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
What’s happening
COVID-19 updates for students
Find important information and updates regarding COVID-19, including WA Government vaccination requirements below.
Sense and Sensitivity: immerse yourself in a sensory world
A unique exhibition will open at the John Curtin Gallery on 17 November.
Student-led app to help solve crime in WA
Together, Innovation Central Perth and the WA Police Force are developing an app that will make it easier to capture offenders’ identifying marks, such as tattoos, piercings and scars.
Voice-controlled beds to be made available for market, thanks to innovative partnership
Curtin students and academics will assist in commercialising a new voice controller, which is already helping older Australians and Australians with a disability.
Junk Food Advertising
What makes junk food advertising so successful and how can these messages be counteracted?
Clean Energy (Live!)
What’s the holdup with energy utilities transitioning from coal-fired power to clean energy?
Mass Extinction Events
What’s the likelihood of a mass extinction event happening in our lifetime?
Binar-1 and Space Science
Launched on 29 August, Curtin University’s Binar-1 CubeSat satellite will provide easy access to space for students, researchers and industry.