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Postgraduate Research Studies

For general enquiries please contact the Business School Research Unit.

For specific research proposal enquiries please contact the Postgraduate Research Coordinator for the discipline relevant to your proposal. The Postgraduate Research Coordinators are the academics with responsibility at the discipline level for research student matters.

Entry Requirements

Doctor of Philosophy

  • Undergraduate degree with First or Second class (Division One) Honours in the proposed field of study from a recognised University or its equivalent.

OR

  • Masters degree with at least an 80% average and a 25% research component in the proposed field of study from a recognised University or its equivalent.
  • Other factors taken into consideration when assessing a research application are the quality of the research proposal and the availability of a supervisor within the Business School.

Master of Philosophy

  • Undergraduate and postgraduate degree with at least an 80% average in the proposed field of study from a recognised University or its equivalent with a distinction average.
  • Demonstration of research potential either by publication, previous work experience, related coursework or other eligible means.
  • Other factors taken into consideration when assessing a research application are the quality of the research proposal, previous performance in a thesis program if applicable, and the availability of a supervisor within the Business School.

Research Proposal

Applicants must submit a research proposal as part of their application. This should be a written proposal (1500 words) detailing the proposed area of research, the techniques to be used, data sources and bibliography. Intending applicants who are unsure about their research proposal may contact the appropriate Postgraduate Coordinator for a preliminary evaluation.

The document Writing A Thesis Proposal PDF provided by the University of Sydney Learning Centre will assist you to understand what is required when you write your Research Proposal. There are however, many variations in the contents and form of PhD Research Proposals. It is essential that you seek direction from your Supervisors and possibly also the Post Graduate Research Coordinator for your Discipline regarding the specific requirements applicable to your Discipline and topic. Note also that there have been many books written on the general topic of "How to Write a PhD". Most of these include advice and suggested content for a research proposal. Books of this type are well worth reading as early as possible in your candidature.

English Language Requirements for International Students

  • All International students must meet the following English language requirements: IELTS 7.0 (with a minimum of 6.5 in each band)

OR

  • TOEFL 600+ (e at 4.5+) or CBT 250+ (essay 4.5+) or IBT 100+ (writing band 23 and no band below 22).

OR

  • If a degree has been completed within the last 5 years and was taught, assessed and examined in English there is no need to provide an IELTS or TOEFL score. 

Apply for a research degree

To apply for a research degree please go to the applications webpage.

Application closing dates

International students

  • 1st semester - 30 October
  • 2nd semester - 30 April

Local students

  • 1st semester - 31 October for applicants applying for scholarships or 30 November for those NOT applying for scholarships.
  • 2nd semester - 31 May

NOTE: Applications received after the deadlines will automatically be assessed for the next intake.

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