Related links
Change your course
- Before you apply
- Allowable transfers, upgrades/downgrades and early exits
- Internal course application
- Change streams
- Change course for research students
Change course for research students
Before you apply
If you would like to change your research degree, you should discuss your options with your supervisor. They can provide advice about the options available and any requirements to transfer. You should also contact the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC) for further information and advice, including the type of transfer that is required for you and the implications that this will have on your scholarship.
Make sure you check the relevant deadline to apply, as this does vary depending on whether you transfer or submit an internal course application.
Eligibility
If you are completing a master’s degree by research and would like to transfer to a doctorate, you will need to:
- have met key milestones in your current progress plan
- demonstrate that your research scope meets the requirements of a doctorate
- demonstrate your ability to complete the requirements of a doctorate in the additional period of candidature that would be added to your degree.
If you are completing a doctorate and would like to transfer to a masters by research, you should discuss this with your supervisor as this will have direct implications on your required thesis submission date. You can also contact the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre for further information.
When to apply
You need to select the research period when you want your course change to take effect. Refer to the application deadlines for each research period below.
| Session | Start | End | Last day to apply to change course | Last day to enrol in new course |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Research Period 1 |
1 January 2023 |
28 February 2023 |
17 January 2023 |
21 January 2023 |
Research Period 2 |
1 March 2023 |
30 June 2023 |
17 March 2023 |
21 March 2023 |
Research Period 3 |
1 July 2023 |
30 September 2023 |
17 July 2023 |
21 July 2023 |
Research Period 4 |
1 October 2023 |
31 December 2023 |
17 October 2023 |
21 October 2023 |
If you have any questions, contact the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre.
How to apply
Domestic students
As a domestic student, you can change your course by applying for an allowable course transfer.
You can apply for an allowable transfer in Sydney Student (go to ‘My studies’, ‘Course details’, then ‘Request course transfer’).
You will need to select the course you would like to transfer to, provide a reason for your request and upload any supporting documents.
International students
As an international student, you can change your course through an internal course application.
Log in to Sydney Student, go to ‘My studies’, ’Course details’ then ‘Internal course application’, and select the name of the new course you want to apply.
Access you application
Your application will be assessed and a decision made by the appropriate delegates within your Faculty or School. If further documents or information are required the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre will contact you. To ensure your application is processed within the deadlines for respective research periods, please check your emails after submission of this request to track its progress.
If your request is approved, you will be invited to enrol in the new course through Sydney Student. You will receive this invitation by email from the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre.
Last updated: 13 March 2023
