Doctor of Philosophy
Degree Level Research
Year 2025
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You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Campus
City West
Duration
4 year(s) full-time
Program Code
DPBU
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.
Degree overview
- Gain a competitive edge in industry by completing a PhD in business, with access to a broad range of research topics and projects across commerce, management, marketing and more.
- Join a community of scholars recognised for world-class research in marketing, tourism, business management, accounting and applied economics1.
- Develop the skills to independently design and execute original research, and create new knowledge with impact.
- Learn from experienced and highly qualified research supervisors, and renowned academics - experts who will support, mentor and guide you through your studies.
- Undertake exciting and innovative research across a range of business disciplines, with a focus on finding practical solutions and solving real-world problems.
- Have the chance to partner with industry, government, communities and education providers to influence decision-making and challenge current thinking.
- Benefit from strong links with global research institutions across Asia, North America, Europe and the UK.
- Have the chance to be mentored by a senior business leader through the Executive Partners Program.
- Study at a university recognised globally in Business. UniSA Business is ranked in the top one per cent worldwide and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence2.
- Study at the #1 Business School in SA, and Top 5 business school in Australia for quality3.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2UniSA Business is one of just 13 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2024. 2023 QS Stars Business School Ratings. 3Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Business Schools List 2023.
Why do a research degree?
UniSA research is inspired by the challenges and opportunities of today. In the 2018 Australian Research Council Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) evaluation of Australian universities, all of our assessed 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.
Learn more about our research.
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?
A PhD in business at UniSA can be studied in the disciplines, Institutes and research strengths listed below.
We have expert supervisory teams available and our research team welcomes applications – please contact BIS_Research@unisa.edu.au to find out more.
Commerce
Accounting, applied economics, finance, choice, behavioural finance, capital markets, economic history, environmental accounting, international business, and property investment and valuation.
Management
Ethics and corporate social responsibility, festival and event management, human resource management practices, organisational behaviour, leadership and change management, sport, recreation and leisure management, service quality, teams, team processes and communication, tourism and Asia, tourist behaviour and experiences, work-life balance and well-being, workplace diversity, and workplace performance.
Marketing/Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science
Advertising and media, brand performance, consumer behaviour, customer loyalty, international marketing, packaging, pricing, and wine marketing.
Research groups
Our research is also facilitated by a range of research groups, including:
- Centre for Workplace Excellence: giving organisations the knowledge to empower them to achieve excellence in organisational productivity and employee wellbeing.
- Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science: the world’s largest centre for research into marketing with a team of more than 50 marketing scientists.
- Centre for Enterprise Dynamics in Global Economies: conducting research to inform and develop improved practices in dynamic contexts among enterprising individuals, organisations, industries and policy-makers.
- Centre for Markets, Values and Inclusion: addressing the global challenge of sustainable, socially responsible and efficient resource management and development.
Find a research topic
Our wide range of research topics and projects have been developed by teams of academics who will jointly supervise you. Each topic and project is a broad area of investigation, designed to help you create an original research question. Browse our list of research topics and projects or create your own project. Contact the relevant Principal Supervisor/s for further information before you make your application.
Why Doctor of Philosophy
UniSA Business is ranked in the top 1% worldwide1, and is recognised and respected for a comprehensive research program inspired by the contemporary challenges facing Australia and its region. Our focus is always on finding practical solutions and creating new knowledge.
Our commitment to research with an industry focus is unprecedented. We are renowned for our concentration of global thought-leaders and academic experts in the areas of marketing, human resource management, applied economics, tourism and international business.
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.
In the latest (2018) Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rankings, all of our assessed research was rated at or above world-class with particular strengths in business, management and marketing. Read more about our strengths in research.
Why should I study a PhD in business?
- You are passionate about problem solving, understanding how things can be done better or helping businesses thrive.
- The business sector has high demand for research graduates with expertise in areas such as management, consulting, business development, academia and entrepreneurship.
- You will be well placed to pursue a career in diverse multi-national companies, NGOs, universities, government departments, statutory bodies, national regulators, businesses, not-for-profit associations and more.
- Our training system, UniSAEDGE, will support you to achieve your career goals by providing research and professional skills development informed by employers, industry and supervisors.
1UniSA Business is one of just 13 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS
accredited. EFMD, March 2024.
This could be you
As a research student at UniSA, you will create new knowledge and become an expert in your field by exploring a research question that interests you.
Your career
A PhD in business will give you a competitive edge in the workplace. You may choose to pursue a career in industry, academia, or in research with a research institution or university.
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.
Before applying, you will need to do some investigation. Our step-by-step guide will take you through the process of preparing your application to maximise your chances of success.
Please check the research degrees calendar for all key dates.
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.
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.
What others are saying
Probably my favourite experience during my PhD program, was travelling to London and doing a six month internship with business and news broadcaster, CNBC. I was also given other opportunities to travel, to present at conferences and deliver seminar to the Institute’s corporate sponsors. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have grown and expanded my professional skill set whilst undertaking a research degree. I believe this has made me a well-rounded researcher and also a competitive candidate for marketing research positions in industry.
Dr. Cathy Nguyen
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Masters by Research
My research degree experience has been (and still is) a great research journey for me. I never thought of research as a possible career, but I was curious about how the consumer's mind works and how marketing fits into it all. Six years later, I’m still on this amazing discovery journey that has never ceased to amaze me. Thank you UniSA!
PJ Tan
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Masters by Research
Market Analyst | Foodland Corporate Office
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How do I apply?
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/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.
