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
Moon’s magnetic crust research sees scientists debunk long-held theory
New international research into the Moon provides scientists with insights as to how and why its crust is magnetised, essentially ‘debunking’ one of the previous longstanding theories.
Curtin research finds clues to mine site restoration effectiveness in soil
New research has found soil microbes can be used to improve the often expensive and time-consuming process of assessing the effectiveness of ecological restoration projects at abandoned mine sites.
New rankings system shows flaws in university league tables
A new university rankings system based on one of the world’s most comprehensive databases of university performance has demonstrated the flaws in league tables that rank universities numerically.
Curtin research into impact of health on retirement could bolster workforce
Research has found ill-health, both long-term and short-term were likely to lead to earlier shifts from fulltime work to retirement, and also to part-time or self-employment for older Australians.
The Future Of: China’s soft power strategy
Join Professor Michael Keane from the school of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry to discuss the future of China’s international influence, global standing and their ‘soft power’ strategy.
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.