Research degrees at UQ are known as Research Higher Degrees, abbreviated to RHD.

There are 2 degrees: 

• the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and
• the Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

On average the PhD takes 4 years to complete and the MPhil takes 2 years. 

Undertaking a RHD requires a much greater commitment of time than a coursework degree: at least 36 hours per week for 48 weeks of the year. It is equivalent to full-time employment and this is the expectation of advisors and the university. That is a sharp contrast to the coursework requirements of 13 weeks per semester. 

The different nature of research higher degrees means that, at UQ, selection for candidature is more like selection for employment than application for studying coursework. 

The UQ Graduate School regards our RHD candidates not so much as ‘senior students’ but early career researchers and colleagues. We understand how a successful RHD application and candidature is built: 

• You need to identify the Right People  
• You need to develop the Right Project with them 
• You need to ensure the Right Resources are here at UQ, and  
• The timing has to be right for you and for us.  

We call it “Getting it Right” and you will find the resources and guidance on these pages to build a successful RHD application and get your candidature right.

Getting it Right