Research Education

Change direction or accelerate your career with a JCU postgraduate research degree. Be supported to cultivate your passions, respond to complex challenges and develop innovative research skills. You can enhance your critical and creative thinking skills and launch your research career.

Your postgraduate research at JCU will be supported with access to world-class facilities where you can conduct original research in unique locations, including Orpheus Island Research Station, Daintree Rainforest Observatory, Fletcherview Research Station, and a range of dedicated research centres and institutes.

Choose from a range of JCU research degrees to suit your career pathway:

Graduate Certificate of Research Methods

In six months*, you will develop research skills in a Graduate Certificate of Research Methods by completing an independent research project under the supervision of an experienced JCU advisor. This course will prepare you to undertake Higher Degree by Research in a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Graduate Diploma of Research Methods

In a Graduate Diploma of Research Methods, you’ll spend 12 months* honing your research knowledge and methods under the supervision of an experienced JCU advisor. You will complete an independent research project in addition to postgraduate coursework or research dissertation subjects within your field of expertise. This course will prepare you to undertake Higher Degree by Research with an MPhil or PhD.

Master of Philosophy

A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is completed in two years of full-time study.* This course is focused on the production of an independent research thesis that makes an original contribution of new knowledge within your field, supervised by an experienced team of JCU advisors. This course can be continued with a PhD.

Doctorate by Research

A Doctorate by Research, which includes a range of postgraduate research degrees — Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Education [Research] and Doctor of Tropical Environmental Management [Research — is a type of Higher Degree by Research that is completed with four years of full-time study.* You will be guided by a team of JCU advisors to undertake an independent research project and produce a thesis that makes an original contribution of new knowledge within your field.

Postgraduate research courses at JCU provide the opportunity to sharpen your skills, pursue research in a topic you’re passionate about and contribute original insights and knowledge to your field.

Interested in applying? Find out more about applying to JCU as a postgraduate or Higher Degree by Research student.

_{*Or part-time equivalent. All courses have the option for part-time study.}