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
Mawson Lakes
Duration
2 year(s) full-time
Program Code
LRST
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
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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.
Find out more about our fully-funded research degree scholarships to support your studies.
Degree overview
- 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.
- Become part of a research team with active connections to national and international institutions, and industries.
- Work alongside world-class supervisors on industry-based projects.
- Study at one if Australia's leading universities for Engineering research1.
- UniSA is home to the multi-million dollar Future Industries Institute – transforming the industries of today and seeding the industries of tomorrow
100% of our assessed research rated at or above world-class.2
1UniSA’s Engineering research rated well above world-class – 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research
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?
UniSA STEM
When you study a research degree with UniSA STEM, 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 the City East or City West Campuses.
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, geotechnical, structural and other civil engineering specialisations, construction management, project management, geomatics, geospatial Information science; including remote sensing, and land surveying.
Science, Technology & Mathematics
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, telecommunications, information theory, biodiversity, environmental science, ecology, conservation, biodiversity, soil science, and plant physiology, and environmental specialisations.
Another study option is Dual Awards where students study their program in partnership with another institution. Further information is available here. These include:
- Dual Award with Copenhagen
- CoTutelle with IMT Atlantique (a school of the Institute Mines Telecom)
- Dual Award with UCL (University College London)
For more information about a research degree with us, please contact STEM-Research@unisa.edu.au
Why Master of Research
UniSA is No.1 in Australia's for research impact and engagement1.
The University of South Australia 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 multi-cultural, with over 300 academic researchers and over 320 Master of Research students, located at our Mawson Lakes and City East campuses. Our Academic Units, 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 ranked #2 in Australia for industry research income2 and our commitment to research with an industry focus is unprecedented.
Read more about our strengths in research and discover some of our achievements.
12018 ARC Engagement and Impact Assessment (EI), Combined Impact –Approach to Impact and Engagement on Assessed Fields.
22022 THE World University Rankings.
Your career
A Master of Research degree will give you a competitive edge in the workplace. 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.
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.
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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.
