Find us on Facebook Find us on LinkedIn Follow us on Twitter
You are here:  Home / Study / Courses / Research

Postgraduate Research: A Deeper View

The Business School offers two research degrees, either full or part time, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)) and theMaster of Philosophy (MPhil).

Doctor of Philosophy

Duration of the PhD is 3 to 4 years full time equivalent. Candidates must successfully complete 12 months probation in order to continue in the program.

Coursework

All PhD candidates must complete a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 units of coursework which includes the core unit, Research Design. The other 5 units will be decided on the basis of the candidate's previous academic record and the area of research they intend to pursue. All candidates must complete at least 1 qualitative methods and 1 quantitative methods unit of study.

Research Thesis Proposal Defence

All candidates must formally defend their research thesis proposal within 12 to 18 months of commencement (full time equivalent). The goal is to ensure that the proposed research is worthwhile, meaningful, viable and feasible, and can be completed within the timeframe given the resource constraints of the program.

Master of Philosophy

Duration of the MPhil is 18 months to 2 years full time equivalent. Candidates must successfully complete a 6 month probation period.

Coursework

All PhD candidates must complete 3 units of study which includes the core unit, Research Design. All candidates must complete at least 1 qualitative methods and 1 quantitative methods unit of study.

Research Thesis Proposal Defence

All candidates must formally defend their research thesis proposal within 12 of commencement (full time equivalent). The goal is to ensure that the proposed research is worthwhile, meaningful, viable and feasible, and can be completed within the timeframe given the resource constraints of the program.

Upgrade from MPhil to PhD

Upgrading to the PhD program from the MPhil is not automatic. A request to upgrade will be based on successful completion of:

  • The probationary period
  • Three units of study, including the core unit BUSS7901 Research Design
  • Thesis Proposal Defence
  • Annual Progress Reviews. Progress must be considered satisfactory.

Candidates require approval from their supervisor, Postgraduate Research Coordinator and the Director of Doctoral Studies. Please note there is no guarantee that an application to upgrade will be successful.

The time spent in the MPhil degree will be credited toward the PhD.

Candidature in the MPhil is governed by the policies and regulations in place at the date of initial enrolment. If, at a later date, a candidate chooses to upgrade to a PhD, the policies and regulations in place at the date of initial enrolment in the PhD will govern the remainder of the candidature.

An upgrade from the MPhil to the PhD will not be considered if the candidate has commenced the fourth semester of enrolment (full-time equivalent) in the MPhil.

Tuition Fees

Please note that international students are required to pay tuition fees. For domestic student fees are covered under the Federal Government's Research Training Scheme.

Application Process

Pre application

Complete an Expression of Interest form and forward with attachments to the Research Unit. This allows the Business School to check that you meet the minimum academic entry requirements for the research program and also find you a suitable supervisor.

Outcome of EOI:

  • You will be invited to complete a formal application (see below)

OR

  • Applicant is ineligible to apply. A reason will be given.

Formal Application

  • Step 1 Applicant apply online at . http://sydney.edu.au/future-students/
  • Step 2 The application is initially checked by the Direct Applications Team for domestic students and the International Office for overseas students. If the application is complete it is forwarded to the Research Unit. All international students must provided proof that the English language requirement is met at this stage. Note: incomplete applications cannot be processed and will not move past this stage until requested documents are provided.
  • Step 3 Business School Research Unit checks the application and obtains required approvals.
  • Step 4 Offer letter is issued by either Direct Applications or the International Office.

All enquiries please contact the Business School Research Unit at business.pgresearch@sydney.edu.au or 9036 5372.

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:

  • Only complete applications can be processed. Applications that have been received but that remain incomplete at the closing date will be considered for the next semester intake.
  • No extension of the above deadlines is possible. Applications received after the published closing dates will automatically be assessed for the next intake.

Sitemap