Study a Higher Degree by Research (HDR)

The main difference between a PhD and MRes is the duration of the study, length of the thesis, and level of originality.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master’s by Research (MRes) are the highest tertiary qualifications in Australia, Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Levels 9 and 10.

HDR students plan and execute an original research project under the mentorship of their supervisory panel, culminating in a body of work (often a thesis) that demonstrates either substantial supervised research or scholarship (for a Masters by Research) or substantial supervised research or scholarship that leads to an original contribution to knowledge (PhD).

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Course structure

• additional training around research integrity, research methods, communication, personal development, and career development
• a research proposal and oral presentation to confirm their candidature
• a second oral presentation midway through their candidature
• a third oral presentation towards the end of their candidature
• a thesis, usually comprising 60,000 to 100,000 words

Instead of a thesis, some candidates may complete a creative output, such as a film, novel, or exhibition, as well as an exegesis or explanation of this work, usually comprising 30,000 to 50,000 words.

Masters by Research (MRes) Course structure

• additional training around research integrity, research methods, communication, personal development, and career development
• a research proposal and oral presentation to confirm their candidature
• a second oral presentation towards the end of their candidature
• a thesis, usually comprising 30,000 to 50,000 words

Instead of a thesis, some candidates may complete a creative output, such as a film, novel, or exhibition, as well as an exegesis or explanation of this work, usually comprising 15,000 to 25,000 words.

Domestic students

Domestic candidates incur no fees if they complete their degree within the allocated time. Candidates may also be eligible to receive a living allowance while they complete the research project. Learn more about domestic scholarships.

International students

International candidates often pay fees to undertake a research degree at CDU. However, if their record is especially strong, they might receive a fee waiver or even an additional living allowance while they complete the research project. Learn more about international scholarships.

To be eligible for entry to a PhD you should have completed either:

• a Bachelor Honours degree with first class or second class honours division A
• a Masters qualification which contains a substantial research component.

To be eligible for entry to a MRes you should have completed either:

• a Bachelor Honours degree with first class or second class honours
• a Masters by Coursework or Extended Masters which contains a substantial research component.

Please note research experience in the form of publications or creative outputs may be used to increase an honours score or honours equivalency—contact the HDR Team for further guidance.

Finding an appropriate supervisor is the key moment in summoning a successful PhD candidature. CDU ensures that students are supported by a principal supervisor and a panel of experts, including, where relevant, industry professionals spanning from civil engineering to GLAMS (galleries, libraries, archives and museums).

• If you have not already developed a project outline here is a list of projects that CDU academics are willing to supervise.
• If you have not identified a supervisor, please skim our supervisor profiles , or for more comprehensive information, visit our Research Webportal

As part of the application process, you must provide written confirmation from a CDU supervisor that they are willing to supervise your proposed project.

Whether you are developing your own research project or joining an available project, you must write a brief research outline (1500-1700 words or 3-4 pages) on the proposed research project.  Your outline should include the project title, general field of research, proposed principal supervisor, brief description, ethical considerations, resource implications, fieldwork requirements, and any other relevant issues to the research.

Financial support for research degrees are available, including scholarships for living expenses (often called a stipend) and a tuition fee offset, which enables you to focus full-time on your research project.

• CDU offers a number of different competitive scholarship schemes for domestic research students. To find out more about these scholarships or to apply for a research scholarship, please visit the CDU Research Scholarship page
• For external scholarship opportunities, please visit the Scholarship Finder page.
• You can also contact our Scholarships team for enquiries regarding CDU external scholarships.

The online application process allows you to attach the relevant documents to your application. The following forms and documents are required to be submitted:

• Certified copies of all post-secondary qualification documents such as transcripts of results, award certificates, grading systems, and English translations, if required
• Research Project Outline (1500-1700 words or 3-4 pages)
• Proof of Citizenship
• Detailed CV / Resume with a list of publications
• Two referee reports should be completed via this Referee Report Form
• Supervisor’s confirmation in writing (e.g. email correspondence)
• Other supporting documentation, if applicable

To be eligible for entry to a PhD you should have completed either:

• a Bachelor Honours degree with first class or second class honours division A
• a Masters qualification which contains a substantial research component.

To be eligible for entry to a MRes you should have completed either:

• a Bachelor Honours degree with first class or second class honours
• a Masters by Coursework or Extended Masters which contains a substantial research component.

Please note research experience in the form of publications or creative outputs may be used to increase an honours score or honours equivalency—contact the HDR Team for further guidance.

A minimum IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0, or an equivalent English proficiency test result is required for entry into a Higher Degree by Research at CDU. However, please refer to the entry requirements page for more information on the forms for demonstrating English language proficiency.

Identifying a supervisor and a project is a crucial step before applying for admission into a research degree at CDU:

• If you have not already developed a project outline here is a list of projects that CDU academics are willing to supervise.
• If you have not identified a supervisor, please skim our supervisor profiles , or for more comprehensive information, visit our Research Webportal

As an international candidate you are required to pay tuition fees to undertake a research degree at CDU. However, if your record is especially strong, you might be eligible to receive a tuition fee waiver or even an additional living allowance, while completing the research project. 

Learn more about international scholarships

Whether you are developing your own research project or joining an available project, you must write a brief research outline (1500-1700 words or 3-4 pages) on the proposed research project.  Your outline should include the project title, general field of research, proposed principal supervisor, brief description, ethical considerations, resource implications, fieldwork requirements, and any other relevant issues to the research.

The online application process allows you to attach the relevant documents to your application. The following forms and documents are required to be submitted:

• Certified copies of all post-secondary qualification documents such as transcripts of results, award certificates, grading systems, and English translations, if required
• Research Project Outline (1500-1700 words or 3-4 pages)
• Proof of English language proficiency – please visit our Entry Requirement page for more information: https://www.cdu.edu.au/international/how-apply/entry-requirements
• Copy of passport showing personal and visa details
• Detailed CV / Resume with a list of publications
• Two referee reports should be completed via this online form. 
• A well-written Statement of Purpose (Single) or Statement of Purpose (Family)
• Supervisor’s confirmation in writing (e.g. email correspondence)
• Other supporting documentation, if applicable

There is no application fee when you apply online.

• Higher Degree by Research degrees are categorised as either low-cost or high-cost fields of education. 
• Applicants can select either low-cost or high-cost during the application process; however, these costs are determined upon approval for an offer of admission. 
• There is no difference in the entry requirements or documents required for a full application.

What is a PhD by Prior Publication?

The PhD by Prior Publication (PPP) is a mode of doctorate that recognizes prior academic publications. With a Charles Darwin University (CDU) supervisor, a student shapes these publications for the award of a doctoral degree.

The two parts of a PPP

The PPP has two parts: 

1. The contextual statement that explains the original contribution to knowledge that is developed through these publications.
2. A selection of publications. At least eight and up to twenty publications can be presented. They must be nested into a cluster of knowledge.

Students enrol at CDU between 6 and 12 months and full-time and part-time enrolments are available.

Higher Degree by Research have changed, and are now available online

• Students and supervisors can be located anywhere in the world 
• Weekly meetings are held via Teams or Zoom 
• Feedback is delivered digitally 
• Charles Darwin University (CDU) Library provides full online services and support 
• Milestone events are delivered and assessed digitally 
• Thesis are sent to examiners digitally

What is a Cotutelle?

A Cotutelle Doctoral Degree refers to a doctoral degree program that is undertaken jointly at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and another international higher education institution. A PhD student (domestic or international) is supervised jointly by academics from both institutions. 

The candidature is divided between CDU and the partner institution, spending a minimum of 12 months at each university. Upon successful completion of a PhD students will also be awarded two parchments, one from each institution. CDU can either be the home institution (where the student spends the majority of their time) or the host institution.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a cotutelle doctoral degree a student will need to be:

• Admitted to a doctoral degree at your home institution 
• A full-time student • Within the first year of your PhD 
• Have the support of your home institution's principal supervisor, and 
• Have identified a potential supervisor at the host institution

Timeframes

Due to the detailed nature of cotutelle arrangements, it can take up to three months to develop an agreement and gain approval.

Benefits of a Cotutelle PhD

Benefits for Students 

• Exposure to diverse international educational environments 
• Increased professional networks 
• Enhanced career opportunities 
• Access to different infrastructure and research expertise

Benefits for Supervisors

• Enhancing current research collaborations 
• Developing broader research programmes 
• Increasing professional networks 
• Understanding innovative research perspectives extending the global impact of research