Scarce resources
- Cancer
- Healthy futures
- Transforming societies
Learn more about our research themes.
The transformed PhD
UniSA intends to deliver industry and end-user informed research that supports employer-relevant curriculum. To achieve this, and to produce entrepreneurial and business-aware graduates, we have developed the transformed PhD.
We have added a structured component to research degrees including enhanced skill development, supervisory panels and a technology-enabled oral defence of the thesis. Through these activities you will develop a set of professional, transferable skills relevant to our knowledge-based enterprise economy.
The aim of the transformed PhD is to increase your employment prospects in any career path. You will possess the knowledge, expertise and confidence to meet the emerging needs of academia, industry, government and the community.
Four good reasons to do a research degree
- Challenge yourself. You will need to work hard, be dedicated and think analytically at a high level. You will tackle completely new research and different research methods, or extend research already undertaken.
- Increase your career opportunities. A research degree provides evidence of independent thought and the ability to manage a research project in a given timeframe. Your research could allow you to develop a new specialisation, academic field or career. A research degree at UniSA will also allow you to develop a skillset which sets you apart, putting you at the centre of your professional development.
- Make your ideas public. Your research findings may be published, presented at conferences, provide a commercial return and have a positive impact on society.
- Contribute to society. Discover new methods, understandings and techniques, and solve a real-world problem.
What can I research?
When you study a research degree with our Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment, you are immersed in a flourishing technology hub of theoretical, applied and cross-disciplinary research. Our innovative degrees will provide you with advanced academic and professional research skills. The majority of research degrees are offered at Mawson Lakes campus, however some aspects may be offered at City East campus.
For more information about a research degree with us, please contact research.itee@unisa.edu.au.
School of Engineering
We welcome applications – and have supervisory teams available – in mechanical engineering, robotics, mechatronics, agricultural engineering, sustainable energy, nano-technology, nano composite, advanced manufacturing technology, supply chain management, manufacturing management, signal processing, wireless sensor networks, telecommunication networks, applied physics, biological motion processing, autonomous systems, systems engineering, engineering management, socio-technical systems, complex systems, autonomous systems, unmanned systems, and robotic systems.
Research Education Portfolio Leaders: Professor Anthony Finn and Dr Jun Ma.
School of Information Technology and Mathematical Sciences
We welcome applications – and have supervisory teams available – in computer science, information technology, forensic computing, information management, applied mathematics, mathematical modelling, optimisation and operations research, statistics, biometrics, bioinformatics, biological image analysis, computational biology, mathematical biology.
Another option is through the ATN Industry Doctoral Training Centre where students work on a project in partnership with industry and undertake technical and professional training modules in areas including leadership, communication and project management.
Research Education Portfolio Leaders: Dr Jiuyong Li and A/Prof Regina Burachik.
School of Natural and Built Environments
We welcome applications – and have supervisory teams available – in biodiversity, environmental science, ecology, conservation, environmental, geotechnical, structural and other civil engineering specialisations, project management, geomatics, geospatial Information science; including remote sensing, land surveying, biodiversity, soil science, and plant physiology.
Research Education Portfolio Leaders: Dr Nicholas Chileshe , Dr Guna Hewa Alankarage and Dr Xing Ma.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarship search page for more.
Research Training Program domestic (RTPd) and UniSA Postgraduate Awards
These scholarships are based in areas of research strength across the University and include a stipend and fee offset.
Research Themes PhD Scholarships
These scholarships address local, national and international grand challenges, and encourage collaboration with industry and community partners.
Why Doctor of Philosophy
UniSA is ranked in the top two per cent of universities worldwide1.
Our Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment has a proud history of furthering education and research in the fields of science and technology to promote innovation locally, nationally and internationally.
Our environment is diverse and multicultural, with over 300 academic researchers and over 320 PhD students, located at our Mawson Lakes and City East campuses. Our schools, research institutes and research centres work collaboratively in cross-disciplinary teams to produce outstanding learning outcomes and research results.
We offer a research environment with highly experienced and engaged supervisors, extensive connections to industry, government and communities, and a focus on addressing globally significant issues. We encourage you to connect with our researchers and find out the possibilities.
We are the only university in South Australia to have all of its assessed engineering research rated well above world-standard2 and our commitment to research with an industry focus is unprecedented. Read more about our strengths in research and discover some of our achievements.
1 Times Higher Education (THE) and QS World University Rankings 2017
2 2015 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.
Mawson Lakes
Nestled in amongst engineering and tech companies in Technology Park, Mawson Lakes has state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities. On-campus there are large open green spaces, cafés, wetlands, interactive learning spaces, the largest strong-floor in Australia, a planetarium and a gym. It is 20 minutes from the city centre, easily accessible by bus, train and car. Explore Mawson Lakes >
What others are saying
Through my PhD I have worked closely with UniSA’s Future Industries Institute, nanoparticle specialist Boutiq Science and Powerhouse Ventures to develop an improved cancer detection system that relies on magnetic rather than radioactive tracers. This new magnetic tracer together with an ultrasensitive magnetometer probe, delivers a more accurate and affordable system for the staging of deep or complex cancers.
Aidan Cousins
Doctor of Philosophy
I would recommend undertaking a PhD with UniSA for many reasons. UniSA has great research staff to supervise PhD students and the environment (especially Mawson Lakes campus) is a perfect place for research. I found the labs to be well equipped and I have been provided with necessary equipment for my experiments.
Abdullah Azfar
Doctor of Philosophy
In my area of expertise, I get to work with an anechoic chamber to perform cognitive assessments, which is amazing technology. It’s typically used in military grade testing, so to have access is phenomenal.
Natalie Francies
Doctor of Philosophy
Before applying, you will need to do some investigation. Our six-step guide will take you through the process of preparing your application to maximise your chances of success.
Research degree applications are made through our Apply Online facility, a secure step-by-step online service. Please check the research degrees calendar for all key dates.
A PhD will give you a competitive edge in the work place. You may choose to pursue a career in academia, or in research with a research institution or university. Alternatively, you may choose to work in your chosen specialisation. A research degree graduate of the University of South Australia:
- understands current research based knowledge in their field and its methodologies for creating new knowledge. They can create, critique, and appraise new and significant knowledge.
- is prepared for lifelong learning in pursuit of ongoing personal development and excellence in research within and beyond a discipline or professional area
- is an effective problem solver, capable of applying logical, critical and creative thinking to a range of research problems
- can work both autonomously and collaboratively as a researcher within a particular discipline or professional area and within wider but related areas
- is committed to ethical action and social responsibility as a researcher in a discipline or professional area and as a leading citizen
- communicates effectively as a researcher in a discipline or professional area and as a leading member of the community
- demonstrates international perspectives in research in a discipline or professional area and as a leading citizen
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How do I apply?
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/Research/Research-degrees/
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What scholarships am I eligible for as a research degree student?
You are eligible for a range of scholarships and grants as a current research student. For example, the prestigious Vice Chancellor and President’s Scholarship, Maurice de Rohan International Travel Scholarships or one of UniSA’s International Travel Grants.
See Scholarships and Prizes for more information.