Doctor of Philosophy
Degree Level Research
Year 2025
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Program Code
MPHJ
Fees
AUD$ 38,300 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
International Admission by Country
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CRICOS Code
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Program level
Doctorate by research
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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
- Study at SA's No.1 university for psychology research1.
- Our research is also rated above world-class in sociology, and world-class in law and social work2.
- Join a community recognised for world-class research and explore research topics and projects across areas including psychology, law, social work, human services, arts, and Aboriginal studies.
- Benefit from our extensive national and international research links, and strong record in winning national competitive grants.
- Develop the skills to independently design and execute original research, and create new knowledge with impact.
- Learn from experienced and highly qualified research supervisors, renowned academics, as well as visiting scholars and artists - experts who will support, mentor and guide you through your studies.
- Undertake exciting and innovative research across a range of disciplines, with a focus on finding practical solutions.
- Partner with industry, government, communities and education providers to influence decision-making and challenge current thinking.
- Over 200 external partners support our research, which is inspired by the contemporary challenges of our region and the world.
- Explore our range of fully-funded research degree scholarships to support your studies.
1The only university in SA to have all its assessed Psychology and Cognitive Sciences research rated well-above world standard. 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
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?
You have the opportunity to complete exciting and innovative research topics that span areas such as:
- Psychology
- Law
- Social work
- Human services
- Arts
- Aboriginal studies
Browse our selection of research topics and projects, or find out how you can develop your very own.
Our research is also facilitated by a range of different research groups, including:
- Australian Centre for Child Protection: dedicated to research that focuses on practical tools and techniques that benefit front-line staff in child and family protective services so that they can truly help children and families.
- Centre for Workplace Excellence: giving organisations the knowledge to empower them to achieve excellence in organisational productivity and employee wellbeing.
- Safe Relationships and Communities: promoting the development of safe and healthy interpersonal relationships and strong socially-inclusive communities based on social justice, equity and equality.
- Behaviour-Brain-Body Research Group: bringing together expertise in sleep, nutrition and activity to understand their combined impact on chronic illness.
Why Doctor of Philosophy
UniSA provides a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment where you are encouraged to explore your own ideas, find practical solutions and create new knowledge under the supervision of some of Australia’s leading researchers.
We are the No.1 university in South Australia for psychology research1 and our research is rated above world-class in sociology, as well as world-class in law and social work2.
Our commitment to research with an industry focus is unprecedented. We are renowned for our concentration of global thought-leaders and academic experts in areas such as psychology, law, social work, human services, arts, and Aboriginal studies.
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 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rankings, all of our assessed research was rated at or above world-class with particular strengths in psychology, law and social work. Read more about our strengths in research.
1The only university in SA to have all its assessed Psychology and Cognitive Sciences research rated well-above world standard. 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
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 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. Visit our scholarships page for more.
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).
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
"My thesis emphasises the importance of preserving and recording family oral histories and photographs that will be left as a legacy for future generations and future researchers."
David Sweet
Doctor of Philosophy
Adjunct Research Associate, University of South Australia
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How do I apply?
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by 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.
