Research

UNSW is home to many leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholars, researchers and lecturers. In the disciplines of law, medicine, education, mathematics and many more, our Indigenous researchers are making an impact for communities in Australia and the around the globe. 

UNSW offers an exciting research environment in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and research are supported to thrive. From established researchers who are already making an impact to new Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates, UNSW is the perfect place to start your research journey.

Uluru Youth Summit group photo in Yarrabah

Scholarships

UNSW provides support and scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers.

For PhD and Masters by Research, these scholarships can be up to $50,291 per annum.

 

Contact us for more information.

Post-graduate HDR programs:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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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.

 

Masters by Research (MRes)
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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 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).

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

  • a four year Bachelor 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.

 

Master of Philosophy

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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 Arts, Design & Architecture, Business, Engineering, Medicine, Science and UNSW Canberra.
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.

 

Get help finding a supervisor

Are you thinking about starting your research journey and need a supervisor? See UNSW’s search engine to find a supervisor that fits your interest. If you want to see if there are any Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander supervisors available, contact us.

Find a supervisor 

Contact our academic team

Making a difference – meet UNSW's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholars

"Innovation and ingenuity are a part of our legacy and our history as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, so we should be proud of that and continue it today.” -  Bundjalung man, Jason Sharples – Professor of Bushfire Dynamics at the School of Science,

“My research is about my community, not me.” – Lama Lama, Binthi Warra and Bulgun Warra woman, Marijke Bassani – PhD Candidate


See UNSW Indigenous scholars

Jason Sharples - Bundjalung and UNSW Professor

Indigenous Law Centre

ILC logo


The Indigenous Law Centre (ILC) is an integral part of the life of the UNSW Law and Justice. Established in 1981, the ILC is the only Indigenous law research centre in Australia. The Indigenous Law Centre also produces the Indigenous Law Bulletin and the Australian Indigenous Law Review—the only two journals dedicated specifically to Indigenous legal issues in Australia.

The work of the ILC has been important to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and the Centre has been involved in High Court cases such as Koowarta v Bjelke-Peterson, Mabo v Queensland, and constitutional recognition and reform including the Uluru Statement from the Heart. The Centre has also been involved in international Indigenous rights advocacy such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

While based at UNSW Law and Justice, the ILC is closely linked with the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous.

Indigenous Law Centre

Uluru Statement from the Heart 

The Uluru Statement from the Heart was the culmination of 13 Regional Dialogues with First Nations communities. Issued at the Uluru Constitutional Convention in 2017, 250 delegates called for a Voice to Parliament, enshrined in the constitution, and the establishment of a Makkartta Commission to oversee agreement-making, or treaty, and truth-telling. 

UNSW, through the Indigenous Law Centre (ILC), has led much of the scholarly work on constitutional reform and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The ILC is also home to the Uluru Dialogue, set up by the scholars and community leaders that were involved in the Uluru Dialogues process. 

Uluru Statement

 

Nura Gili logo

 

Nura Gili - Indigenous Studies Research opportunities