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Higher Degree by Research

The School of Medical and Health Sciences offers several avenues for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programs.

Master of Medical and Health Science by Research is designed to build on specialised undergraduate degrees and to provide an opportunity for advanced-level study in medical, biomedical, paramedical, allied health and exercise sciences. The maximum candidature is two years (or part-time equivalent).

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an opportunity to pursue a topic you’re passionate about at the highest academic level. A PhD is an independent, supervised research project assessed on the submission of a thesis. Edith Cowan University offers doctoral degrees with flexible study options to support the development of active, engaged researchers. While the maximum candidature is four years, it is strongly recommended that a project is completed in three years (or part-time equivalent).

The Doctor of Philosophy Integrated is a four-year research degree commencing with a structured cohort-based foundation year of research followed by an independent, supervised research project. This degree is suitable for candidates who do not have prior research experience.

The School also offers a Joint PhD Program which allows for PhD candidates to enrol at both ECU and a partner institution at the same time, with the flexibility to move between both institutions.

Online study is available with the Master of Medical and Health Science by Research, Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy (integrated). However, please note not all projects and disciplines are suited to online study.

HDR Information Symposium

Each year the ECU School of Medical and Health Sciences host a HDR Information Symposium for prospective Masters by Research and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students. This event:

  • Introduces attendees to different enrolment and course options and scholarship opportunities
  • Introduces core research areas across the two Schools (including available projects)
  • Provides an avenue to meet potential HDR supervisors from different disciplines
  • Showcases some of the research lab spaces available to ECU HDR students.

Last year the SMHS Early-Mid Career Researcher Committee invited potential students to the FREE 2023 Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Information symposium. It was an opportunity to listen to guest speakers about the HDR journey and have a chat with staff and supervisors.

Check out the research topic videos.

For HDR Information Symposium related enquiries, please contact Dr Brennen Mills (Chair, School of Medical and Health Sciences Early-Mid Career Research Committee)

How to contact a potential supervisor

If you are interested in Higher Degree by Research (HDR) opportunities in the School of Medical and Health Sciences, then we recommend that you first contact a potential supervisor to discuss your research project before applying.

Please review the potential HDR student project opportunities available in the School. The projects list supervisors who may be contacted directly to discuss their research and capacity for supervision.

You may also wish to review the various staff profiles available at the following links:

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Find a scholarship

If you have any further questions regarding research opportunities in the School of Medical and Health Sciences, please contact us at smhsresearch@ecu.edu.au or ECU general enquiries at enquire@ecu.edu.au

For more information about research courses at ECU visit ECU Research Degrees.

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