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?

Creative thinkers made here.

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.

ECUResearch

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 

New ECU research has mapped risks to Australian seagrass meadows that underscore and assist in the crucial task of conservation.

Changing the future of plastic recycling

New research from ECU Associate Professor Amir Razmjou is developing a new generation of membranes from recycled PVC that will allow the processing of wastewater, minerals, and even lithium.

How a quick scan can detect dementia risk

New research from ECU shows that common bone density scans can also reveal plaque build-up in the abdominal aorta - which researchers have found is a reliable marker for developing dementia.

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.

Wednesday, 29 January

International One to One Appointments

Time:4:00pm Venue:Mount Lawley Campus

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 definitely recommend conducting an industry-based PhD at ECU.

Conducting my PhD in Sports Science with ECU and the West Coast Eagles has allowed me to create great networks at the university and within the industry. ECU has a fantastic group of staff supporting postgraduate students with up skilling sessions, webinars, and extra advice sessions to ensure students receive the help they need.
Writing, rewriting and more rewriting!

The skills I have learnt while studying the Integrated PhD have assisted with my research proposal, literature reviews, data analysis and grant writing.
My ethics application helped with recruitment of participants and surveys. I've also learnt how to develop and analyse complex surveys. I've attended many workshops run by GRS and found them invaluable. And the GRS SOAR centre helped when I experienced issues designing my surveys.
In the future I want to work with developers and government, and continue writing and teaching about the importance of nature to human health.
Every step I've taken has been a new learning experience

The journey at ECU has been wonderful. Every step I've taken has been a new learning experience. I appreciate all the learning support that ECU provides for HDR students, including the research supervisors, the facilitated seminars and the SOAR peer advisors that provide continuous support in completing our projects.

The Important Things

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