Enrolling in an MPhil or PhD means starting a two to four year relationship. It is crucial to get the right match between the candidate, their advisor and school from the start. A successful application for RHD candidature is built upon getting the ingredients right. This website will show you what to do and how to go about getting your application right.

• Right Time: The timing and funding of the research degree must be agreed between candidate, advisor and school.
• Right Place and Right Resources: It is important to understand that the school or centre where the research will take place must commit resources for the duration of the degree.
• Right Project: The potential advisor must be convinced of the merits of the research topic and be enthusiastic about the candidate’s ability to succeed.
• Right People means a good relationship: It is crucial that a good match is established between the candidate and advisor. Compatibility is most important.

Right People

The first step in applying for admission to our PhD or MPhil program is to contact the relevant school and discuss your proposed course of study and research. The school will be able to provide details of the school's research facilities and activities, including staff research interests and expertise.

Please complete an Expression of Interest Form and submit this to the administrative officer in the school which best matches your research interests. This form helps the school to match your research interests and experience to available advisors and resources.

The UQ reSEARCHers website can connect you through keyword searches to staff at UQ involved in your area of interest.

• Your proposal must be acceptable to your enrolling school. UQ can only accept a candidate if the project is appropriate for the degree:
  • the research question is significant enough,
  • the methodology is sufficiently rigorous, and
  • the project will take no longer than the duration of program/scholarship to complete.
• The research proposal you submit with your application must address the questions on that form about your project's:
  • research question (what will you investigate?)
  • research methodology (how will you do it?)
  • timeline (what needs to be done, how long & when)
  • resources needed
• We recommend that you complete an initial proposal for discussion with your advisor, then revise and resubmit the proposal when you commence at UQ. For guidance please view the Developing your research proposal page.

Right Place and Right Resources

It is essential to contact your proposed school and your proposed advisors before developing your detailed research proposal:

• Advisors can provide information on feasibility of project, including meeting the costs of the proposed research.
• Schools can provide information on existing research facilities, staff research interests and staff expertise.

You develop the research thesis proposal in collaboration with your potential school and advisor.

Right Time

Applicants must be able to satisfy their enrolling school and their proposed advisors that they can devote adequate time to the program of research and maintain regular and effective contact. This is particularly important when you will be part-time, remote, or have other commitments on your time and energy throughout your expected period of study.

Academic Referees

All applicants should provide reports from two academic referees to their proposed advisory team and enrolling school. The best academic referees are familiar with the applicant's most recent academic and/or research work. Their comments and advice help identify the applicant's academic strengths and prior research experience and training, making it easier to develop the right match between the candidate, the advisor, the project and the school. Applicants should download and email the Referee's Report form to their selected academic referees.