A Higher Degree by Research is your chance to pursue a specialist area in your field and build knowledge in your profession. You’ll make discoveries and we’ll help turn them into real-world outcomes that are highly valued by academia, industry and society.
Types of research degree
We offer research degrees in most disciplines, for those who hold a master degree or bachelor degree with first or upper-second class honours.
At least two-thirds of these degrees are pure research. Although you may need to complete some coursework units, the major part of the work will be in the form of a thesis written under the guidance of a supervisor.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Uncover new knowledge, either by the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative interpretation of established data.
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Become a highly skilled, critical thinking and practical manager who can read, carry out and apply the results of a research initiative.
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Contribute to the growth of the education profession and the discipline itself.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Expand your knowledge beyond the undergraduate honours and postgraduate diploma level with a degree that culminates in a research thesis.
Master of Research (MRes)
Obtain a research master qualification by completing one year of study in addition to your honours year.
Funding and scholarships
There are a variety of funding and scholarship options available to provide you with financial assistance during your research program. This can include a living stipend, a tuition fee offset or a combination of both.
What you can expect
Training and development
Our training and development programs for research candidates will boost your academic, professional and transferable skills.
Powerful industry connections
We’re highly engaged with a range of industry, government and academic partners, including BHP, Chevron, NASA and CSIRO.
Highest median salary in WA
Curtin graduates with a research degree earned the highest median salaries among their graduate peers in WA, and the equal second highest in Australia.
2018 Graduate Outcomes Survey
Research reveals coral tumour affects reproduction and growth
Curtin research into coral reef systems in the Cocos Keeling Islands has confirmed a tumour-like coral disease is prevalent in the area, with growth anomalies affecting the coral’s ability to grow.
Good things come in eco-friendly food packages
Curtin research has been named among this year’s recycling and waste champions at the 2020 WA Waste Authority Infinity Awards, for their innovative solutions to reduce waste in WA.
Hearing loss treatment crowned winner of 2020 Curtinnovation Awards
A new gel formula treatment that helps to improve outcomes for people with hearing loss has been named the overall winner at the 2020 Curtinnovation Awards.
Curtin research boosted by $4.5 million in ARC funding
Curtin has been awarded almost $4.5 million by the Federal Government for 12 research projects, ranging from supercontinent cycles and the Earth’s origins, to the evolution of the solar system.
The Future Of: Killer whales
Join Dr Rebecca Wellard as she discusses how killer whales use bioacoustics, including echolocation clicks and burst-pulse sounds, to navigate, hunt, communicate and socialise with other pod members.
The Future Of: Sustainable engineering
Join Professor Michele John from the Sustainable Engineering Group and Associate Professor Wahidul Biswasfrom the School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering as they discuss sustainable engineering.
The Future Of: Extraterrestrial intelligence
Join Professor Steven Tingay and Dr Chenoa Tremblay – who recently scanned 10.35 million stars in the deepest search ever for extraterrestrial technologies – discuss what progress has been made.
The Future Of: Land conservation
Join Dr Stephen van Leeuwen and Dr Simon Wilde discuss the unique features and creatures of the Australian landscape, and what is required to ensure better land use and land conservation.