Graduate School

    Research degrees

    Become the catalyst for positive change.

    View our research degrees
    Engineering student working on a project wearing safety glasses

    Find a supervisor

    Become the catalyst for positive change.

    Search for a supervisor
    Supervisor leaning against a bright yellow wall

    Scholarships

    Become the catalyst for positive change.

    View our scholarships
    A girl and a man walking up stairs

    Current students

    Become the catalyst for positive change.

    Explore current student offering
    A student working at a standing desk

    Upcoming workshops

    Become the catalyst for positive change.

    Find an upcoming workshop (login required)
    students at a workshop

    Contact the Graduate School

    Become the catalyst for positive change.

    Three students collaborating using laptops

    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 Graduate 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

    Graduate Researcher Degrees

    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 out more

    Browse through our list of Southern Cross University Graduate Researcher supervisors and their research interests below and click on their profiles to learn more and get in touch.

    Find out more

    Once you have decided on your chosen degree and followed all the steps required, you can then apply.

    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 Graduate 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

    Science, Environment & Marine

    Small but mighty dung beetles take a big bite out of farm methane

    Dung beetles crawling across cow manure in a paddock
    Tourism

    Mega-events promise legacy (but how do cities actually deliver it)?

    Soccer ball on pitch
    Naturopathy

    From new mother to High Distinction: Why one Master's student refused to give up on her dream

    Brittany Elliott faces camera cuddling her baby
    Research & Academic

    Rising tides, rising tensions: new research calls for rethink of coastal law

    An eroded beach with skyscrapers in the background on the coastal fringe.
    Education and Teaching

    Early childhood researchers tackle the sector's biggest questions

    Waves of Wisdom 2026 conference
    University News

    Meet the graduates shaping tomorrow

    Graduates in robs and caps at graduation ceremony smiling
    Health

    PhD research helping elite sprinters chase gold ahead of Brisbane 2032

    A woman and man standing in front of running track
    Education and Teaching

    Nature play lessons set to align with Victorian school curriculum

    Boy and girl climbing up trees
    Research & Academic

    The Conversation: Demolishing homes after climate disasters can be devastating. Here’s how we reused precious materials

    Flood waters in a street
    Education and Teaching

    GenAI is now in our childcare centres. But there isn’t any guidance

    A young girl engaging with a robotic toy, highlighting curiosity and innovation

    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
    Three students walking outside the Coffs Harbour Health Sciences building
    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

    Step 1. Ensure you meet the entry requirements for PhD and Masters by Thesis

    Step 2. Prepare a Research Proposal

    Step 3. Find a Supervisor here

    Step 4. Apply via the Graduate School using the relevant course link PhD and Masters by Thesis

    Southern Cross University offer a Masters by Thesis and Doctor of Philosophy Degree

    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 Higher Degree by Research candidates can choose to study either full-time or part-time.
    International students studying in Australia on a student visa are required to enrol full-time.
    In line with University policy, all scholarship recipients are also required to study full-time unless exceptional circumstances apply 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: All Applicants whose first language is not English are required to achieve an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) Academic (or equivalent) equal to or above 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in Writing and no other band less than 6.5.
    4. Your tertiary qualifications, including certified academic transcripts and certificates
    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