THE Impact Ranking

1st in Australia
2nd in the world

Research_

Postgraduate research degrees

Apply your theory-driven research to the real world

Work alongside some of the world's brightest and most accomplished academics, access high-calibre facilities, and discover our new curriculum.

We're unlearning the world's greatest challenges

Our research is driven by the big picture. Ranked second globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings and in the top 45 of research universities around the world*, the University of Sydney is home to leading researchers who are finding solutions to the world's most pressing issues by changing the way they look at them.

We are home to 90 world‑renowned multidisciplinary research and teaching centres that tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, such as health, climate change and food security. These centres include the Charles Perkins Centre, the Brain and Mind Centre and The University of Sydney Nano Institute.

Our interdisciplinary approach means that students are part of a community of scholars that unites experts in fields as diverse as medicine, arts, social sciences, engineering, information technologies and science.

As a researcher at Sydney, you'll work alongside some of the world's brightest and most accomplished academics. You can access high-calibre facilities and unique international partnerships with top-ranked institutions, including Stanford, UCLA, the University of Edinburgh, Utrecht University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and the University of Hong Kong.

Types of research degrees

Master's degree by research

A master's degree by research at Sydney:

is the second-highest qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework
can be a gateway to study at a PhD level
is usually one to two years full-time or two to four years part-time (part-time is available to domestic students only)
is awarded based on a supervised thesis, which makes a substantial contribution to knowledge of the subject concerned.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A PhD at Sydney:

is our premier research award and the highest qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework
comprises of independent research and writing on an approved topic toward a thesis for examination
may be undertaken in all faculties and divisions, or across disciplines
is usually three years full time or six years of part-time study (part-time is available to domestic students only).

Professional doctorate

A professional doctorate at Sydney:

allows candidates to pursue rigorous scholarship alongside advancing their practice in many fields
is usually three to four years full-time or six to eight years of part-time study (part-time is available to domestic students only).

New coursework curriculum

To support the research capabilities and success of HDR students, and in response to a changing world, we are introducing a new coursework component to our PhD degrees and broadening the coursework options for our other postgraduate research degrees.

You will have the opportunity to create a distinct research pathway by selecting from 270+ units from any faculty – a first of its kind in Australia – with study areas ranging from specialist analytical methods and professional engagement courses, to discipline-specific subjects.

This flexibility allows you to:

Choose a unique combination of units that will best equip you to succeed in your research.
Build your network and enhance your multidisciplinary knowledge while working with students and researchers from a broad range of backgrounds.
Graduate with a robust set of skills sought-after by employers, for a career in academia or industry.

How will this affect my postgraduate research degree?

You will be able to enrol in any of the units available at no extra cost, subject to unit capacity and your research background, as some units vary in levels of capability.

Your faculty may elect to define certain units of study as mandatory for a given degree pathway.

Coursework units are available in the following areas: