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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 three types of degrees - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Masters by Research, and Professional Doctorate - you can choose the one that best suits your needs, and eligibility.
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.
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.
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:
Advance your career through a collaborative research project with a leading industry partner. industry. Undertake a PhD and research an innovative solution to a complex problem.
Together with a variety of industry partners, PhD Enterprise students have the opportunity to undertake leading-edge research that includes:
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.
Entry criteria vary between HDR courses so you must check admission requirements for your chosen degree.
You can enrol in a Higher Degree by Research at any time. Follow our six simple steps to prepare your application.
Watch former Dean of Graduate Research explain this and more.
Dr Susan Close talks to us about how taking exception to her supervisors published work led to her own PhD research project (and having him as her supervisor!), why she chose not to use the title of Doctor for a long time in her early political career, what made her decide to use it later on; and some very valuable advice for all students who are making decisions about their future.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
After reviewing this website and the FAQs above, if you still have questions that have not been answered, please complete the form.
Office of Graduate Research
Phone: (08) 8201 5893
Email: hdr.admissions@flinders.edu.au.
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
Global | Online
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