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
City East
Duration
2 year(s) full-time
Program Code
IRCH
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.
Degree overview
- Join a community of passionate researchers and explore research topics across pharmacy, nursing, midwifery, laboratory medicine, biomedical sciences, nutrition and food sciences.
- Be at the forefront of clinical discovery through our research into prevention, causes, diagnosis, management and cures of disease.
- Investigate the best ways to help improve patient outcomes and create positive change in the health industry.
- Partner with industry, community and government institutions worldwide.
- Learn to independently design and execute original research that generates new knowledge.
- Study at a university with well above world-class research in nursing, nutrition and dietetics, biochemistry and cell biology, pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences, and medical physiology.1
- Learn from experienced and highly qualified research supervisors and renowned academics who will support, mentor and guide you through your studies.
- 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.
12018 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?
Research students can complete exciting and innovative research topics that span areas such as:
- cancer biology
- clinical laboratory medicine
- precision health/nutritional and genetic epidemiology
- drug and vaccines development
- health service delivery
- nutrition and food science
- mental health and suicide prevention
- nursing and midwifery
- pharmaceutical and chemical innovation
- physiological and biomedical sciences
- quality use of medicines and pharmacy.
Our research is also facilitated by research concentrations and groups, including:
Australian Centre for Precision Health: population health research to improve the future of health.
Centre for Cancer Biology: an alliance between SA Pathology and UniSA, carrying out vital cancer research.
Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation: developing better medicines.
Drug Discovery and Development: providing clinical access to new drugs for a range of therapeutic applications, particularly cancer.
Experimental Therapeutics: developing novel prophylactic vaccines and immunotherapeutics to improve chronic and acute health outcomes with a focus on allergy and cancer.
Health and Biomedical Innovation: leading research into the workings of the body and its interaction with its surrounding environment.
Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics: identifying biomarkers for the early detection of ovarian and gastric cancer.
Mechanisms in Cell Biology and Disease: focusing on medical research relating to diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other diseases.
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Research and Education: leading initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people in mental distress and at risk of suicide.
Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre: consumer-driven, data-informed research, effective in improving use of medicines and improving patient lives.
Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre: strengthening the role of the nursing and midwifery profession across the health system through the development of a research-driven, evidence-based platform of healthcare.
Why Master of Research
At UniSA, our research degree students solve real world problems, partner with end-users of research, and develop skills for research excellence with career relevance.
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. Our focus is always on finding practical solutions and creating new knowledge with a focus on addressing globally significant issues. In fact, 100% of our assessed research is rated at or above world-class.1
We offer a research environment with highly experienced and engaged supervisors, extensive connections to industry, government and communities. We encourage you to connect with our researchers and find out the possibilities.
UniSA is also ranked as the No.1 Young University in Australia for industry income.2 Our commitment to research with an industry focus is unprecedented. Read more about our strengths in research and discover some of our achievements.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research.
22024 THE Young University Rankings.
There are a variety of recommended pathways to gain entry into a Master of Research.
A Master of Research can be completed in 1-2 years full-time or 2-4 years part-time, depending on entry qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree (4 years) > Master of Research (approx. 1-2 years full-time) > Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Undergraduate degree (3 years) > Master of Research (approx. 2 years full-time) OR Master of Nursing/Master of Midwifery (minor thesis) > Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Undergraduate degree with Honours (research-based) > Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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
We offer unparalleled learning facilities, and are committed to continually investing in and upgrading our laboratories, offices and technical capabilities to ensure researchers have access to the very best resources and equipment needed to carry out world-class research. Some of our specialised laboratories and facilities include the:
- Bradley Building: UniSA’s flagship research, teaching and public engagement facility.
- Clinical Trial Facility: modern, purpose-built, dedicated clinical research spaces.
- Adelaide Biofilm Test Facility: South Australia’s first test facility for antimicrobial agents, pharmaceutical preparations, dressings, materials and coatings.
- Biophysical Characterisation Facility: houses state of the art equipment for studying bio-molecular interactions.
- Fully equipped laboratories with advanced synthetic and medicinal chemistry, analytical, genomic, tissue culture and biomedical imaging suites used to support cutting-edge research.
- Laboratory and pilot scale pharmaceutical development, analysis and characterisation equipment for various dosage forms.
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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.
Hear from Research Professor Cory Xian, whose research focuses on tissue and bone injury repair.
Hear from Professor of Physiology Janna Morrison, whose research focuses on the increased risk of cardiovascular disease on babies who are born too small or too early.
Hear from Associate Research Professor Paul Anderson, whose research focuses on preventative strategies for treating bone diseases such as osteoarthritis.
