Higher degree research study involves original and critical enquiry that makes a significant contribution to existing knowledge of relevance both nationally and internationally. Research students are required to produce a thesis embodying the results of independent investigation under the guidance of an academic supervisor.

Below are the minimum eligibility requirements for research degrees offered at UNSW.

The minimum requirement for admission to PhD candidature is either a completed Masters by Research including a substantial research component, or a four year Bachelor's degree with first or upper second class Honours from an Australian University that includes a substantial research component, or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered to be equivalent by the appropriate Faculty Higher Degree Committee.

In exceptional circumstances, the Faculty may consider for admission applicants who do not have qualifications equivalent to a four-year honours degree, if sufficient evidence is provided of research experience that clearly demonstrates exceptional research skills and the ability to undertake the proposed research program.

In addition to these academic requirements, the Head of School must certify to the Faculty that there is an appropriate supervisor available for the proposed research program and that the necessary facilities and resources required to successfully complete the research are available.

In addition to the formal academic requirements for admission, a number of other criteria need to be considered before a research degree candidature is offered or accepted. For example:

If the applicant’s entry qualifications are insufficient for direct entry into a PhD program, in some cases it may be possible to enrol in a Masters by Research and, subject to satisfactory progress and the approval of the relevant Higher Degree Committee, to convert to a PhD candidature following completion of the first year of study.

The minimum requirement for admission to a Masters by Research is an appropriate four year Bachelor's degree with Honours from an Australian University that includes a substantial research component, or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered to be equivalent by the appropriate Faculty Higher Degree Committee.

In exceptional circumstances, the Higher Degree Committee may consider for admission applicants who do not have qualifications equivalent to a four year honours degree, if sufficient evidence is provided of research experience that clearly demonstrates exceptional research skills and the ability to undertake the proposed research program.

In addition to these academic requirements, the Head of School must certify to the Faculty that there is an appropriate supervisor available for the proposed research program and that the necessary facilities and resources required to successfully complete the research are available.

The minimum requirement for admission to a Master of Philosophy is an appropriate Bachelor degree in the relevant discipline from UNSW or a qualification considered equivalent from another university or tertiary institution at a level acceptable to the appropriate Faculty Higher Degree Committee, usually at Honours level.

In exceptional cases, an applicant who submits evidence of such other academic and professional qualifications as may be approved by the Higher Degree Committee may be permitted to enrol for the degree. If the Higher Degree Committee is not satisfied with the qualifications submitted by an applicant, the applicant may be required to undergo such assessment or carry out such work as the Higher Degree Committee may prescribe, before permitting enrolment.

In addition to these academic requirements, the Head of School must certify to the Faculty that there is an appropriate supervisor available for the proposed research program and that the necessary facilities and resources required to successfully complete the research are available.

Please note: Each application for a research degree at UNSW is academically assessed by the relevant School and approved by the Faculty.