ISSR offers a diverse range of higher degree research projects.

Once you have checked your eligibility to undertake a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Philosophy (MPhil) at UQ, follow the steps below to start your journey. Any questions on eligibility can be directed to the Graduate School Liaison Officer.

Step 1: Find a project and confirm support from an ISSR research advisor.

• Browse the ISSR researchers and their available list of projects. If you have a project in mind, you are welcome to reach out to our ISSR researchers to discuss your idea.
• Contact potential advisors by email with a rough description of your proposed research project, your academic CV, and past academic transcripts.
• Confirm support from an ISSR research advisor.

Step 2: Develop a full research proposal of 3,000 to 5,000 words

• Research aims: Which broad research question(s) will your thesis aim to answer?
• Research significance: How is your proposed project important? What makes the project innovative?
• Relevant literature: What does the current literature say in relation to your research question? How will your thesis add to or complement the existing body of work on your topic? How are you building on, advancing, or applying the existing literature?
• Approach and methodology: What concepts, theories, methods, and data sources will you use to address your research question(s)?
• References: Include a full list of references cited in the proposal.

Step 3: Apply

• All applications are managed through the UQ Graduate School website. Once you have secured support from your ISSR research advisor and gathered your documents, start your application through the UQ Graduate School portal.

Step 4: Review

• Your application will be reviewed by the ISSR Higher Degree by Research Committee and the UQ Graduate School.
• The UQ Graduate School will make a final assessment and decision on your application.
• Approval by the UQ Graduate School does not guarantee that you will be successful in obtaining a scholarship.

UQ offers a range of scholarships for Higher Degree by Research students. Make sure you check scholarship round application deadlines and outcome dates before applying and also check the UQ Scholarships page for more information.