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    Masters by Research

    Degree Level Research

    Year 2021

    International students

    Campus
    Magill
    City West

    Duration
    2 year(s) full-time

    Mode
    On-campus

    Program Code
    MMRD

    Fees
    2021: AUD$ 34,300 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)

    English Language Requirements
    Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

    International Admission by Country
    See full entry requirements

    CRICOS Code
    See research areas (PDF)

    Program level
    Masters by research

    Enquire Compare 0 Compare Degrees Apply
    Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

    Degree overview

    • Benefit from our extensive national and international research links, and strong record in winning national competitive grants.
    • Undertake exciting and innovative research in a range of disciplines.
    • Work under the guidance of experienced and highly qualified research supervisors.
    • Learn from visiting scholars and artists.
    • We have been widely recognised for our world-class research in visual arts, design, creative arts and writing, language, communication and culture, design and contemporary art1.

    12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)

    What is a research degree?

    A research degree is an advanced program of study allowing you to investigate a topic relevant to your field. Under the supervision of world-class researchers, research degree students learn and apply advanced research methodologies to produce new knowledge and provide solutions to the world’s challenges. Completing a research degree means becoming an expert in your field. It’s your opportunity to take a topic that interests you, explore it in depth, tackle intellectual, creative and practical challenges, and communicate your findings.

    You can study a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Professional Doctorate, Doctor of Philosophy (by Portfolio of Publications) and Masters by Research.

    Research degrees offered at UniSA

    Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

    Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs (up to four years full-time equivalent), provide training and education with the objective of producing graduates with the capacity to conduct research independently at a high level of originality and quality. By the end of the degree program, the PhD candidate will be capable of independently designing and executing original research that generates new knowledge.

    Professional Doctorate

    A rigorous program of advanced study and research, designed specifically to meet the needs of industry, end-users and professional groups. Professional doctorates usually consist of a blend of coursework and research (three to four years full-time equivalent), encouraging close cooperation across university, industry and the profession and providing a framework for integrated professional expertise and scholarly inquiry.

    Doctor of Philosophy (by Portfolio of Publications)

    Allows formal recognition of established researchers and/or scholars who do not already hold a PhD qualification, and who have produced research of international standing in their field with an ongoing record of academic publication (work).

    Masters by research

    Masters by research programs (two years full-time equivalent) aim to train candidates in analysing their thesis topic at an advanced level, applying research methodology and techniques to contribute new knowledge to their field, under appropriate supervision.

    Please note, a master by coursework (such as an MBA) involves enrolling in selected courses and participating in lectures and tutorials (online or on campus). It is different to a masters by research.

    Find out more about what you can study.

    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. 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

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. Make your ideas public. Your research findings may be published, presented at conferences, provide a commercial return and have a positive impact on society.
    4. Contribute to society. Discover new methods, understandings and techniques, and solve a real-world problem.

    What can I research?

    Areas of research include a wide range of topics from:

    • creative industries
    • design
    • visual art
    • architecture
    • planning
    • digital arts and humanities
    • media and communication
    • creative writing
    • performing arts
    • music
    • film studies
    • linguistics and languages
    • journalism
    • media arts

    Our research is facilitated by a range of different research concentrations, including:

    • Vernacular Knowledge Research Group: aims to conduct teaching and research activities around the conservation and recording of built and intangible cultural heritage at risk.
    • China-Australia Centre for Sustainable Urban Development: a research partnership between the University of South Australia and Tianjin University in China. Its mission is to develop innovative strategies and technologies for sustainable urban development in the Asia-Pacific region. 

    Find a supervisor and research area

    To find a research area, you'll need to match your qualifications and interests to the research programs and degrees offered at the University of South Australia. Browse our research degrees. Once you’ve done that, you will need to find a supervisor. A supervisor is an academic staff member who will work with you throughout your research degree. In your online application we will ask you to provide the name of your proposed UniSA supervisor. Learn more and find a research supervisor.

    Scholarships and projects

    A scholarship can allow you to focus on your research without needing to do paid work. Scholarships are offered for Australian and international students looking to undertake a research degree. There are also high achiever scholarships, vacation research scholarships and Vice Chancellor and President’s scholarships.

    We are also excited to offer thematically-based scholarships. These scholarships will not only address local, national and international grand challenges, they will also ensure students work across traditional boundaries in the University, with industry, and with community partners.

    Learn more about available scholarships.

    Graduate outcomes

    There are seven identified graduate qualities and outcomes that result from doing a research degree at UniSA. Importantly, these competencies are transferable to the workplace, whether academic or professional. In brief, a research degree graduate of the University of South Australia:

    • understands, can contribute to and critique current research-based knowledge in their field
    • is prepared for lifelong learning in pursuit of ongoing personal development and excellence
    • is an effective problem solver and researcher
    • can work both autonomously and collaboratively as a researcher
    • is committed to ethical action and social responsibility
    • communicates research knowledge effectively
    • demonstrates international perspectives in research

    Read about our research degree graduate qualities in more detail.

    Academic regulations and Code of Good Practice

    What can you expect of UniSA and what do we expect of you? Please familiarise yourself with the requirements governing research degrees by reading about our academic regulations and good practice code.

    Why Masters by Research

    Why this Degree

    UniSA provides a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment where you are encouraged to explore your own ideas under the supervision of some of Australia’s leading scientists.

    Career outcomes

    Your career

    A Masters by Research 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.

    How to apply

    Before applying, you will need to do some investigation. Our seven-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.

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    Eligibility

    Check to see if you meet the entry requirements for the type of research degree you wish to apply for.

    Go to eligibility
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    Life in Adelaide

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    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 scholarships page for more.

    More scholarships

    Research Training Program international (RTPi) and University Presidents Scholarship

    These scholarships will cover your tuition fees and your overseas health cover, and provide and a stipend (living allowance).

    Learn more arrow-small-right

    Research Themes PhD Scholarships

    These scholarships address local, national and international grand challenges, and encourage collaboration with industry and community partners.

    Learn more arrow-small-right

    Your campus

    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.

    Location This degree is delivered at the following campuses.

    Your study spaces

    Opportunities exist to study at Magill and City West campus, depending on your area of research.

    Magill campus:

    Magill campus is on stunning grounds, with campus features including:

    • multimedia studios and editing suites 
    • theatre for stage productions
    • innovative social work studio 
    • TV and radio studio
    • gym and outdoor sports field
    • swimming pool 

    City West campus:

    City West is a state-of-the art campus, in Adelaide’s west end. Campus features include:

    Your study spaces

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    Australian students

    Phone: +61 8 8302 2376
    Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

    International students

    Phone: +61 8 9627 4854
    Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/international/enquiry

    For further information please visit unisa.edu.au/study
    Information correct at the time of publication. CRICOS provider number 00121B.
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