Research and Innovation
CDU offers two Higher Degree by Research programs: Doctor of Philosophy and Masters by Research.
These degrees are the highest tertiary qualification in Australia, Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Levels 9 and 10.
Candidates are expected to carry out their research with some autonomy and to demonstrate an original and critical research project, resulting in a thesis which makes a significant contribution to existing knowledge in their field of research both nationally and internationally.
Candidates will be mentored by a specialist academic supervisory team throughout their studies.
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) requires completion of a piece of research that demonstrates a significant and original contribution to knowledge in the candidate’s field of research.
Candidates will be required to complete specialist research training as part of their degree.
PhDs can be undertaken at all CDU Colleges and the Menzies School of Health Research
The minimum period of candidature for a full-time candidate is two (2) years from the date of commencement and four (4) years for a part-time candidate.
The maximum period of candidature for a full-time candidate is four (4) years from the date of commencement and eight (8) years from the date of commencement for a part-time candidate.
Full-time: Minimum commitment of 35 to 40 hours per week.
Part-time: Minimum commitment of 15 hours per week.
A thesis of no more than 100,000 words.
To be eligible for entry to a PhD you should have completed either:
Please note research experience in the form of publications or creative outputs may be used to increase an honours score or honours equivalency—contact the HDR Team for further guidance.
A Masters by Research (MRes) requires completion of an original piece of research that makes a significant contribution to knowledge in the candidate’s field of research. It is more limited in scope and nature compared to the research required for a PhD.
Candidates will be required to complete specialist research training as part of their degree.
MRes can be undertaken at all CDU Colleges and the Menzies School of Health Research.
The minimum period of candidature for a full-time candidate is one (1) year from the date of commencement, and two (2) years for a part-time candidate.
The maximum period of candidature for a full-time candidate is two (2) years from the date of commencement and four (4) years for a part-time candidate.
Full-time: Minimum commitment of 35 to 40 hours per week
Part-time: Minimum commitment of 15 hours per week.
A thesis of no more than 50,000 words.
To be eligible for entry to a MRes you should have completed either:
Please note research experience in the form of publications or creative outputs may be used to increase an honours score or honours equivalency—contact the HDR Team for further guidance.
If you meet these criteria you can begin looking for a project and supervisors.
To guide you through your candidature, you will need a panel of supervisors including a Principal Supervisor with compatible research interests to your intended project.
Domestic students receive a fee offset for HDR enrolment.
International students need to consider fees and living costs during enrolment.
Domestic and International students can find further information here on Scholarships.
International applicants apply through CDU Global.
Domestic applicants send your completed domestic HDR application (PDF, 455.28 KB) and referee report (PDF, 64.87 KB) to research.degrees@cdu.edu.au.
The domestic HDR application includes:
Other required documents:
Note: to view pdf files you will need an application such as Adobe Acrobat Reader.
The referee report (PDF, 64.87 KB) is separate. Your two referees must complete forms and send them directly to research.degrees@cdu.edu.au.