Doctor of Education
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
Magill
Duration
4 year(s) full-time
Program Code
MPEU
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
- Develop the ability to design and complete research relevant to your workplace and practice.
- Benefit from our extensive national and in the broad field of educational practice.
- Produce new and useful professional knowledge and practice(s).
- Learn from visiting scholars and artists.
- Create research projects around your professional interests.
- Work in a dynamic research environment.
- Work under the guidance of experienced and highly qualified research supervisors where our education research is rated above world-class1.
- UniSA's education degrees are number one in South Australia2 and World top 100 in Education3.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. 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.
1Results for Specialist Studies in Education - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
22022 QS Subject Rankings
32023 THE Subject Rankings
4UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #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?
This professional doctorate is designed for professional educators and practitioners and includes a blend of coursework and research.
The coursework component builds on your professional expertise as a practitioner in the broad field of education by exposing you to contemporary and challenging ideas in your field. The research component aims to direct and inform change in educational practices of the particular industry, workplace or institution.
Our research is facilitated by a range of different research concentrations, including:
- The Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion (CRESI): is one of the largest research concentrations in the world that is focused on contributing to new knowledge about issues related to educational and social inclusion.
- Centre for Islamic Thought and Education (CITE): a global knowledge hub – the centre brings together academics specialising in Islamic civilisation, psychology, ethics, leadership, management, sociology, finance and education.
- Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning (C3L): focuses on the complex relationship between human and artificial cognition, how it changes society, knowledge processes, and teaching and learning.
You may also choose to study an alternate subject matter that does not fit within these research concentrations. To do this you must find a suitable supervisory team who specialises in the subject area.
Assessment
You will be required to complete papers and tasks for assessment as part of this degree's coursework component; you will also present a 75,000-80,000 word portfolio for examination.
Your portfolio will consist of:
- introduction
- three supervised small-scale research study reports
- a thesis (meta-analysis) that incorporates a major analysis of the projects completed (approximately 15,000 – 20,000 words)
The research study reports (2 x 10,000 words and 1 x 35,000 words) will demonstrate your capacity to:
- formulate researchable questions
- develop a proposal for three interconnected studies that use an appropriate methodology and meet the standards for research at the University of South Australia
- critically analyse data
- report on that data, and
- use the research to generate new knowledge about professional educational practices
Why Doctor of Education
UniSA provides a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment where you are encouraged to explore your own ideas under the supervision of some of Australia’s leading researchers.
We will also ensure you graduate with transferable career skills that complement your research experience and enhance your global capability when you complete the Transformed PhD program.
Your career
A professional doctorate 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.
Advanced research experience may also be the gateway to the Australian Public Service or leading NGOs.
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.
Your study spaces
Magill campus is on stunning grounds, with huge eucalyptus trees bordering open grassy spaces. The campus has a gym for student use and is a short walk from restaurants, takeaway shops and other conveniences.
Keep up with the latest at Magill campus on Facebook.
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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.
