Higher Degree by Research

Charles Darwin University Australia is a research-intensive university with significant global impacts on social, cultural, economic and environmental issues. We deliver high-quality research training to emerging scholars to undertake independent research. 

Join a global leader in research impact

Charles Darwin University is a research-intensive university with significant global impacts on social, cultural, economic and environmental issues. We deliver world-class training to emerging scholars to undertake independent research, in any field of research. 

Our researchers are among the top 2% globally in their field and the university is in the top 300 for research impacts, measured according to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 

We spend about £44 million on research each year, with strengths in the environment, health, information technology (including AI), disaster management, education and public policy. 

Master by Research

A Master by Research project allows you to deep dive into a topic that ignites your curiosity.  

The flexible program empowers you to design and execute your own independent research project over two years (full-time or part-time equivalent), guided by our expert supervisors.  

You will graduate with a thesis that makes a genuine contribution to your field.  

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Make new discoveries, change the way things are done and make an impact on the world.

A Doctor of Philosophy allows you to research your area of interest and achieve the highest level of university qualification in the UK, making you an expert in your chosen field.

Study and conduct a novel program of research over four years (full-time or part-time equivalent) with the oversight of two or more supervisors, culminating in a thesis.

Research opportunities in a variety of fields

The disciplines available for research-based higher degrees include:  

Engineering and information technology

Business and law

Education and the arts

Health

Social and public policy

Environment and livelihoods

Disaster management

Humanities, social sciences, and languages

Agriculture, aquaculture, and biosecurity

Ready to get started?

Connect with our researchers to start your research based higher degree in the UK.

How to apply

Admission criteria

To study a Master by Research or PhD you should have completed either:  

  • An international equivalent to an Australian Bachelor’s degree that has included a substantial research component such as a thesis, demonstrating high academic achievement.  
  • An international equivalent to an Australian Master’s degree that has included a substantial research component such as a thesis. 

Finding a supervisor is the key moment in summoning a successful PhD candidature. We ensure students are supported by a principal supervisor and a panel of experts, including industry professionals where relevant.

Financial support

Research scholarships

Financial support for research degrees – including scholarships for living expenses (often called a stipend) and a tuition fee offset – enables you to focus full-time on your research project. 

Various competitive scholarship schemes are available for international research students.

Your research questions answered

Learn more about our world-class Master by Research and PhD opportunities.

  • How do I find supervisors?

    We have incredible academics from the Faculties of Health, Arts, and Science and Technology working on a number of fascinating projects.

    Find a supervisor

  • What discipline can I do research based higher degrees in?

    At Charles Darwin University we play to our strengths. The disciplines available for research-based higher degrees include: 

    • Health 
    • Environment and livelihoods 
    • Engineering and information technology 
    • Education and the arts 
    • Social and public policy 
    • Business and law 
    • Disaster management 
    • Humanities, social sciences, and languages 
    • Tropical agriculture, aquaculture, and biosecurity.
  • What are the entry requirements?

    To be eligible for entry to a Master by Research or PhD you’ll need to demonstrate: 

    • An international equivalent to an Australian Bachelor’s degree that has included a substantial research component such as a thesis, demonstrating high academic achievement.
    • An international equivalent to an Australian Master’s degree that has included a substantial research component such as a thesis.

    If your previous education is in a language other than English, or if English is your second language, you may need to demonstrate English language proficiency.