RESEARCH

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Research at the University of Tasmania (UTAS)

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As the fourth oldest university in Australia, with over 21,000 students and 23 Institutes, research centres and centres of excellence across three campuses, the University of Tasmania has established a long tradition of excellence and diversity. It is known for its distinctive teaching programs and strong research capabilities in the areas of science, engineering and technology; Antarctic studies, maritime studies; business; law; education; humanities and social sciences; creative arts; and health sciences. Our graduates take their rightful places in positions the world over.

There are currently 1200 graduate research students at UTAS earning the institution a five star ranking in the proportion of graduate research students enrolled.  It also holds four star ratings in the areas of research grants and research intensivity (Good Universities Guide 2009, derived from DEEWR and ARC data).

What is a Graduate Research Degree

A Graduate Research Degree provides candidates with an opportunity to undertake focussed research under supervision for several years in order to make a significant contribution within their chosen research area. During this time candidates also develop high level research skills and attitudes. They participate in a knowledge-based community within an academic environment, and they have the opportunity to attend conferences, publish through academic journals, and develop networks and partnerships locally and internationally.

Assessment is usually based on a single piece of written work, a thesis, on the methodology and results of the research undertaken, or an exegesis accompanied by an exhibition, or performance or composition in the case of music.

Research graduates become recognised experts in their fields and further opportunities are found in academia, research and development, industry, and publication or commercialisation of their research. They will be likely to contribute to their local community as experts, and be called upon by media for comment in matters of public interest.

Types of Graduate Research Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
This degree is the highest level university qualification and is generally the basis for an academic career. It is conducted over three to four years of independent but supervised research that aims to make a new contribution to the chosen discipline. Assessment is by an externally examined 80,000 word thesis, or equivalent.

Doctorate – Professional
A qualification designed to extend industry and professional practice in a chosen area, this degree involves three years of specialised professional learning that aims to advance knowledge and practice. It is supported by coursework and includes a research component resulting in the production of an externally examined 80,000 word thesis.   The Doctorate is offered in Psychology and Education and generally to candidates with long experience in the field in which they wish to undertake study.

Master by Research
This degree provides candidates with the opportunity to extend learning beyond former qualifications and professional experience, and may articulate to a PhD. It comprises one to two years of independent research and may contain a small coursework component (often on Research Methodology). The Master by Research is assessed by an externally examined 30,000 word thesis, or equivalent.

Requirements for entry to research at UTAS

Masters degree by research: 
Admission is normally granted on the basis of a Bachelor degree with first or second class Honours.

Doctor of Philosophy:
Admission to doctoral candidature is normally granted on the basis of a Bachelor degree with first class or second class upper division Honours, or a Masters degree by research.  Masters degree by coursework programs with Honours or those that include a substantial research component leading to a written report may also be acceptable.

Other qualifications and/or research publications may be considered for entry if the Head of School can certify that the qualifications are at least equivalent to the relevant Honours standard at the University of Tasmania. An example of qualifications that may be accepted is a Bachelor degree of several years standing, together with research experience and publications. Where entry is sought based on alternative qualifications, a key requirement is that there has been some research activity leading to a thesis or equivalent publications.

All potential applicants are advised to read the Rules and Procedures of Graduate Research prior to submitting as application for candidature.

Scholarships

Scholarships for international students undertaking graduate research degrees are available through a scheme called Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (EIPRS). EIPRS are available to applicants from eligible countries as defined by the Commonwealth Government and cover tuition fees (normally 3 years for a PhD and 2 years for Masters degree) and basic health care cover for the scholarship holder and dependants (if the dependants are travelling to Australia). The University of Tasmania will also provide EIPRS scholarship holders with a living allowance of approximately AUD $20,000 per year.
EIPRS applications close on 30 September of each year.

In addition, the Commonwealth Government provides other types of scholarships for International students to study in Australia.

Fees

All graduate research degree programs for international students are fee-paying programs, and the fees vary according to the discipline. A complete list of fees for Master by Research and PhD is available.

Science ManHow to apply

There are six steps involved in applying for a Graduate Research Degree. Detailed information is available here.

  1. Confirm Eligibility for a Graduate Research Degree Program.
  2. Prepare a detailed Research Proposal.
  3. Identify a potential host school and/or supervisor.
  4. Contact the school and submit your application and referee report.
  5. Utas will advise you if your application is successful.
  6. How to accept your offer.

International students need to provide  proof of English language ability.

IELTS Period of Validity TOEFL/TWE IBT TOEFL

Period of Validity

6.5
(no band less than 6.0)		 2 years 600/4.5 92
(no score below 20) 		2 years

Research students can start at any time during the University year.

Applications should be sent to:

Graduate Research Unit
Private Bag 105
Hobart, Tasmania 7001  Australia

Tel:    +61 3 6226 7495
Fax:  +61 3 6226 7497
Email: Graduate.Research@utas.edu.au

How to find research disciplines

The University’s research website contains useful information on theme areas and areas of research by discipline, and potential supervisors.

Contained within the site is a portal called WARP (Web Access Research Portal) that allows general public access to live research related data held on University systems. Select Level 1 (General Access) and this enables you to start searching, by either using the key word or name search. Candidates can use the WARP database to find the right school for their research area and to locate academic staff working in similar areas. General public access allows any user, anywhere in the world to search for University staff based on either key word or name. This facility provides potential candidates with useful information on potential supervisors, such as the funding they have received for research projects, graduands and a listing of research publications. Also provided is a link to the staff members’ own web pages (if known) where further information can be obtained. Email links to the staff members are also available.

If you do not succeed in identifying any potential supervisors through the WARP database, please click here and locate the name and contact details for the designated Graduate Research Coordinator listed for your particular discipline area.

Discipline areas

Please note that are more disciplines available and this list is constantly being updated.

Research Institutes and Centres

University Institutes and Centres

These University Institutes and Centres are regarded as internationally competitive and leaders in their fields of research.

Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs)

The CRC Program is a Commonwealth Government funded program which promotes cooperative research between government, industry and universities. The University of Tasmania has an extensive involvement in the CRC program, and is a key partner in two CRCs that are based at UTAS.

Inter-Organisational Initiatives

Cross-Faculty Research Initiatives

Faculty Based Research Initiatives

Research theme areas

Being one of Australia’s oldest universities, UTAS has a long tradition of research, particularly in areas of relevance to the island’s environment, heritage and community.  Today, UTAS research undertakings and findings in many areas reach globally and sit competitively amongst those of internationally acclaimed institutions. The University has a wide range of research strengths that can be grouped under a series of headings as follows:

Central Science Laboratory

Asian lab technicianThe Central Science Laboratory (CSL) is unique in Australia. Established in 1974 to coordinate expenditure on scientific instruments, it has proven to be a cost effective and efficient means of providing quality research infrastructure to a diverse group of clients.

Its main role is a facility for centralising major items of equipment used by more than one University Department for research.

It also provides certain Federal Government and State Government organisations and local industry with access to sophisticated equipment and scientific services.