Research Opportunities at UNSW 

UNSW offers a supportive and collaborative environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers. From established researchers who are already making an impact, to new Higher Degree by Research candidates, UNSW is the perfect place to start or develop your research profile.

With Indigenous Scientia Fellows and PhD candidates working across a broad range of research expertise, UNSW is a national leader for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers. 

 UNSW provides three specific research opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders:

  1. Scientia Fellowships
  2. Scientia PhD Scholarships
  3. Other HDR opportunities

 

"Decolonising" Indigenous sovereignty with Wiradjuri woman Jessica Russ-Smith

Scientia Building UNSW

 

UNSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientia Fellowships are for outstanding Indigenous researchers with a completed PhD, an established research profile and track record for attracting competitive funding.

The UNSW Scientia Fellowship Program provides the opportunity of a tenure track position with a career pathway commitment offering unprecedented flexibility. These fellowships are for well-established researchers. UNSW offers designated number of priority Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientia Fellowships.

UNSW Indigenous Scientia Fellows have access to a range of development opportunities including career coaching tailored to their level of experience across research, teaching and leadership. Fellows will be mentored and will also develop the skills required to become mentors and research leaders themselves.

The Program also provides a significant financial development and collaboration package over a minimum of four years. See our current Indigenous Scientia Fellows at the bottom the page.

UNSW Indigenous Scientia Fellowship applications are open all year. Express your interest here. 

Kirsten Banks UNSW Scientia PhD

The UNSW Indigenous Scientia PhD Scholarships are for outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PhD candidates to work on research projects that align with both the UNSW 2025 strategy and UNSW Indigenous Strategy.

The UNSW Scientia PhD Scholarship Scheme is part of our dedication to harnessing our cutting-edge research to solve complex problems and improve the lives of people in local and global communities. UNSW has priority Indigenous Scientia Scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates who have a strong commitment to making a difference in the world with demonstrated potential for contributing to the social engagement and/or global impact pillars of the UNSW 2025 Strategy and pillars of UNSW Indigenous Strategy.

Stipend: $42,455 (for four years); Tuition: Fees covered; Career Development: up to $10,000

Applicants are required to express their interest in a specific research area with an identified supervisory team. Expressions of interest are open all year for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates – enquire today. 

Above image: Wiradjuri woman and Scientia PhD candidate, Kirsten Banks. 

UNSW also provide national-leading support and scholarships for non-Scientia stream Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers.

For PhD and Masters of Research this support can be up to $42,000 per annum.

UNSW Research Programs:

See what different Higher Degree Research (HDR) programs are on offer at UNSW. 

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) requires completion of a piece of research that demonstrates a significant and original contribution to knowledge in the field of study.

Candidates acquire advanced specialist research training and produce a thesis that provides evidence for independent thought, critical analysis, and expert knowledge of the discipline in an international context. In some disciplines, creative work may form part of the thesis View the Graduate Attributes and Learning Outcomes for this program 

 

 

Availability

Offered in all Faculties

Duration

 

 

3-4 years (full time)

Minimum commitment of 35-40 hours per week

8 years (part time)

Minimum commitment of 15 hours per week

Assessment

A thesis of no more than 100,000 words

Learning Outcomes

View the Graduate Attributes and Learning Outcomes for this program here. 

Entry requirements

The minimum requirement for admission to a PhD is:

  • an appropriate UNSW Bachelor degree with upper second class Honours; or

  • a completed Masters by Research from UNSW with a substantial research component and demonstrated capacity for timely completion of a high quality research thesis; or

  • an equivalent qualification from a tertiary institution as determined by the Faculty Higher Degree Committee (HDC)

The minimum requirement for UNSW Scholarship with admission to a PhD is:

  • a four year Bachelor's degree with Honours Class I from an Australian institution or equivalent research qualification experience. This qualification must be in a field relevant to the proposed area of research.

A Masters by Research (MRes) requires completion of an original piece of research that, given the timeframe, is more limited in scope and nature than that required for a PhD.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate independent thought, mastery of appropriate methodology, enhanced disciplinary knowledge, and analytical skills through the production of their thesis. In some disciplines, creative work may form part of the thesis.  

 

 

Availability

Offered in all Faculties except the Australian School of Business

Duration

 

 

1.5 - 2 years (full time)

Minimum commitment of 35-40 hours per week

4 years (part time)

Minimum commitment of 15 hours per week

Assessment

A thesis of no more than 75,000 words

Learning Outcomes

View the Graduate Attributes and Learning Outcomes for this program here.

Entry requirements

The minimum requirement for admission to a Master by Research is:

  • an appropriate four year degree of UNSW Bachelor degree with lower second honours or higher; or

  • an equivalent qualification from a tertiary institution, as determined by the Faculty Higher Degree Committee (HDC).

  • an equivalent qualification from a tertiary institution as determined by the Faculty Higher Degree Committee (HDC)

The minimum requirement for UNSW Scholarship with admission to a Masters by Research is:

  • • a four year Bachelor's degree with Honours Class I from an Australian institution or equivalent research qualification experience. This qualification must be in a field relevant to the proposed area of research.

 

A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) combines a thesis comprising an original piece of research that is at least 66% of the degree, and compulsory coursework including research training that is relevant to the field of study.

Candidates are expected to produce a thesis that demonstrates independent thought, enhanced disciplinary knowledge, analytical skills, and mastery of appropriate methodology. In some disciplines, creative work may form part of the thesis. 

The Master of Philosophy may provide a pathway to the PhD program.

 

Availability

Currently offered by Art and Design, Arts and Social Sciences, Built Environment, Business, Engineering, Medicine, Science and UNSW Canberra.

Note: if you are interested in the MPhil program offered by Arts and Social Sciences, please visit this page for detailed information about the program.

Duration

 

 

1.5 - 2 years (full time)

Minimum commitment of 35 to 40 hours per week.

4 years (part time)

Minimum commitment of 15-20 hours per week

Assessment

A thesis of no more than 40,000 words

Learning Outcomes

View the Graduate Attributes and Learning Outcomes for this program here. 

Entry requirements

The minimum requirement for admission to a Master of Philosophy is:

  • • an appropriate UNSW Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline at a level specific by the Faculty Higher Degree Committee (HDC); or

  • • an equivalent qualification from a tertiary institution as determined by the Faculty HDC

The minimum requirement for UNSW Scholarship with admission to a Master of Philosophy is:

  • • a four year Bachelor's degree with Honours Class I from an Australian institution or equivalent research qualification experience. This qualification must be in a field relevant to the proposed area of research.

UNSW currently offers two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientia Fellowships per year. As of January 2020, UNSW is accepting applications throughout the year. Express your interest today.

 

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Bundjalung man, Professor Jason Sharples.

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Yawuru woman, Dr Kalinda Griffiths.

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