Higher Degree by Research

The entry requirements below are for those who wish to apply for a PhD at UQ Business School. If you are unsure of the process or require support with your application you can contact our HDR team. 

1. Check that you meet the minimum academic entry requirements for the program

The minimum academic entry requirement for the PhD is:

• An Australian bachelor’s degree with honours class IIA or better from approved universities; or
• A strong research master’s degree; or
• A coursework master’s degree with a research thesis of at least 25% (and a grade equivalent to 6.0 on the 7-point UQ scale in the thesis) and an overall GPA (grade point average) equivalent to 5.75 on the 7-point UQ scale; or
• A bachelor’s degree plus at least one year of full-time equivalent postgraduate study that includes a significant research component or at least two years of documented relevant research experience, including research publications.

2. Identify interest in a particular supervisor within the UQ Business School that you would like to enrol under

Applicants are required to identify a supervisor on the online application. UQ recommends that you find and contact a potential supervisor before you submit your application. While this is a good practice, please note that it does not imply that you should contact a large number of potential supervisors to ask for their supervision. That is an ineffective way to find a supervisor. Academic staff receive many of these requests and they are typically unable to respond to them. Instead, we ask that you please review the online staff profiles of academics at UQ Business School and identify who might be most applicable for the research you wish to pursue.

If you see an academic with a strong overlapping interest, please feel free to nominate that staff member as your supervisor in your application. Feel free to contact the academic to discuss your research, and some academics like this approach, but please recognise that many academics may have little time to reply and may instead prefer to review your application after the application process is complete.

3. Prepare an extended abstract

At UQ Business School we ask applicants to submit an extended abstract (1000-1500 words) – relating to their proposed thesis topic. The extended abstract is used by UQ Business School to:

• assess your capacity to undertake research;
• gain a first impression of the viability and potential importance of your proposed topic; and
• determine whether it is possible to provide adequate supervision to support your research.

It is important to note that, should you be accepted into the program, the topic will be reviewed and refined during the course of your enrolment.

Extended Abstract

In 1000-1500 words, your extended abstract should tell a coherent and connected "story" about your proposed area of study.

Your extended abstract should present/show:

• A clear and descriptive title
• Overall research question
• Clear aims and objectives of the research. A discussion of the issues you would like to explore (why it is important and interesting) and an explanation of the way your project would significantly add to the understanding of the topic.
• Background literature supporting your project
• A concise bibliography of your background literature
• A brief reference to core methods
• A good command of the English language
• That you are capable of independent and critical thinking

4. Apply online

Please visit the online application portal to submit your application for the UQ Business School PhD program.

The following documents are required to support your application for PhD at UQ Business School:

• Academic CV
• Academic transcripts for all post-secondary study undertaken, complete or incomplete, including the institution grading scale
• Award certificates for all completed post-secondary study
• Evidence for meeting UQ’s English language proficiency requirements
• Extended Abstract
• Completed application summary form

Other documentation may be required and requested depending on your individual circumstances, for example:

• Two referee reports from persons who can best comment on your prior research experience, which are to be submitted directly to UQ
• A scholarship offer or financial guarantee, if you have already been successful for scholarship or sponsorship.
• Evidence of change of name.
• Proof of citizenship, if you are not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand by birth.
• Prior research higher degree details

Note:

• If any of your documentation is in a language other than English, UQ will require a copy of the original language document and an officially translated copy.
• UQ will accept scanned copies of your original documents. If you enrol at UQ you must retain your original, hardcopy supporting documentation for the duration of your studies.

If you require further information on the application process you can email us at hdr.business@enquire.uq.edu.au