Study Masters by Research at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for International students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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International students

Campus
City East

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IMHC

Fees
2021: AUD$ 37,700 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

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
1. If you are an international applicant you also need to check that you meet the English language requirements.
2. Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not automatically guarantee entry into a research degree.
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Degree overview

Join a community of passionate researchers and explore research topics across areas including pharmacy, nursing and midwifery, laboratory medicine, medical sciences, and nutrition and food sciences.
Be at the forefront of clinical discovery through our research into causes 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.
Develop the ability to independently design and execute original research that generates new knowledge.
Study at a university that is well above world-class research in nutrition, dietetics, biochemistry, cell biology, pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences¹.
Learn from experienced and highly qualified research supervisors, and renowned academics experts who will support, mentor and guide you through your studies.

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)

Produces graduates with the capacity to conduct research independently at a high level of originality and quality. By the end of the degree, a PhD student will be capable of independently designing and executing original research that generates new knowledge (three to four years full-time equivalent).

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

Students analyse their thesis topic at an advanced level, applying research methodology and techniques to contribute new knowledge to their field, under appropriate supervision (two years full-time equivalent).

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

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:

Our research is also facilitated by research concentrations and groups, including:

Cancer Research Institute: Learning cancer research with foresight, to benefit society.

Centre for Cancer Biology: An alliance between SA Pathology and UniSA, carrying out vital cancer research.

Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre: Consumer-driven, data-informed research, effective in improving use of medicines and improving patient lives.

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

100% of our assessed research rated at or above world-class¹.

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.

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.

Explore opportunity in research areas including allied health, exercise and sport science, human movement, health science, public health and medical sonography.

We are ranked #1 in Australia for industry research income2 and 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.
²2019 THE World University Rankings.

Research entry requirements

There are a variety of recommended pathways to gain entry into a Masters by Research.

The Masters by Research can be completed in 1-2 years full-time or 2-4 years part-time, depending on entry qualifications:

Undergraduate degree (4 years) > Masters by Research (approx. 1 year full-time) > Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Undergraduate degree (3 years) > Masters by 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)

If you would like career counselling related to undertaking Masters by Research, the Division of Health Sciences runs a Pathways Session in June of each year.
Please contact the Health Research Team: HSC-HealthResearch@unisa.edu.au

Career outcomes

Your career

A master’s qualification will advance your career possibilities, is a recognised pathway to PhD and will give you a competitive edge in the work place. You may choose to further your career in industry, academia, or in research with a research institution or university locally or internationally.

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.

Eligibility

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

Go to eligibility

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

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

Research Themes PhD Scholarships

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

Learn more

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.

Ask UniSA

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/
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.

More FAQs

Mechanisms of Cell Biology research group conducting tests

Centre for Drug Discovery and Development research group in laboratory

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.