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.
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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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
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.
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?
Student stories
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ECU was the perfect place for me to study
I travelled halfway around the world to investigate why some schools in my native Ghana were better than others – my research at ECU gave me the chance to find some answers.
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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.
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I hope I can contribute to improve the quality of English teaching in Vietnam
Many Vietnamese universities in general are not resourced sufficiently to carry out research and publish research for a wider audience. Hopefully, with what I have learned, I can make a contribution from my own research and improve the quality of English teaching in my school, as well as in Vietnam.
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Course Entry
There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.
Fees & Scholarships
Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.
Applying
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
ECU Experience
Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.