Higher Degree by Research (HDR) | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Higher Degree by Research (HDR)

Pursue a PhD or Masters by Research to explore your own questions, make an original contribution to knowledge, and boost your career prospects. These research degrees are known collectively as a Higher Degree by Research (HDR).
Start your research journey

Choose your path. Bring your own research idea or take on a ready-made project, some with scholarships included.

Whichever path you choose we'll support you every step of the way to find the perfect fit for your research.

Scholarships

We have scholarships available that can help cover some living expenses and tuition fees – or top up scholarships for domestic students – making it easier to start your research.

If you are considering undertaking a PhD or Masters by Research, now is a good time to explore the range of scholarships available. 

Find your people

Get to know some of the researchers who supervise our research students.

With world-class expertise across a wide range of research areas, you’ll easily find a supervisor to guide you on your journey to research excellence.

Support for research students

We support you at every stage of your research, in an environment designed to help you succeed.

HDR industry internships

Every research student can enhance their skills and career prospects with an internship. We'll use our industry knowledge and connections to help match you with the perfect placement. 

Graduate Research Development Program

We'll help you build essential core competencies and the skills you need to successfully complete a research degree and graduate with a diverse skill set for broad employability.

Your research experience

Achieve your research ambitions with our support. Explore our facilities, programs and resources designed to help research students succeed.

What's your area of interest?

Explore UniSC's research to uncover the wide range of areas we’re working in and find what sparks your interest.

UniSC research in the news

New coating could improve safety of medical implants
7 Apr

A team of scientists from the University of the Sunshine Coast and around the world has developed a promising way to reduce the risks from biodegradable medical implants. 

Tomer Ventura looks at prawn
Prawn baby boom could crack new market
18 Mar

Build it and they will spawn - the outstanding success of a hatchery custom-built by scientists at the University of the Sunshine Coast could make a native prawn species the next big thing in Australian seafood

Underwater recorders reveal surprising dolphin and whale activity at southern Great Barrier Reef
26 Nov 2025

Researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast have become the first to publish acoustic data that confirms the presence of the elusive dwarf minke whale in the southern Great Barrier Reef. 

Considering a PhD or Masters by Research?

Enquire today and we’ll help get your HDR journey started.

We’ll respond with personalised guidance and include scholarship opportunities you may be eligible for.

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