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Research and Innovation

Higher Degree by Research

Choose CDU for your research degrees
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Charles Darwin University offers a range of Higher Degrees by Research for graduates, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master by Research (MRes). We deliver high-quality research training for emerging scholars to undertake independent research in your study area.

  • #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes

    The Good Universities Guide 2024 ranks CDU as a leader for postgraduate employment outcomes

  • Be supported by a research scholarship

    Available to domestic and international students

  • An elite 'Rising Star' challenger university in the Class of 2030

    According to Times Higher Education

Research degrees

PhDs and MRes can be undertaken at all CDU Faculties and the Menzies School of Health Research. We create research and researchers of excellence, for the world.

PhD and MRes at Charles Darwin University

The main difference between a PhD and MRes is the duration of the study, length of the thesis, and level of originality.

 Doctor of PhilosophyMaster by Research
Minimum durationTwo years full-time or four years part-time.One year full-time or two years part-time.
Maximum durationFour years full-time or eight years part-time, from your start date.Two years full-time or four years part-time, from your start date.
Thesis lengthMaximum of 100,000 words.Maximum of 50,000 words.
Time commitment

40 hours per week for a full-time student.

20 hours per week for a part-time student.

40 hours per week for a full-time student.

20 hours per week for a part-time student.

Thesis type

Standard Thesis

Artefact /Exegesis Thesis

PhD by Prior Publication (PPP)

Standard Thesis

Artefact /Exegesis Thesis

Study location 

On Campus

Online

On Campus

Online

What is the cost of a research degree?

Domestic students

Domestic candidates incur no fees if they complete their degree within the allocated time. Candidates may also be eligible to receive a living allowance, often worth about $28 700, while they complete the research project. Learn more about domestic scholarships.

International students

International candidates often pay fees to undertake a research degree at CDU.  However, if their record is especially strong, they might receive a fee waiver or even an additional living allowance, often worth about $28 700, while they complete the research project.  Learn more about international scholarships.

Check your eligibility

We welcome an application from prospective students. To enable your successful completion, the University assesses academic qualifications, research experience and areas of interest. 

To discuss your application to Charles Darwin University's higher degree programme, please contact Professor Tara Brabazon (tara.brabazon@cdu.edu.au) to explore your interests and goals. 

 

Find an HDR supervisor for your future research project

 Available research projects

Intensive Indigenous languages course
 
Research opportunities with the Faculty of Arts and Society

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Native Rice
 
Research opportunities with the Faculty of Science and Technology

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Menzies Public Health Julie
 
Research opportunities with Menzies School of Health Research

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Allied health practitioner
Research opportunities with the Faculty of Health

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Apply

Research scholarships

Domestic students

International students

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