Master of Research
Degree Level Research
Year 2025
You're viewing degree information for Australian students
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 East
Duration
2 year(s) full-time
Program Code
IRAH
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
Program level
Masters 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
-
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements
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
- Join a community of passionate researchers and explore research topics across allied health, exercise and sport science, human movement, health science and public health.
- Deliver high-impact research in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of global health issues.
- Partner with industry to address global health challenges and work collaboratively to solve real-world problems.
- Independently design and execute original research which generates new knowledge.
- Learn from highly qualified research supervisors and renowned academics at South
Australia’s No.1 university for human movement and sports science research.1 - Study at a university with above world-class research in clinical sciences.2
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people.3 As one of the World’s Top Young Universities4, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
1The only university in SA to have all its assessed Human Movement and Sports Science research rated well-above world standard. 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
3UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence.
4Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
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?
Through a Master of Research, students analyse a chosen thesis topic at an advanced level, applying research methodology and techniques to contribute further knowledge to their field. This is conducted under appropriate supervision over two years (full-time equivalent).
Research students can complete exciting and innovative research topics which span areas such as:
- anthropometry
- epidemiology
- health services research
- high performance in sport and industry
- musculoskeletal health
- neuroscience
- nutrition
- pain sciences
- public health
- rehabilitation
- rural health
Our research is also facilitated by research concentrations and groups, including:
Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA): evaluating the role of exercise, nutrition and activity for promoting health and performance
Innovation, IMPlementation and Clinical Translation in health (IIMPACT): solving grand health challenges such as persistent pain, stroke recovery, persistent breathlessness and the rural health inequity.
Australian Centre for Precision Health (ACPreH): preventing disease before it strikes; creating innovative solutions to address issues focused on health and wellbeing.
Why Master of Research
UniSA provides a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment to explore your own ideas under the supervision of some of Australia’s leading researchers. As Australia’s University of Enterprise, we focus on finding pragmatic solutions and creating new knowledge to address globally significant issues. In fact, 100% of our assessed research is rated at or above world-class.1
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.
You can explore research areas across allied health, exercise and sport science, human movement, health science and public health.
UniSA is also ranked as the No.1 Young University in Australia for industry income.2 Our commitment to research with an industry focus and benefit is unprecedented. Read more about our strengths in research and discover some of our achievements.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research.
22024 THE Young University Rankings.
There are a variety of recommended pathways to gain entry into a Master of Research.
A Master of Research can be completed in 1-2 years full-time or 2-4 years part-time, depending on entry qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree (4 years) > Master of Research (approx. 1-2 years full-time) > Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Undergraduate degree (3 years) > Master of Research (approx. 2 years full-time) OR Master of Nursing/Master of Midwifery (minor thesis) > Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Undergraduate degree with Honours (research-based) > Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
If you would like career counselling related to undertaking a Master of Research, the Academic Unit runs a Pathways Session in June of each year.
Please contact the Allied Health and Human Performance Research Team: ALH_Research@unisa.edu.au
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
After working in the community disability sector as a physiotherapist, I was exposed to the robotics program of the paediatric rehabilitation department at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The support of the consultants led me to undertake a Masters by Research, investigating the effects of conventional physiotherapy combined with robotic rehabilitation for youth with acquired brain injuries. Demonstrating that robotics can benefit functional rehabilitation will help embed it into practice at rehabilitation centres and enhance therapy for youth. It’s exciting to work in an area that is at the forefront of rehabilitation.
Chris Innes-Wong
UniSA Physiotherapy graduate and Masters by Research candidate
Your study spaces
We offer unparalleled learning facilities, and are committed to continually investing in and upgrading our laboratories, offices and technical capabilities. Some of our specialised spaces include:
- Clinical Trial Facility: modern, purpose-built, dedicated clinical research spaces
a variety of purpose-built laboratories, to measure brain function, fitness, health and performance
-
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/
-
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.
