Graduate School

Become the catalyst for positive change.

View our research degrees

Become the catalyst for positive change.

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Become the catalyst for positive change.

View our scholarships

Become the catalyst for positive change.

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Become the catalyst for positive change.

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Become the catalyst for positive change.

Our researchers are changing the world

From undersea robots dispersing microscopic baby corals on the Great Barrier Reef, to seeking new ways for plants to aid modern medicine.

By undertaking a research degree at Southern Cross University, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities and academic support that can take your research to the next level.

Join us and become part of our committed, curious and highly regarded research community.

A science student looking at an anatomy model

Higher Degree Research

Take your career to new heights by joining the globally recognised research community at Southern Cross University.

Southern Cross University Masters by Thesis degrees equip students for careers in research, academia, industry, policy development and professional leadership.

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Make a significant and original contribution to your field of expertise with a Doctor of Philosophy. Supervised by leading researchers, you will develop new ideas and ways of approaching existing problems, thus creating a positive impact on our future.

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The Professional Doctorate is a program of study by coursework and research. With support and guidance from our experts, the course is designed to provide the high-level research skills required to form significant and original contributions to your professional practice.

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Undertaking Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) develops unique and transferable skills such as the capacity to design and lead a complex project, advanced communications skills and the ability to identify both commercial and entrepreneurship opportunities.

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Start your future, change our tomorrow

5-star rating

Leaders in Earth Science, Ecology, forestry sciences and more.

ERA

Innovative environments

State-of-the-art engineering and science facilities to support high-impact research.

Research community

A community of over 300 academics engaged in learning, teaching and research.

Not sure where to start?

1. Discover research opportunities

We have a range of Higher Degree by Research courses across a range of disciplines and locations.

Search research degrees

2. Find a research supervisor

Search by name, expertise or keywords to find your potential supervisor(s) in your area of interest.

Search supervisors

3. Explore research scholarships

We have a range of scholarships available to support your research studies. View the current scholarship offerings.

Search scholarships

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Investing in tomorrow

Health Sciences building

Southern Cross University's Coffs Harbour campus has recently unveiled a new $12M Health Sciences building that offers state-of-the-art facilities for nursing, occupational therapy, pedorthics, podiatry, and speech pathology students, providing an exceptional learning experience to gain practical experience in their respective fields.

Can I study as a research student part-time?

Domestic candidates can choose to study full-time or part-time.
All international students in Australia under the student visa must study full-time.
It is the University's policy that all scholarship recipients must study full-time unless there are exceptional circumstances and approval has been granted for part-time study.

What documentation is required to complete my application?

A 2-3-page research proposal
Identity documents if not born in Australia (photocopy of the picture page of your passport)
English Language Proficiency documentation: If your undergraduate studies were not undertaken in English, then you will be required to submit a copy of an original IELTS test result that shows a score of 6.5 or better OR an original TOEFL test result that shows a score of 580 or better
Your tertiary qualifications, including certified academic transcripts
A 1-2-page summary of your career since graduation (CV)
Details of any thesis or publications you have authored or contributed to, and any other research undertaken.

Personalise your experience

Research degrees

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Scholarships

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Our researchers are changing the world

Higher Degree Research