Engineering PhD research students collaborating on HDR project
Study area_

Postgraduate research

Pursue your passion to make a tangible difference
Undertake an engineering, computer science or project management PhD and work alongside respected and accomplished researchers to make your innovative ideas a reality.

A higher degree by research (HDR) in engineering, computer science or project management will open up a new world of ideas and possibilities, deepen your insights, and develop your capacities for practical application in your current career or position you to carve out a new one.

Our research into creating a digital, sustainable and healthier futures spans the following key areas:

So whether you're an aspiring academic or researcher, seeking a competitive edge in your career or wanting to explore your passion, we encourage you to explore our offerings.

Why study your PhD with us?

Our Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) (PhD) degree involves in-depth study in a specialised area of engineering, computer science or project management.

This will require you to prepare a substantial piece of work that represents a contribution to a particular field of knowledge, giving you a good understanding of research methodology.

This postgraduate research degree is also uniquely embedded with a coursework component designed to provide our HDR students with the opportunity to create a truly distinct research pathway.

As an HDR student, you'll be able to select from over 270+ HDR units of study from across the University of Sydney to help you complete your thesis.

These unit of study areas range from specialist analytical methods and professional engagement courses to discipline-specific subjects.

Furthermore, by undertaking your Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) with us, you'll also: 

  • be studying at one of Australia’s top ranked universities for both engineering and technology, and computer science and information systems,
  • work with and alongside world leaders in engineering, computer science and project management,
  • be part of a stimulating research community environment that will equip you with the skills and confidence to engage in research globally,
  • develop highly transferable skills in communication, leadership, management and commercialisation, preparing you to pursue an academic career or move into industry, government, business or entrepreneurship, and
  • have access to leading engineering and computer science laboratories and research facilities in our redeveloped engineering and technology precinct.

Scholarships

We encourage you to explore the vast range of postgraduate research scholarships available to all eligible domestic and international students.

How to apply

Before you apply for our Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) (PhD), you'll need to find a supervisor who can provide guidance, support and development for your candidature, develop a research proposal and upload a number of required documents.

We encourage you to follow the following steps:

  1. Find a supervisor in your area of interest who can support your ideas using Research Supervisor Connect or by exploring our research
  2. Contact a research supervisor either through Research Supervisor Connect or email and provide:
    • your academic transcript and CV, including any publications you may have
    • a brief outline of your proposal and why you're interested 
  3. Work with your research supervisor on developing a preliminary research proposal outlining the subject area, objectives and significance of your research
  4. International applicants need to obtain two references from academic staff who can provide comment on your achievements and research potential. You may upload letters of reference or complete our template
  5. If you intend to study part-time towards a PhD, you will also need to supply additional documentation including:
    • evidence that you can complete the course within the maximum period allowed for a part-time PhD enrolment 
    • a declaration from your employer (if relevant) confirming that you will be permitted to take the time required to effectively pursue your studies
  6. Upload and submit your research proposal, along with your CV, referee reports, academic transcripts and other supporting documents to us online

School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering

School of Biomedical Engineering

School of Chemcial and Biomolecular Engineering

  • Professor Yuan Chen, Research Education Director

School of Civil Engineering

School of Computer Science

School of Electrical and Information Engineering

  • Dr Jin Ma, Research Education Director

School of Project Management

Associate Dean (Research Education)

Associate Professor Kalina Yacef
Academic profile

Contact

Phone
Address
  • Student Centre, Level 3
    Jane Foss Russell Building, Darlington Campus

    Opening hours:
    9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Make an enquiry

Our students

Nabeela Nasim
Nabeela Nasim, Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) candidate
“The University of Sydney is a global leader in impactful engineering research and offers its PhD candidates opportunities to collaborate with diverse partners and industry leaders to tackle global challenges.”
Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering)

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