Types of research degree
We offer research degrees in most disciplines, for those who hold a master degree or bachelor degree with first or upper-second class honours.
At least two-thirds of these degrees are pure research. Although you may need to complete some coursework units, the major part of the work will be in the form of a thesis written under the guidance of a supervisor.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Uncover new knowledge, either by the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative interpretation of established data.
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Become a highly skilled, critical thinking and practical manager who can read, carry out and apply the results of a research initiative.
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Contribute to the growth of the education profession and the discipline itself.
Doctor of Sustainable Development (DrSUSDEV)
Develop a critical understanding of the complex issues that lay at the frontier of sustainable development, from an inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary context.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Expand your knowledge beyond the undergraduate honours and postgraduate diploma level with a degree that culminates in a research thesis.
Master of Research (MRes)
Obtain a research master qualification by completing one year of study in addition to your honours year.
Higher Degree by Research scholarships
Applications are now open!
Undertake a Higher Degree by Research project at Curtin and you could be eligible for a Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship or HDR Curtin Scholarship.
Applications to commence next year close on 18 August 2022.
Funding and scholarships
There are a variety of funding and scholarship options available to provide you with financial assistance during your research program. This can include a living stipend, a tuition fee offset or a combination of both.
Discovery begins with Curtin research
While we can’t predict the future, we do know that research at Curtin is working towards making tomorrow better.
Find out more by exploring Curtin research
What you can expect
Training and development
Our training and development programs for research candidates will boost your academic, professional and transferable skills.
Powerful industry connections
We’re highly engaged with a range of industry, government and academic partners, including BHP, Chevron, NASA and CSIRO.
Highest median salary in WA
Curtin graduates with a research degree earned the highest median salaries among their graduate peers in WA, and the equal second highest in Australia.
2018 Graduate Outcomes Survey
What’s happening
From mission sites to healing centres
Missions Connect is the first immersive technological tool of its kind in Australia to be used for truth-telling, healing and reconciliation.
Dashboard data to innovate freight
Freight delays have been frustrating consumers all over Australia. Now, Curtin researchers are collaborating with industry to help ease the problem, with data sharing and blockchain tech.
Student leaders gather for historic global Curtin summit
Representatives from the Curtin student community met face-to-face for the first time at the Global Student Leaders Summit held in Curtin University Dubai.
Mining digs into the circular economy
Will Western Australian mining set a new industry standard for the global circular economy?
Indigenous Cultural Tourism | Robert Taylor, A. Prof Michael Volgger
Learn how the peak body for Aboriginal tourism in WA is leading the way in sharing the cultures and knowledges of First Nations Peoples.
Neuromarketing | Dr Billy Sung
What exactly is ‘neuromarketing’ and how does it help companies hone their product marketing?
E-waste | Dr Elsayed Oraby
Worried about the ever-increasing amount of e-waste going to landfill? Find out how e-waste is being recycled to remove the rare metals that are worth a fortune.
Visual Effects | Dr Stuart Bender, Brendan Seals
As visual effects technologies advance and audience engagement changes, what could movies look like in the future?
Help is at hand
Graduate Research School
See our frequently asked questions or get in touch with us below.
- What is the difference between postgraduate coursework and research programs?
- What are my responsibilities if I am a sponsored HDR student or a HDR scholarship holder?
- Can I attend Orientation Week (O-Week) on campus if I am studying online?
- How do I find out the status of my application for a higher degree by research?
- Browse all FAQs
- Address:
- Building 101, level 1, Curtin Perth, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102.