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International Students

Phd and masters research degrees in australia.

Are you looking to further your knowledge and become an expert in your field of interest? Start your greatest adventure with a Higher Degree by Research at the University of Adelaide.

Ranked in the top 100 of universities globally, at the University of Adelaide you will be involved in discovery, innovation and cutting-edge research. Enjoy an outstanding research environment under the wing of top-ranked researchers and establish life-long connections with industry and like-minded students. Start building your future now.

Find your degree

There is an option for every discipline. Explore our Masters and Doctorate degrees by research.

Industry opportunities

Turn theory into practice with a research internship and industry-engaged higher degree research program (HDR). Develop expertise in your chosen field and extend your professional contacts and networks.

Programs are open to applicants who are eligible for onshore study and meet the University of Adelaide’s English Language Requirements at the time of the application.

International joint PhDs

Widen your research connections and study at two high quality universities within Australia or between different countries.

You will spend time at each university and receive a single doctoral degree jointly awarded by both institutions.

Research connections

Australian institute for machine learning.

The University of Adelaide’s Australian Institute for Machine Learning is the largest university-based research group in machine learning in Australia. Research areas include agriculture, space, medicine, transport, defence, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing.

The University of Adelaide is a founding member of SAHMRI, South Australia’s independent, not-for-profit health and medical research institute. Research areas include clinical trials, genetics, Aboriginal health, public health and medical imaging.

International scholarships

The University of Adelaide offers a range of strategic and merit-based scholarships for outstanding Higher Degree by Research applicants.

International student resources

Why study a research degree with us.

The infrastructure and supports for research students are excellent. I have enjoyed access to a range of services and courses created to promote career development. The staffs are friendly and very helpful.

Dr Withawat Withayachumnankul

Want to learn more?

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Doctor of Philosophy

Degree Level Research

Degree info for International students

Campus Magill City West

Duration 4 year(s) full-time

Mode On-campus

Program Code MPHD

Fees AUD$ 36,100 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2024

International Admission by Country See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code See research areas (PDF)

Program level Doctorate by research

Entry requirements

You must check the entry requirements for the type of research degree you wish to apply for and make sure you are eligible.

• If you are an international applicant you also need to check that you meet the English language requirements.
• Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not automatically guarantee entry into a research degree.

Degree overview

• Develop the ability to independently design and execute original research that generates new knowledge, understandings or insights, including through creative practice-based methods.
• Benefit from our extensive national and international research links and strong record in winning national competitive grants.
• Undertake exciting and innovative research in our creative disciplines, which are recognised for their world-class research in contemporary arts, design, creative writing and journalism, creative industries, film, architecture and built environment, communication and culture 1 .
• Work under the guidance of experienced and highly qualified research supervisors.
• Learn from visiting scholars and artists and participate in our vibrant research culture.
• Tailor your PhD studies to suit your research interests and/or work on industry-linked research projects.
• Work in a dynamic and well-equipped research environment.
• UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities 2 , we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

1 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2 UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

What is a research degree?

A research degree is an advanced program of study allowing you to investigate a topic relevant to your field. Under the supervision of world-class researchers, research degree students learn and apply advanced research methodologies to produce new knowledge, understandings and insights, and provide solutions to the world’s challenges. Completing a research degree means becoming an expert in your field. It’s your opportunity to take a topic that interests you, explore it in depth, tackle intellectual, creative and practical challenges, and communicate your findings.

You can study a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Philosophy (by Portfolio of Publications) and Master of Research.

Research degrees offered at UniSA

Doctor of philosophy (phd).

Produces graduates with the capacity to conduct research independently at a high level of originality and quality. By the end of the degree, a PhD student will be capable of independently designing and executing original research that generates new knowledge, understandings and insights (three to four years full-time equivalent).

Doctor of Philosophy (by Portfolio of Publications)

Allows formal recognition of established researchers and/or scholars who do not already hold a PhD qualification, and who have produced research of international standing in their field with an ongoing record of academic publication (work).

Master of research

Students analyse their thesis topic at an advanced level, applying research methodology and techniques to contribute new knowledge, understandings and insights to their field, under appropriate supervision (two years full-time equivalent).

Please note, a Master by Coursework (such as an MBA) involves enrolling in selected courses and participating in lectures and tutorials (online or on campus). It is different to a Master of Research.

Find out more about what you can study.

Why do a research degree?

UniSA research is inspired by the challenges and opportunities of today. In the 2018 Australian Research Council Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) evaluation of Australian universities, all of our assessed research was rated at world class or above. We are vibrant, outward-facing and responsive. We partner with industry, government and communities to seek answers to questions that arise in the real world. 

Learn more about our research .

The transformed PhD

UniSA intends to deliver industry and end-user informed research that supports employer-relevant curriculum. To achieve this, and to produce entrepreneurial and business-aware graduates, we have developed the transformed PhD.

We have added a structured component to research degrees including enhanced skill development, supervisory panels and a technology-enabled oral defence of the thesis. Through these activities you will develop a set of professional, transferable skills relevant to our knowledge-based enterprise economy.

The aim of the transformed PhD is to increase your employment prospects in any career path. You will possess the knowledge, expertise and confidence to meet the emerging needs of academia, industry, government and the community.

Four good reasons to do a research degree

• Challenge yourself. You will need to work hard, be dedicated and think analytically at a high level. You will tackle completely new research and different research methods, or extend research already undertaken.
• Increase your career opportunities. A research degree provides evidence of independent thought and the ability to manage a research project in a given timeframe. Your research could allow you to develop a new specialisation, academic field or career. A research degree at UniSA will also allow you to develop a skillset which sets you apart, putting you at the centre of your professional development.
• Make your ideas public. Your research findings may be published, presented at conferences, provide a commercial return and have a positive impact on society.
• Contribute to society. Discover new methods, understandings and techniques, and solve a real-world problem.

What can I research?

We offer doctoral candidates the opportunity to undertake exciting and innovative research in the following disciplines:

• creative industries
• contemporary art
• architecture
• digital arts 
• media and communication
• creative writing
• performing arts
• film studies

Find a research area

To find a research area, you'll need to match your qualifications and interests to the  research projects  offered at UniSA. These have been developed by teams of academics who will supervise you during your research degree.

Scholarships and projects

A scholarship allows you to focus on your research without needing to do paid work. At UniSA, you can explore high achiever scholarships, vacation research scholarships, as well as Vice Chancellor and President’s scholarships.

We also offer thematically-based scholarships. These scholarships will not only address local, national and international grand challenges, they will also ensure you work across the University, with industry, and with community partners.

Learn more about available scholarships .

Graduate outcomes

There are seven identified graduate qualities and outcomes that result from doing a research degree at UniSA. Importantly, these competencies are transferable to the workplace, whether academic or professional. In brief, a research degree graduate of the University of South Australia:

• understands, can contribute to and critique current research-based knowledge in their field
• is prepared for lifelong learning in pursuit of ongoing personal development and excellence
• is an effective problem solver and researcher
• can work both autonomously and collaboratively as a researcher
• is committed to ethical action and social responsibility
• communicates research knowledge effectively
• demonstrates international perspectives in research

Read about our  research degree graduate qualities  in more detail.

Why Doctor of Philosophy

UniSA provides a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment where you are encouraged to explore your own ideas under the supervision of some of Australia’s leading researchers.

We are widely recognised for our world-class research in contemporary art, design, creative arts and writing, language, communication and culture, architecture and the built environment 1 .

In addition, we will ensure you graduate with transferable career skills that complement your research experience and enhance your global capability when you complete the Engaged PhD program. As part of this degree, you will complete skill development workshops and masterclasses aligned to your interests.

1 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)

Career outcomes

Your career.

A PhD will give you a competitive edge in the work place. You may choose to pursue a career in academia, or in research with a research institution or university. Alternatively, you may choose to work in your chosen specialisation. A research degree graduate of the University of South Australia:

• understands current research based knowledge in their field and its methodologies for creating new knowledge, understandings and insights within a critical context
• is prepared for lifelong learning in pursuit of ongoing personal development and excellence in research within and beyond a discipline or professional area
• is an effective problem solver, capable of applying logical, critical and creative thinking to a range of research problems
• can work both autonomously and collaboratively as a researcher within a particular discipline or professional area and within wider but related areas
• is committed to ethical action and social responsibility as a researcher in a discipline or professional area and as a leading citizen
• communicates effectively as a researcher in a discipline or professional area and as a leading member of the community
• demonstrates international perspectives in research in a discipline or professional area and as a leading citizen

Before applying, you will need to do some investigation. Our step-by-step guide will take you through the process of preparing your application to maximise your chances of success.

Please check the  research degrees calendar for all key dates.

Eligibility

Check to see if you meet the entry requirements for the type of research degree you wish to apply for.

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more .

More scholarships

Research Training Program international (RTPi) and University Presidents Scholarship

These scholarships will cover your tuition fees and your overseas health cover, and provide and a stipend (living allowance).

Learn more arrow-small-right

Research Themes PhD Scholarships

These scholarships address local, national and international grand challenges, and encourage collaboration with industry and community partners.

Australia’s University of Enterprise

Study at South Australia’s No. 1 university for graduate careers* and unlock your full potential.

*ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2020-21, Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.

What others are saying

"My thesis emphasises the importance of preserving and recording family oral histories and photographs that will be left as a legacy for future generations and future researchers."

David Sweet

Doctor of Philosophy Adjunct Research Associate, University of South Australia

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

Opportunities exist to study at Magill and City West campuses, depending on your area of research.

Magill campus:

Magill campus is set on stunning grounds, with campus features including:

• multimedia studios and editing suites 
• theatre for stage productions
• TV and radio studios
• gym and outdoor sports field

City West campus:

City West is a state-of-the art campus, in Adelaide’s west end. Campus features include:

• Australia’s only Architecture Museum
• specialised computer suites
• photography darkrooms and studios
• Samstag Museum
• MOD. – Australia’s leading future-focussed museum
• award-winning contemporary art, architecture and design studios and workshops
• state-of-the-art facilities for rapid prototyping and interactive media
• South Australian School of Art Gallery  
• Gym and swimming pool

Student accommodation

We offer advice and assistance to help you find long or short-term accommodation in Adelaide.

Find out more

For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/Research/Degrees/

You are eligible for a range of scholarships and grants as a current research student. For example, the prestigious Vice Chancellor and President’s Scholarship, Maurice de Rohan International Travel Scholarships or one of UniSA’s International Travel Grants. See Scholarships and Prizes for more information.

The world’s 5th most liveable city, Adelaide is welcoming and multicultural. It is an ideal home away from home.

International students

UniSA welcomes students from around the world. Discover what you can study, how to apply, and our support services.

Accommodation

We offer advice and assistance to help you find long- or short-term accommodation in Adelaide.

Australian students

Phone: +61 8 8302 2376 Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

Phone: +61 8 9627 4854 Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

Adelaide Business School

Higher Degrees By Research

The Adelaide Business School offers research degrees at both the masters and doctorate levels: the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). 

Our programs are benchmarked with other Go8 universities, and our international collaborations in research (UNESCO and OECD reports, TIMSS and PISA studies) introduce broader issues into our theory and practice of education.

If you are interested in accounting, finance and banking, management, marketing or entrepreneurship, then consider furthering your research career with us.

  Find a supervisor

Janin Hetzen

"I came across a scholarship opportunity at the University of Adelaide, I knew I had to apply. The fact that I am writing this here shows that I did get rewarded for 'going for it'. The scholarship was the first and probably most important reason as to why I chose to study at the University of Adelaide. I found great supervisors who shared my research vision and excitement -  they supported me in my decisions and guided me."

Janin Hetzen, Master of Philosophy (Marketing) -  focused on mobile apps and getting young Australians more engaged with their Superannuation.

Institute for International Trade

The Institute for International Trade has more than 15 years’ experience conducting trade-related research in both academic and applied settings.

Our research covers the multilateral trading system, many substantive trade policy issues, and a range of geographies including: the Pacific; East, Southeast, and South Asia; Europe; and sub-Saharan Africa. We focus particularly on developing economies. Our research is anchored in Australian trade policy and negotiations perspectives, yet transcends these as our international team engages with the issues and contexts from a variety of national, cultural, disciplinary, and occupation backgrounds.

Interdisciplinary and policy-oriented research

We currently focus on four cross-cutting policy-oriented research programmes.

Our primary objectives across these research themes are:

• Respond and shape thinking on a range of key ‘over the horizon’ issues shaping the international trade and investment policy landscape from an Australian and wider regional perspective,
• Produce quality academic journal articles and policy-oriented working papers, policy briefs, opinions outputs,
• Provide a focus for our PhD programme,
• Anchor our diversified teaching programmes in real-world issues and the latest academic and policy research in relation to them.

Subsidies and 21st century industrial policy

Reforming the treatment of developing countries at the WTO

Non-tariff barriers, regulatory governance and competitiveness

Trade, technology and security

Jean Monnet Network

Funded under the EU Erasmus Plus Program, the Jean Monnet program funds teaching and research on EU policies and fosters dialogue between academics, decision-makers and civil society actors around the world.

Our extensive research programme affords us multiple insights. Consulting brings together discipline knowledge and practical expertise to conduct research that helps shape public policy, facilitates wider and more effective participation in trade and promotes economic development.

Consulting services

Interested in becoming a research student?

Our Higher Degree Research degree encompasses a diverse range of topics and disciplines, including basic and applied research addressing contemporary trade issues and informing trade policy discussions.  PhD students from a variety of disciplines play a critical role in the development of our rich multidisciplinary research environment.

Register your interest now

Adelaide Nursing School

The Adelaide Nursing School's commitment to impactful research in policy, practice and education, means you are well placed to expand your knowledge and make a real difference to clinical practice, patient care and health outcomes.

Our innovative, progressive and world-class research is built upon strong local, national and international collaborations and informed by a rich mix of learning from health and medical sciences, social science, psychology, innovation and organisational studies.

Through our interdisciplinary research programs and postgraduate degrees, you will work closely with a wide range of stakeholders and research end-users across various clinical areas and patient-centred topics, and benefit from expertise in:

• co-design research
• systematic reviews
• realist evaluation
• observational studies
• randomised controlled and pragmatic trials
• process evaluation
• mixed methods
• qualitative research.

Join us at one of the top-ranked nursing schools in the world; the Adelaide Nursing School is one of only two in Australia to be consistently ranked well above world standard (a maximum rating of 5) in all rounds of the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Our greatest research strengths

The Adelaide Nursing School conducts high quality research across the faculty's areas of inquiry , including surgical and health systems innovation ; Indigenous health and health equity ; translational health outcomes ; and ageing, frailty and mobility .

Core research programs

Our research programs are organised into four key areas:

1. Safe, effective, quality practice

This program focuses on examining practice questions that inform the delivery of evidence-based nursing care in a range of settings. Research will explore the patients/caregivers/families preferences and experiences of the health care system and health care delivery. Outcomes of the research is to address gaps in knowledge evidence and inform safe, effective, quality practice and educational and administrative decision making.

Key research topics/project areas

• Workforce resilience (students and health practitioners)
• Evaluating models of care
• Quality Improvement Initiatives
• Nursing and midwifery research consultant at Northern Adelaide Local Health Network
• Exploring patients experience

Research team

Associate Professor Lynette Cusack  leads the  Safe, effective, quality practice  research program, and has been involved in a wide range of nursing, midwifery and health care policy development, research and education—her contributions include leadership and management, regulation, professional practice development and occupational resilience. Associate Professor Cusack provides practice-based research support to nurses and midwives at a major metropolitan hospital in South Australia, and has previously worked in a range of community health settings, including home nursing, community health centres and drug and alcohol services.

• Principal Lead:  Associate Professor Lynette Cusack
• Adjunct Professor Kristine Gebbie
• Dr Morgan Smith
• Associate Professor Philippa Rasmussen
• Dr Tamara Page
• Adjunct Professor Desley Hegney

2. Improving Aboriginal health care

This program brings together Aboriginal community members and health consumers with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal health professionals, researchers and leaders. We identify gaps in care, and co-design innovative strategies to improve health care approaches, experiences and outcomes. Our projects involve urban, rural and remote health care settings across South Australia, national and international locations.

• Increasing cultural safety in health care practice and education
• Patient journey and health journey mapping
• Improving Aboriginal kidney care
• Indigenous governance
• Identifying and addressing complex care needs
• Addressing institutional racism and actively decolonising research processes

Dr Janet Kelly  leads the  Improving Aboriginal health care  research   program, and has co-developed a range of Aboriginal patient journey and health journey mapping tools for quality improvement, cultural safety, education and training. Dr Kelly also co-leads the AKction: Aboriginal Kidney Care Together- Improving Outcomes Now project with Dr Kim O’Donnell and a team of Aboriginal patient experts (Aboriginal people with lived experience of kidney disease), and kidney care and research experts. This project has four nested sub-studies: Indigenous governance, kidney journey mapping, peer support, and cultural safety. Emerging projects are focusing on Indigenous student recruitment and retention, and embedding cultural safety into health care training and education. An increasing number of health professionals and students are working collaboratively on projects within this program. 

• Principal Lead:  Dr Janet Kelly
• Dr Kim O’Donnell
• Melissa Arnold-Chamney
• Nari Sinclair 
• Rhanee Lester 
• Penny Smith  

3. Innovations in learning and teaching

Educational research in the Adelaide Nursing School includes a broad range of pedagogical theory and scholarship. Importantly, this program of research is tied closely to practice issues that impact the education of nurses from undergraduate to postgraduate and senior staff. The goal of the  Innovations in learning and teaching  group is to more clearly understand how innovation in educational practice can improve nursing care and outcomes. 

Education research includes projects and studies directed to:

• scholarship of learning and teaching
• connecting education with clinical outcomes
• curriculum design and renewal
• evaluation research

Associate Professor Frank Donnelly  who  is the Dean and Head of School, leads the  Innovations in learning and teaching  research program.  The group has a range of connections with local and national investigators in health. In addition to being experienced clinicians, the majority of group members are also education specialists. This classification affords them contact with researchers and scholars from many other disciplines; an opportunity that continues to build the breadth and awareness of education research.

• Principal Lead:  Associate Prof Frank Donnelly
• Paul McLiesh
• Dr David Foley

How to get started in research

If you want to challenge yourself and potentially pursue a career in research, but aren’t sure where to start, consider applying for our  Honours Degree of Bachelor of Nursing .

The honours program enables you to research an area of personal interest, and develop the skills required for postgraduate study at a higher level (see below). You’ll undertake a research project, prepare a report for publication, and—in the process—acquire a potential point of difference in the eyes of employers. Find out more about  applying for honours  within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.

Postgraduate nursing research degrees

Master of clinical science.

The Master of Clinical Science   can be completed as a 100% research degree, or a combination of research and coursework. To undertake this degree, you’ll need to be a clinician with at least two years’ experience, and an interest in conducting high-quality, clinically-focused research.

Doctor of Nursing

The Doctor of Nursing  is a professional research degree, designed for experienced registered nurses. If applying, you should be highly motivated to become a research-active practitioner and, ultimately, a clinical and professional leader. You’ll find the program particularly suitable if you are currently a charge nurse, unit director, clinical nurse specialist, advanced practitioner or nurse consultant.

The Doctor of Nursing comprises three years’ full-time (or equivalent part-time) research in an area of your personal interest, and the presentation of this research as a thesis. You’ll be required to make a significant and original contribution to knowledge through research.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the basic qualification for a research career or academic position. You don’t need to be a registered nurse to undertake the PhD, but you must have studied a relevant bachelor’s degree with at least a second-class honours (upper division) or relevant master’s degree containing a significant research component.

Through the PhD, you will develop the capacity to conduct independent, original research and make a significant original contribution to knowledge in nursing. It involves two to four years of research full-time (or part-time equivalent).

Ready to take the next step?

You’ll find full admission requirements for each of these degrees in the University’s  Graduate Centre Academic Program Rules .

Then, to apply for one of our higher degrees by research, visit the  Adelaide Graduate Centre . If you have any queries, contact  [email protected] .

Adelaide Law School

Higher Degrees by Research

Are you interested in shaping the way we approach some of the pressing issues facing the world of tomorrow?

Think of any issue facing humanity today; the law either has or will have an impact on it. From the environment to the use of artificial intelligence, driverless cars, missions to space, the human genome and marriage equality, so much of the world we live in has a legal dimension.

The Adelaide Law School offers research degrees at both the masters and doctorate levels: the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and the Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD). 

Through undertaking a Higher Degree by Research in Law you will have a valuable opportunity to work alongside leading experts and develop new approaches to cutting-edge legal problems. The Adelaide Law School is highly regarded in the quality of its research output, providing you with a pathway to become a highly credentialed expert in a specific field of law, and opening doors to a range of career options across the private sector, government, or academia.

Our programs are benchmarked with other Go8 universities, and our international collaborations in research introduce broader issues (UNESCO and OECD reports, TIMSS and PISA studies) into our theory and practice of education. 

Find a supervisor    Discover our strengths

Damian Etone, PhD Law graduate

"As an International student, what really stood out for me was the well-structured nature of the PhD programme and the various support programs available to researchers. I found Adelaide University to be a place where international students can thrive and produce quality research output."

Damian Etone,  PhD Law graduate - focused on examining state engagement with the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review Mechanism, from an African regional perspective.

School of Architecture and Civil Engineering

Design Research

Design research encompasses the methods and outputs of investigations that contribute to new knowledge through the creation of design projects in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Design. 

The home of design research at the University of Adelaide is the Design Research Collective (DRC). The DRC aims to develop a community of designers whose research not only raises the quality of debate around the built environment but also engages in its production. Activities include support for PhD by Design candidates, including the testing and dissemination of their work through the biannual DRC Colloquium. 

Our research

DRC researchers are working on a range of design-focus research projects that include: 

• Epistemological processes of spatial thinking in practice 
• Design research pedagogy and methods 
• Designing for adaptive reuse 

Learn more about our research experts

Lead researchers in this area are currently focused on.

• Landscapes of agricultural tourism ( Dr Jo Russell-Clarke ) 
• Emotive cognition and analytic synthesis in design ( Dr Urs Bette ) 
• Inner city densification and sustainable models of growth ( Dr Jo Russell-Clarke  &  Dr Urs Bette ) 
• Site-related production of architectural character and space ( Dr Urs Bette ) 
• 'Form as space' and 'form as meaning' ( Dr Urs Bette ) 
• Biodiversity positive design research ( Dr Scott Hawken ) 
• Miniforest design research ( Dr Scott Hawken ) 
• Applied design and fabrication research ( Dr David Kroll ) 

Our research units and groups working in this area

The design research collective (drc), researchers in this cluster.

• Dr Urs Bette  
• Dr Jo Russell-Clarke  
• Dr Scott Hawken  
• Dr David Kroll  
• Ms Mirai Morita  

Partner with us

Collaborate with our world-class researchers, academics and highly sought after higher degree students. 

Clinician PhD Pathway (CPP)

The Clinician PhD Pathway (CPP) is a structured and supported career development opportunity for doctors pursuing a pathway as a future clinician researcher.

The CPP has been designed to support doctors to complete a PhD whilst undertaking their specialist training to build the future leaders of clinical innovation and research.

Within this flexible 5-year supported pathway, participants will receive highly-regarded mentorship, guidance and expert advice from experienced clinical researchers to assist and support them through their PhD.

Year one candidates commenced the pathway in February 2024.

Pathway timeline

Associate Professor Scott Clark is the Head of the Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide. He leads Adelaide University’s Psychiatry teaching and research programs and works as an Adult Community Psychiatrist in the Central Adelaide Local Health Network.

He is Principal Investigator for multiple national and international clinical trials in psychosis, mood, and autism and for the NHMRC PRE-EMPT Centre for Research Excellence in Psychosis Prediction in collaboration with Orygen and Melbourne University.

He is also a Committee Member of the Australian Early Psychosis Collaborative Consortium (AEPCC) Clinical Trials and Translation Network, Member of Executive Committee for the Mental Health Australia General Clinical Trial Network (MAGNET) and Co-chair of the fluid biomarkers working group of the NIMH AMP-Schizophrenia consortium.

CPP mentors

Professor michael p brown.

Professor Michael Brown is the Director of Cancer Clinical Trials at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and is the Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Adelaide.

Michael’s tumour speciality is in melanoma and lung cancer. His major research interests are in preclinical and clinical development of chimeric antigen receptor technology and therapeutic arming and targeting of monoclonal antibodies.

Michael originally trained as a dual-diploma clinical and laboratory immunologist before becoming a consultant medical oncologist at the Royal Adelaide Hospital Cancer Centre in 1998. His PhD was in gene therapy and cancer immunotherapy.

Associate Professor Lee-anne Chapple

Associate Professor Lee-anne Chapple is a clinical dietitian with experience across the healthcare sector including rehabilitation, acute and critical care, private and public, and regional and metropolitan, and tertiary education experience at the University of Canberra.

Lee-anne has been the Critical Care Dietitian at the Royal Adelaide Hospital for the past 4 years, as well as being the Clinical Researcher and Associate Professor at the University of Adelaide.

Lee-anne’s research interest are Intensive Care, Nutrition & Dietetics and Nutritional Physiology. She successfully leads the Intensive Care Nutrition Program at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Associate Professor Sunita De Sousa

Associate Professor Sunita De Sousa is clinical and academic endocrinologist with expertise in pituitary endocrinology and endocrine genetics. Sunita is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Adelaide and a Staff Specialist in Endocrinology and Genetics at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Sunita’s postdoctoral research focuses on monogenic diabetes, hereditary pancreatitis, and endocrine tumours. She is the founding member of EndoGen, a national framework of endocrine genetic centres which has led to Australia’s first national endocrine genetics MDT meeting.

Associate Professor Arthas Flabouris

Associate Professor Arthas Flabouris is a staff specialist for the Intensive Care unit and Clinical Lead for the Medical Emergency Response Service at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, with a conjoint appointment with the Faculty of Health Sciences and University of Adelaide as clinical Associate Professor.

Arthas has collaborated with large research groups from the Simpson Centre for Health Service Innovation, University of New South Wales and the Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Clinical Trials Group.

Professor Catherine Hill

Professor Catherine Hill is a clinical Rheumatologist, Epidemiologist, and an expert in evidence-based healthcare.

Catherine is the head of the Rheumatology unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and holds multiple professional roles, including President of the Australia Rheumatology Association and Medical Director of Arthritis SA. Catherine was awarded the Parr Prize for Outstanding Rheumatology Research by the Australia Rheumatology Association in 2022. 

Associate Professor Adam Nelson

Associate Professor Adam Nelson is a cardiologist at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, who recently completed clinical cardiology training at Monash University. Adam is an early career clinical academic and Associate Professor across CALHN and the University of Adelaide, with interests in preventive cardiology, personalized medicine and implementation science. 

After completing medical school at the University of Adelaide, Adam then completed his FRACP at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Adam completed a BMedSc honours degree and a PhD evaluating vascular function and risk assessment. Adam then embarked on a combined MBA and MPH through Laureate Universities with major subjects in epidemiology, implementation science and clinical trial methods undertaken at Duke University, while pursuing a 2-year post-doctoral appointment at the Duke Clinical Research Institute.

Associate Professor Tarik Sammour

Associate Professor Tarik Sammour is a colorectal surgeon at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, and an Associate Professor at the University of Adelaide, as well as an honorary appointment at SAHMRI. For the past 6 years Tarik has been the research lead for the Colorectal Research Group with multiple successful clinical PhD’s in the program.

Tarik’s research interests are cancer therapy/biology & clinical oncology, surgery and patient-centred outcome based clinical trials in colorectal surgery.

Associate Professor Josephine (Jo) Thomas

Associate Professor Jo Thomas is a Specialist General Physician at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, including the Director of Physician Education and Clinical Associate Professor for the University of Adelaide.

Jo completed a PhD in Medical Education in 2020 and is an active clinical educator. Her research interests include Education, Medical and Health Sciences as well as Pharmacology and Pharmacy. Jo was awarded the Excellence in Teaching (level C) by the Executive Dean at the University of Adelaide in 2016, as well as her recognition by the Australian Medical Council in 2018.

Associate Professor David Yeung

Associate Professor David Yeung is a clinical and laboratory haematologist with a special interest in acute and chronic leukaemia. David is a consultant haematologist at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, a clinical research fellow for SAHMRI and an appointment as a clinical senior lecturer at the University of Adelaide Medical School.

David has served as chair on the Disease Group, and on the Scientific Advisory Committee of the ALLG. He has run the Asia Pacific Clinical Training Research Institute, sponsored by the American Society of Haematology whilst in Hanoi.

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Researcher Profiles

Professor Richard Logan

Dean and Head of School of Dentistry

Adelaide Dental School

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.

Richard Logan is the Dean and Head of the Adelaide Dental School as well as Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at The University of Adelaide. He is also Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist at Clinpath Laboratories SA.

He qualified in Dentistry in 1992 and as a Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist in 1997. In 1999 he was awarded the Inaugural Princess of Wales/Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Research Fellowship during which he was involved in various projects relating to oral side effects of oncology treatment. It was through this work that he became involved with the Mucositis Research Group and subsequently enrolled part-time in a PhD program in 2003 under the supervision of Professor Dorothy Keefe (Division of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide) and Professor Stephen Sonis (Division of Oral Medicine, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, USA). He completed his PhD in 2008. The focus of his research has been chemotherapy-induced mucositis, particularly relating to the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the development of mucositis throughout the alimentary tract as well as comparing the effects of different cytotoxic drugs on the development of mucositis. He completed his Fellowship examination in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology within the Faculty of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) in 2007.

As well as his wide involvement with undergraduate students he is actively involved in post-graduate education. He has supervised students undertaking Master of Dental Science and Doctorate of Clinical Dentistry programs at the School of Dentistry, The University of Adelaide as well as several Higher Degree by Research Masters and PhD students.

He is a member of the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer/International Society of Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO) and is a Past President of the ISOO. He is a past Chair of the Faculty of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Committee, RCPA; he is the current Chief Examiner in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology for the College. Furthermore, he is a member of the International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, and is a Fellow of the International Academy of Oral Oncology. His contributions to the dental profession have been recognised through being invited to be a Fellow of both the Pierre Fauchard Academy and the International College of Dentists.

• Publications
• Supervision
• Professional Activities

Appointments

Awards and achievements, postgraduate training, research interests, book chapters, conference papers, conference items.

Undergraduate teaching

• BDS program, BOH program

Postgraduate teaching

• Program/discipline lead, DClinDent program Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)

Past higher degree by research supervision (university of adelaide), board memberships, committee memberships, editorial boards.

• Position: Dean and Head of School of Dentistry
• Phone: 83133066
• Email: [email protected]
• Campus: North Terrace
• Building: Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences, floor 10
• Org Unit: Dental School Administration

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External Profiles

Degree Finder

Doctor of Medicine

• N/A Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR
• International Entry Requirements

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Complete your medical journey

Building on the foundation laid in our Bachelor of Medical Studies , the Doctor of Medicine will complete your training as a practice-ready doctor. The Medical program at the University of Adelaide has a six-year full-time duration which leads to the awards of Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine. Entry to the Doctor of Medicine is based on completion of the Bachelor of Medical Studies at the University of Adelaide.

What will you do?

This masters-level degree has a dual emphasis on high-level clinical and research skills.

You will undertake multiple placements in diverse settings, including primary care, rural hospitals, outreach clinics and more. And you’ll be encouraged to broaden your horizons by doing at least one placement interstate and/or overseas.

You’ll do internship rotations in medicine, emergency medicine, surgery and psychiatry, and have the opportunity to explore a discipline of particular interest in greater depth.

In the area of research, you’ll conduct two key projects in consultation with world-class University of Adelaide researchers: a minor project in year one, and major in year three.

You’ll graduate with the knowledge, skills and insight to:

• Formulate and implement patients’ health management plans in consultation with other health professionals, patients, carers and communities
• promote and optimise individuals’ and populations’ health and welfare
• deliver safe, effective, collaborative and evidence-based health care.

You will also have a solid grounding in the non-clinical aspects of a medical career, such as practice management, entrepreneurship and working with industry. And you’ll have a firm grasp of medicine’s future, including the exciting possibilities of AI, gene therapy and personalised medicine.

Where could it take you?

Upon graduation you will have the confidence and capability to enhance health and wellbeing anywhere in the world. You could join a thriving metropolitan GP clinic. You might strengthen a busy regional hospital’s consulting team. Perhaps you’ll help close the health gap in Indigenous communities.

• Ranked #71 globally for Clinical and Health*
• Ranked #92 globally for Life Sciences and Medicine^
• 110 weeks of clinical placements across the medical program

* Times Higher Education World Rankings by Subject, 2024. ^ World University Rankings by Subject, 2023. 

Entry Requirements

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This program does not accept direct entry applications. It is only available to students who have successfully completed the Bachelor of Medical Studies at the University of Adelaide. If you wish to apply for the Bachelor of Medical Studies , please refer to the Admissions Guide .

Domestic applicants

Selection criteria, international applicants, english language requirements, academic entry requirements, fees and scholarships.

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program. I am a:

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship .

More information on International Student tuition fees .

The University is committed to providing educational opportunities for international students and has a range of scholarships available.

For further details, please visit: International Scholarships .

In addition to scholarships provided by the University, there may be other scholarships available funded by industry and generous donors. These are available to both new students and current students. When looking at those available, take the time to discover what opportunities may suit you or the degree you are studying.

To discover more: Scholarships .

Career Readiness

Upon completion of the medical degree, graduates are required to apply for provisional registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Provisional registration is required to undertake a 12 month internship which provides supervised clinical experience in an approved hospital. After successful completion of the internship, graduates are eligible to apply to AHPRA for general registration, allowing them to practise in Australia and New Zealand. Internships are separate from the medical degree and the University of Adelaide does not facilitate internship placements. It is current practice that SA Health guarantees an intern placement for South Australian commonwealth-supported medical graduates. International medical graduates may need to complete an intern placement in their home country. Further information regarding internship allocations can be found on the SA Health Careers and SA Medical Education and Training website. Adelaide Medical School graduates are well regarded in the industry for their knowledge and experience, and are in demand for positions in public hospitals, private practice, public health, teaching, clinical research, aid organisations, the defence forces and more. The full, wide range of medical career paths and options become apparent as students’ progress through the degree.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Industry Placement

• AHPRA student registration (undertaken on the student's behalf)
• criminal history clearance and a national police clearance
• immunisation 
• prescribed communicable infections screening
• tuberculosis screening.

Professional Accreditation

Potential careers.

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Medical Researcher;  Medical Scientist;  Physiologist;  Coroner;  Psychiatrist;  Immunologist;  Doctor / Medical Practitioner;  Surgeon

Degree Structure

The Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine is an integrated program. Combined, these degrees will equip you with the knowledge, skills and attributes that will enable you to practice as a medical doctor safely and effectively. Throughout all six years, there is a strong emphasis on scenario-based learning, evidence-based decision making and professional practice. You will learn in South Australia’s premier health education precinct, the Adelaide BioMed City, situated next door to the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. You will be part of the eco-system of education, research and clinical care working together to create better health outcomes for individuals and communities. You will practice and refine your skills in our world-leading simulation facilities, the only simulation facilities in Australasia with accreditation by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare for excellence in learning and teaching. You will be taught by practising clinicians who are leaders in their field and learn from the best of the best. Whilst you get clinical experience throughout the early years of the medical program, the final three years under the Doctor of Medicine are structured to ensure you are ready for the workforce and ready to practice as a medical doctor. The Doctor of Medicine utilises situated learning during supervised clinical placements and parallel consulting to facilitate the development of clinical skills in history taking, physical examination, advanced communication, clinical diagnostic reasoning, patient consultation, and management. These clinical placements will occur across a range of primary care, rural, community-based, outreach, allied health, research institutes, regional and tertiary hospital settings, where you are an integral member of the health care team. Building on what started in the Bachelor of Medical Studies, in year 4 you will continue to build your research skills, but a major focus will be the commencement of the full-time clinical placement. In year 5, you will have the opportunity to choose from continuing to undertake a full-time clinical placement in Adelaide or undertake an extended longitudinal rural placement based in one of our six rural clinical sites. In year 6, you will undertake a nine-week research placement and nine-weeks of elective professional placements. During the professional placement, you will have the option to choose the discipline of medicine most appealing—this placement may be undertaken locally, interstate or overseas.

Related Degrees

• Bachelor of Medical Studies
• Bachelor of Dental Surgery
• Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences
• Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences (Advanced)
• Bachelor of Nursing
• Bachelor of Oral Health
• Bachelor of Psychological Science
• Honours Degree of Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences

Testimonial

The most exciting thing about the Master of Biostatistics is learning specialised skills from top biostatisticians in Australia which help us advise investigators on planning medical research effectively, from the early stages to implementation.

Gabriella Lincoln

Master of Biostatistics

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer .

Last updated: Tuesday, 26 Mar 2024

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