Graduate School

    Research degrees

    Become the catalyst for positive change.

    View our research degrees
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    Find a supervisor

    Become the catalyst for positive change.

    Search for a supervisor
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    Scholarships

    Become the catalyst for positive change.

    View our scholarships
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    Current students

    Become the catalyst for positive change.

    Explore current student offering
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    Upcoming workshops

    Become the catalyst for positive change.

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    Contact the Graduate School

    Become the catalyst for positive change.

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    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.

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    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.

    Find out more

    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.

    Find our more

    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.

    Find out more

    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.

    Find out more

    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

    Helpful links

    Upcoming workshops
    Training and support
    Forms and documents

    Research achievements

    Rankings

    New rankings are evidence of Southern Cross commitment to tackle climate emergency and create a more sustainable world

    Peter Harrison at Lizard Island
    Science, Environment & Marine

    The Conversation: What does Australian-grown coffee taste like, and how does it compare? Our research describes its unique ‘terroir’

    Cups of coffee_credit Justin Bhalla on Unsplash
    Science, Environment & Marine

    A double shot for Australia’s emerging coffee-growing industry

    Coffee tasting panel
    Science, Environment & Marine

    The Conversation: Controversial claims about extinct humans are stirring up evolution research. Here’s how the mess could have been avoided

    Human fossils_credit Boris Hamer on Pexels
    Research & Academic

    Research affirms sorry state of the Richmond River Catchment

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    Science, Environment & Marine

    New guide will streamline global research on storing man-made carbon dioxide in world’s oceans

    Marine life at Heron Island
    Health

    The Conversation: Trying to spend less on food? Following the dietary guidelines might save you $160 a fortnight

    Shopping at supermarket_credit Gustavo Fring on Pexels
    Transforming Tomorrow

    When Southern Cross University set out to revolutionise the way it teaches, everything centred around one thing: our students’ success

    Law

    Sovereign citizens: new calls to rein in scammers who believe they are above the law

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    Science, Environment & Marine

    Dead mangroves at Boambee Creek: scientists and Indigenous rangers worried

    Boambee sieving mud with Gumbaynggirr rangers

    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.

    Read more
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    Scott Goddard - PhD graduate in exercise science lab

    The cutting edge

    Discover more about our current research projects and opportunities through our faculties, centres and labs:

    Frequently asked questions

    We offer Masters by Thesis, Professional Doctorates and Doctor of Philosophy higher research degrees.

    Please see our Higher Degree by Research page for specific course descriptions and advice on how to apply.

    Candidates seeking admission to Southern Cross University research degrees may apply at any 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.

    1. A 2-3-page research proposal
    2. Identity documents if not born in Australia (photocopy of the picture page of your passport)
    3. 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
    4. Your tertiary qualifications, including certified academic transcripts
    5. A 1-2-page summary of your career since graduation (CV)
    6. Details of any thesis or publications you have authored or contributed to, and any other research undertaken.

    Contact the Graduate School

    T: +61 2 6620 3219

    T: +61 2 6626 9186

    E: gradschool@scu.edu.au

    More Information

    For general contact details please visit our contacts page