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
 

Study a Higher Degree by Research

Alex Canty, PhD Candidate and Research Assistant

Midyear entry


View information for international students

Entry requirements 

Research Areas 

Scholarships and fees

Enquire now 

Make a difference with research that matters.

Whether you want to explore a topic that interests you in-depth, create new knowledge or become an expert in your field, a Higher Degree by Research at Flinders will help you to make a difference.

At Flinders you’ll be supported and mentored by specialist supervisors as you undertake your nominated research project. With the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Masters by Research, you can choose the one that best suits your needs, and eligibility.

Explore more of Alex’s story

“Give everything a go. Have confidence in yourself and give everything a go.
You don't know what you’ll end up with. But it will probably be something great.
”

Alex Canty - Flinders PhD Candidate in Psychology

Entry requirements

Checklist

Check your eligibility

Entry criteria vary between HDR courses so you must check admission requirements for your chosen degree.

Check

find

Find a supervisor

Outlining your research project and seeking a supervisor.

Find

Scholarships

Available Scholarships

A range of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) scholarships are awarded on academic merit and research potential.

View HDR scholarships

apply

How to apply

You can enrol in a Higher Degree by Research at any time. Follow our six simple steps to prepare your application.

How to

Higher Degree by Research courses

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The expected duration for a ‘standard’ PhD is three years full-time equivalent, during which time you will receive expert supervision and submit a thesis for examination. The thesis must make a significant original contribution to knowledge in the particular field of research, such as, the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories, or the innovative re-interpretation of known data and established ideas.

Research areas

Biological Sciences

Business

Chemical or Physical Sciences

Clinical Psychology

Clinical Translation

Computing, Information Technology or Mathematics

Creative and Performing Arts

Criminology

Digital Health

Education

Engineering

Environmental Sciences

Government and International Relations

Health Emergencies and Health Security

Healthy Communities

History and Archaeology

Language, Literature and Culture

Law

Molecular Biosciences

Palliative Care, Death and Dying

Psychology

Self-care and Caring

Social Sciences

Social Work

PhD by Prior Published Work keyboard_arrow_up


This 6-12 month degree is available to individuals who have already generated a range of high-quality publications that form a substantial contribution to knowledge, that is, publications completed prior to the commencement of the degree. As a general guide, this would be at least six to eight clustered first-author publications, as a minimum.

Applicants must have spent at least three years following conferral of their PhD entry qualification substantially engaged in the practice and study of the discipline or related discipline.

During candidature, the student will undertake a short program of work culminating in a thesis comprising a contextual statement and including the body of published work accumulated prior to acceptance into candidature.

More information

Cotutelle Doctoral Degree keyboard_arrow_up

Add an international perspective to your PhD experience, enhance collaboration and access world-leading research through a cotutelle doctoral degree. This course is undertaken jointly at Flinders University and an international higher education institution, spending a minimum of 12 months at each. Experience:

  • exposure to different educational environments
  • increased networks, personally and professionally
  • enhanced career opportunities
  • access to different research expertise, equipment and perspectives, and
  • the ability to increase the global impact of their research.

More information

Masters by Research keyboard_arrow_up

This degree is up to two years of full-time study. You undertake a supervised research project, culminating in the submission of a thesis for examination. The thesis must make a significant contribution to knowledge in the particular field of research.

Master of Arts

Master of Business

Master of Clinical Education by Research (includes coursework)

Master of Engineering

Master of Health and Clinical Research (includes coursework)

Master of Laws

Master of Science

Master of Surgery

Higher Doctorate keyboard_arrow_up

Higher Doctorate

Three higher doctorates are available at Flinders University:

  • Doctor of Laws
  • Doctor of Letters
  • Doctor of Science

Application for a Higher Doctorate is available to individuals who have published a substantial body of work after the conferral of their doctoral degree that demonstrates a significant advance in knowledge in the relevant field or inter-disciplinary scholarship. 

This 3-6 month degree is available only for full-time, online study.

More information

Australia's first PhD-MBA program

Become an expert in your field. 

Learn More

Watch: "So you want to do a PhD?"

All your questions answered...

Watch now

South Australia's first MD-PhD 

Kickstart your clinician scientist career.

Learn More

Advance your career and engage with industry

Opportunities and Scholarships

Discover our research centres and institutes

Making the difference

Complete your HDR from anywhere in the world

Manage your Digital Doctorate

Frequently asked questions

Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers, search our frequently asked questions or browse the categories from our knowledge base.

What qualifications do I need to apply for a Higher Degree by Research (HDR)? keyboard_arrow_up

To apply for HDR entry you need a university degree including a postgraduate qualification equivalent at least to AQF 8 or 9 with a significant research component. However, entry criteria vary between HDR courses so you must review the specific admission requirements for your chosen HDR.

Check your eligibility

What are some alternative study pathways into a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) without Honours? keyboard_arrow_up
  1. Graduate Diploma in Research Methods exclusive to Flinders University
  2. Coursework Masters with a research component of at least one full semester achieving an average grade of Distinction (75%) or better for the research component, or significant research publications. Please note some Coursework Masters are full-fee paying.
  3. The Master of Health and Clinical Research is a pathway to PhD study in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
What time of the year can I start my Higher Degree by Research (HDR)? keyboard_arrow_up

The projects for HDR ‘research only’ study are often flexible in terms of when you can start but your approved supervisor will confirm the start date. For international students, study can start any time during the year in which your application has been successful, provided your visa has been arranged. 

When to apply

Australian Government or Flinders University Research Scholarship applicants must submit your applications for both admission and scholarship by the closing date to begin the following year.

Check scholarships opportunities

Is it possible to study a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) externally at Flinders University? keyboard_arrow_up

External study means that your usual study location is outside of South Australia. To determine if you can study externally, you will need to discuss details of your proposal with your potential supervisor. At the time of the assessment of your HDR application, your potential supervisor will also need to complete a HDR Application for External Status form.

NB International students intending to come on-shore after international travel restrictions are lifted must choose ‘internal’ not ‘external’ in your application.

Is it possible to study a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) part-time at Flinders University? keyboard_arrow_up

Yes, it is possible to undertake a HDR on a part-time basis for domestic or external international students. You are required to select that option in your application. As a part-time student you are expected to study for 18–20 hours per week (that is half of the full-time expectation). If you are also working full-time, you may be asked for confirmation from your employer that study release will be made available to you.

Can I transfer my PhD from my current university to Flinders University? What do I need to do? keyboard_arrow_up

You will need to lodge an application. Visit the How to Apply page for more information. When lodging your application, please also include the following information:

  1. Evidence of work completed to date and a ‘completion plan’
  2. A statement from your current university of your enrolment details and progress/ milestones completed, including EFTSL (Equivalent Full-time Student Load) consumed;
  3. Details of any scholarship held.

If you are a domestic student, please be aware that Flinders University will liaise with your current institution about your Research Training Program fee offset entitlements.

View more HDR faqs

Get inspired

Why do a Higher Degree by Research?

Watch the Interim Dean of Graduate Research explain this and more.

The journey towards a PhD and a research career

Flinders University nutrition and dietetics alumnus and PhD candidate, Chad Han, shares his journey and what he loves about his career and research.

Higher Degree by Research (HDR) supervisory styles

Flinders PhD supervisors explain their HDR supervisory style and the benefits of working with students to solve world problems.

morgan-pankhurst.jpg

Working with Aussie icon to improve aged care food standards

"In a world where you can be anything, be kind," are the inspiring words that Flinders PhD student and accredited dietitian Morgan Pankhurst has chosen to live by.

Learn more

boaz-mui.jpg

Tuning into tinnitus research
 

A passion for exploring treatments for the often debilitating hearing condition tinnitus led this dedicated international student to continue his research journey with Flinders.

Learn more

Capture.jpg

Helping women provides sense of purpose

PhD candidate Siobhan Fitzpatrick's PhD is helping improve the lives of women suffering a common post-partum condition.
 

Learn more

Fearless Minds

Meet some of Flinders University’s most fearless minds as they bring you their latest research from a diverse range of fields.

More information

Enquire now

After reviewing this website and the FAQs above, if you still have questions that have not been answered, please complete the form. Ensure you provide details about the Reason for your enquiry in the text box 'Other'.  

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Last Updated: 06 Jun 2024

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