A Higher Degree by Research is your chance to pursue a specialist area in your field and build knowledge in your profession. You’ll make discoveries and we’ll help turn them into real-world outcomes that are highly valued by academia, industry and society.
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.
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
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.
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.”
A home away from home
Dandjoo Darbalung provides culturally-relevant support to Indigenous Australians to help them achieve their education goals.
Curtin appoints first Dean of Indigenous Futures
If we looked at tertiary education in Australia with an Indigenous gaze instead of a colonial one, how could it be different, and better?
Breast Cancer Treatment | A. Prof. Pieter Eichhorn
From chemotherapy to immunotherapy and targeted drug delivery, what’s next for breast cancer treatment?
The Agribusiness Supply Chain | Dr Elizabeth Jackson
Bare supermarket shelves have become a familiar sight in recent years, following a series of disruptions to the agribusiness sector.
Hearing Loss | A. Prof Hani Al-Salami
We have medications to treat most human diseases and impairments, why not hearing loss?
The English Language | OED Consultant A.Prof Lisa Lim
English has cemented its place as the world’s lingua franca, with 2 billion speakers. Will it remain a global language 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.