Research degrees

Researchers are the ultimate problem solvers, searching for solutions to the world's great challenges. They collaborate globally with like-minded thinkers. And with their optimistic mindset, they believe it's only a matter of time before they find the right answer. Is making a difference your answer?

Why study at ECU?

A 5-star postgrad experience

Our postgraduate students have rated us 5 stars for their overall experience in the latest Good Universities Guide. More 5-star ratings included: skills development, student support and teaching quality.
ECU's global impact

ECU has ranked in the Top 50 for Gender Equality, Health and Wellbeing and Quality Education in the latest THE Impact Rankings as we work towards achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
One of the world's young guns

We're ranked one of the world's best universities under 50 years old, and we've already established a global reputation for such a young institution.

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What's your research dream?

Looking to find a cure, test theories, discover new facts, inform and change policy, or improve culture and society? ECU might be the place for you.

If you're interested in a research degree, we're assuming you already have an idea of your research topic.

That's why, as part of your application, we'll ask you for a 2-page research proposal outlining your research project.

Try to ensure that your research proposal capitalises on the expertise of our key researchers and the areas they are working in.

ECU Research

ECU has a vibrant research community, actively supporting our student and staff researchers. We continually seek opportunities to collaborate with other universities and to work with organisations and businesses to commercialise research outcomes. Learn more about research at ECU.

World-Class Research

ECU research aims to transform the lives of people in global communities. Our work focuses on four themes that recognise our collective expertise and our progressive view of the world.

Explore Research Projects Engage with us

A new roadmap to save Australia's seagrasses 

ECU research maps risks to Australian seagrass meadows, aiding crucial conservation efforts.

Lightning, fire and space: launching the IGNIS project

A collaborative ECU research project is using space technology to study thunderstorms and the lightning strikes that result in fires that can have devastating and deadly consequences in the Australian landscape.

Changing the future of plastic recycling

ECU’s Associate Professor Amir Razmjou is developing next-generation membranes from recycled PVC to process wastewater, minerals, and lithium.

Flexibility and support

Many of our postgraduate students have busy jobs, families and other commitments. It's why we make it as flexible as possible with courses you can study online or part-time.

For students with kids, our campuses provide professionally accredited Childcare centres, and ECU Sports Centres offer short-term crèches.

And when you undertake an ECU postgrad research degree, you'll be strongly supported. This includes a supervisor qualified in your chosen field and a group of peer mentors.

Our Graduate Research Services will also ensure you have professional development and networking opportunities and much more.

Courses

If you're looking to be involved at the cutting edge of your field, our research degrees provide a stimulating intellectual challenge.

For your research degree you'll be expected to produce a written body of researched work, called a thesis.

If your degree is in a creative discipline, you may produce a creative work plus an exegesis (written exploration of your work).

Study courses online

At ECU, we understand that everyone is different.

We all have different work arrangements, family responsibilities, locations and learning styles.

That's why we offer the flexibility of studying many of our postgraduate courses online.

Online students receive our full support, just like their on-campus equivalents. We don't forget you!

Explore your interests

To help you find a course to match your career aspirations, we've grouped broad areas of work into eight study areas. Each study area has disciplines you can explore to find your course.

Scholarship opportunities

Scholarships recognise students whose life journey may have been challenging, as well as people who've shown outstanding academic excellence and endeavour.

Need some help deciding what to study?

Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.

Creative thinkers start here

Experience Research at ECU.

Research projects for students

ECU's eight schools are looking for prospective Honours, Masters by Research, or PhD students to undertake research projects on particular topics.

These may be individual projects, or collaborations with other institutions or industry partners. In some cases, the projects may also include funding opportunities such as scholarships.

Find out more about research project opportunities in ECU schools.

Graduate Research Services

The Graduate Research Services offers free workshops to help you develop new research and professional skills, plus opportunities to network with other researchers.

GRS also organises regular social events to encourage a collaborative and supportive peer network.

Our SOAR Centre (Support Opportunities Advice Resources) also provides a key support service, connecting research students from different backgrounds, cultures, ages and academic disciplines.

Janice Du Preez

PhD candidate, School of Medical & Health Sciences

"Without having the team of SOAR Ambassadors to draw on, I would have thrown in the towel within the first semester. They have been brilliant!"

Do you have any questions about Research degrees?

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Student stories

I have no doubt I came to the right place for my doctoral degree

I chose to do my doctorate here because I found the PhD in Business program at the School of Business and Law to be focused on conducting cutting edge and innovative research in areas that are relevant to the global community. I found my supervisors to be very supportive and dedicated to supervising my research work, they create an enabling learning environment that help me to develop my research skills and competencies.
ECU is a great place to study. It carries this climate of a modern, world-class and ambitious institution. It looks like a place I can achieve my goals and aspirations. I have no doubt I came to the right place.
ECU was the perfect place for me to study

I travelled halfway around the world to investigate why some schools in my native Ghana were better than others – my research at ECU gave me the chance to find some answers.
I hope I can contribute to improve the quality of English teaching in Vietnam

Many Vietnamese universities in general are not resourced sufficiently to carry out research and publish research for a wider audience. Hopefully, with what I have learned, I can make a contribution from my own research and improve the quality of English teaching in my school, as well as in Vietnam.

The Important Things

Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.