Master of Research (Health Sciences)
Degree Level Research
Year 2025
This degree is only available to 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
IMHH
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
Applicants must check the entry requirements for the type of research degree they wish to apply for and make sure they are eligible.
Please note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not automatically guarantee entry into a research degree.
This program will not be offered in 2025. To apply for a future intake, please register your interest via the Enquire button.
Degree overview
- Grow foundational skills in research methods, research planning, data analysis and dissemination relevant to health research.
- Under the supervision of experienced researchers, and in collaboration with industry partners, develop and complete a program of research.
- Present your research to diverse audiences through publication and presentation at conferences.
- Be mentored in the most cutting-edge knowledge and practices by interdisciplinary teams of researchers, based on world-class research in health sciences.1
- Work on projects which are relevant to real-world health disciplines and clinical settings globally.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people.2 As one of the World’s Top Young Universities3, 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 in Public Health and Health Services - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. 3Ranked #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 research degree offers you the opportunity to complete research focusing on projects which positively impact the health of individuals.
A strong emphasis is placed on authentic, enquiry-based learning to develop the research knowledge and skills necessary to join, participate and contribute to research and the wider community.
As part of this degree, you may work with the following research concentrations and groups:
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA)
- Innovation, Implementation and Clinical Translation in Health (IIMPACT).
- The Australian Centre for Precision Health (ACPreH), located at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAMHRI)
A current list of potential projects can be found here.
Why Master of Research (Health Sciences)
Health research at UniSA brings together leading researchers with the aim to intervene early to prevent illness, improve health systems and services, create more effective health solutions, and advance health equality.
This postgraduate qualification will equip future allied health professionals with the advanced skills required to conduct independent and team research projects. This course is ideal for graduates of health science programs, such as human movement, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, health science (public health), medical radiation or exercise and sport science.
You'll have the unique opportunity to work alongside active researchers who are involved in real-world critical research across a range of health fields.
Through your research, you may work with interdisciplinary experts in the following research areas:
- population and public health (including epidemiology)
- health services
- medical radiations and imaging
- healthy lifestyles (active living, nutrition, sleep)
- neuroscience
- sports performance
- rehabilitation
- pain science
- evidence-based practice
Your career
The Master of Research (Health Sciences) opens up a range of employment possibilities. It will complement and extend your prior learning or professional experience, ensuring you have a competitive edge over other potential employees.
Graduates may be employed by:
- agencies responsible for public health, including local, state and federal government and non-
- government organisations
- health research centres or institutes
- health education facilities
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.
-
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.
