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Research degree applications

A Higher Degree by Research is your chance to pursue a specialist area in your field and build knowledge in your profession.

How to apply for a Higher Degree by Research

  1. Review our areas of research

    Check your research interests align with Curtin’s current areas of research:

  2. Choose a research degree

    Curtin offers the following postgraduate research degrees:

  3. Find a research supervisor

    Ensure you have a proposed research topic in mind, and a current CV ready; prior to contacting a potential research supervisor via the Expression of Interest form. If you are unsure or are yet to find an appropriate supervisor, we recommend you contact the proposed enrolling school for advice. For example, if you are seeking to complete a DBA, you should contact the MBA Programs.

    Find a research supervisor.

  4. Write a research proposal

    The merit of your postgraduate research will be judged on your proposal.

    It should:

    • state your research topic
    • outline your research plan and objectives
    • show you have sufficient experience and knowledge in the area
    • demonstrate your research is significant and ethical
    • be accompanied by any cited references.

    View our recommendations on how to structure your research proposal.

  5. Apply

    Choose your course. Select “Apply now” and follow the prompts.

    View our full range of HDR courses.

A bunch of students at the Medical School talking at a table

Once you have applied

If your application is approved, you will receive an offer letter from the Graduate Research School along with any information needed to complete your enrolment.

If your application is unsuccessful, you will be advised of the outcome accordingly.

Research Proposal

Your proposal should be two pages long, with your references listed on an additional page. We recommend you include the following sections:

Introduction: Provide a brief overview of your proposal describing the research topic in general.

Background and literature review: Show the theoretical basis of your proposed research, describing what has already been written about this topic, why the topic is important and why it is worth researching.

Aims and objectives: Describe what you intend to accomplish and which questions your research will address.

Methodology: Refer to an accepted research method, and explain how you will conduct your research and address your objectives. Include details on how the information will be gathered, analysed and reported, and specify any special equipment, software, data or other resources required.

Timeline: Indicate a realistic deadline for each phase of your research.

References: Include any references related to your proposal using a recognised and appropriate international standard of referencing.
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