Higher Degree by Research
Are you looking to pursue a career in academia or in specialist consultancy? Push forward the boundaries of knowledge in your field and work alongside some of the world’s best researchers.
We offer two internationally recognised postgraduate qualification programs, Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Our programs give you the opportunity to develop analytical and research skills through independent investigation in a specific field of business. Each of these programs will require you to undertake a research project and produce a thesis.
The Business School is renowned worldwide for its research expertise and is part of The University of Queensland, one of Australia’s top three research-intensive universities. We offer state-of-the-art research infrastructure, a wealth of research resources, generous research student scholarships and high-level specialist training programs.
In the recent Excellence in Australia (ERA) review, we were rated number one in Australia for research in business and management. We also have an excellent track record for winning Australian Research Council (ARC) grants. Our research students are an integral part of our School’s vibrant research culture and the breadth of our academic staff means we can supervise candidates across the full spectrum of business disciplines.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
As an MPhil student at UQ Business School you’ll be working alongside leading academics on an original and significant research project of your choice.
Upon completion of the MPhil program you will possess the ability to formulate a significant problem, master the appropriate conceptual and methodological frameworks and have the capacity for articulate and critical analysis.
You will have the option to continue with your research and obtain a PhD.
UQ Business School Eligibility Requirements
The information below relates to those wishing to apply for a MPhil program at UQ Business School. If you are unsure if you're eligible for the program, or have further questions you can contact our HDR team.
Applicants for the Master of Philosophy must have a Bachelor’s degree with Honours (Class IIB or above) or equivalent qualification.
Your application will be considered as well if you have:
- a Bachelor's degree with Honours class IIB or better from approved universities which should include a substantial thesis component; or
- a coursework master's degree with a research thesis component of at least 25% (and a grade equivalent to 5.0 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 experience.
The application procedure for the program varies depending on whether you are a domestic or international student.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest level of academic study and is suitable for those who want to become an expert in their chosen field, or those looking to make the transition into an academic career. The PhD is equivalent to three or four years of full-time study.
The PhD program will foster your independent research skills, developing your capacity to formulate a significant problem, master the appropriate conceptual and methodological skills, and relate the research topic to a broader framework of knowledge in the relevant business area.
The PhD is focused on the production of a thesis of around 80,000 words based on research that represents a significant new contribution to your area of expertise.
Throughout your PhD studies you’ll work with an advisor who will act as a mentor to guide you through the project while helping you realise your academic potential.
UQ Business School Eligibility Requirements
The information below relates to those wishing to apply for a PhD program at UQ Business School. If you are unsure if you're eligible for the program, or have further questions you can contact our HDR team.
For the MPhil and PhD, the standard appropriate basis of admission is a University of Queensland bachelor's degree with honours class IIA or higher.
Alternatively, your application will be considered if you have a:
- Bachelor's degree with honours class IIA or higher from approved universities which should include a substantial thesis component; or
- research master's degree; or
- a coursework master's degree with a research thesis component of at least 25% (and a grade equivalent of 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
- 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.
You may have the option to cut short your research by transferring to the Master of Philosophy program.
Apply now +61 7 3346 8100info@business.uq.edu.au
Program summary
Commencing
Commence your research in Research Quarter 1,2,3 or 4.
Duration
1.5 years to 4 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)
Location
UQ St Lucia Campus
Contact us
info@business.uq.edu.au
+61 7 3346 8100
How to apply
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
Contact us
Our friendly HDR Team are available to answer any questions you might have about our MPhil and PhD programs.