A PhD isn’t just a long degree that sets you up to be an academic. It’s an opportunity to dive deep into a topic, problem or idea that you really care about.
In fact, 85% of our research alumni aren’t academics. Our students go back into business, government, and community organisations as leaders and changemakers.
From creating impact to accelerating your career, hear why our PhD students decided to study research.
1. Create impact & change
Your PhD research aims to make a significant original contribution to knowledge. A PhD doesn’t have to end with a thesis. Your research can become a patented product, a software algorithm, a film, or a policy proposal (or a lot of other things).
That’s because a PhD at UTS is fundamentally about innovation and creating the potential for change.
That’s what Payar Radfar did. His PhD research led to the development of a new technology to diagnose cancer cells without invasive surgery.
Meanwhile, on the side, he co-founded a startup solving a major bottleneck for lab-grown meat that has received over half a million dollars in funding so far.
“That’s what’s possible with a PhD,” he says. “You can't deny the impact my PhD and all the knowledge that was built during it had on my startup success.”
2. Accelerate your career
A PhD adds confidence and credibility to your career and marks you out as a leader outside of academia.
Matt Jeffriess was a sports coach when he started his PhD research, which focused on improving the decision making and fitness of NRL referees. Now Matt works for HITIQ, an Australian HealthTech startup that measures the impact of sport concussions.
“Having the PhD background gives me credibility,” Matt explains.
“It’s opened opportunities and roles in emerging technologies where I have become an asset to the business because of my research experience.”
3. Solve an industry problem you’re facing
Do you keep coming up against the same, frustrating problem in your career?
At a moment when 75% of global CEOs believe their business isn’t adapting fast enough, there are enough big challenges to solve. Many PhD students focus on creating solutions they’ll be able to directly implement in their professions (some employers even pay them to do it).
Sue Hodges has run her own successful heritage interpretation business for decades. Her PhD research demonstrates the economic, environmental, and social value of heritage interpretation – a value she kept having to justify to clients.
Now in her 60s, Sue explains, “I started the PhD because I was researching this on my own. I just wanted to fix a problem that I’ve battled my entire career.”
4. Follow your curiosity
Do find yourself asking ‘but what if…’?
As Clyde Webster explains it, “One day, I was sitting at a bus stop watching a bird hop around a bush and thought about how parrots live and climb high up in the trees.”
This moment of curiosity led Clyde to develop a three-legged robot that could revolutionise the way businesses and governments maintain energy and telecommunications infrastructure, bridges and even the International Space Station.
From a research internship with NASA to becoming the founder of his own robotics startup, Clyde’s PhD journey has kept his curiosity satisfied.
5. Be challenged & inspired
Are you looking for more than your current day-to-day?
A research degree is your opportunity to be mentored by experts, connected to a passionate community of innovators, and transformed in the process.
Donna Lu never imagined a PhD could be for her.
She explains: “I grew up as a second-generation Chinese-Timorese Australian in South Western Sydney. My parents didn't finish studying beyond Year 4.”
Then she realised the impact that researchers could have on their community.
“I thought, I've got to do this! I can make a difference.”
Now a medical coordinator with FIFA, it was Donna’s job to keep people safe at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to implement your research findings and influence protocols and policies that affect the health and safety of hundreds of people.”
“I always knew I’d go back to industry, and I can see the benefits from my time as a PhD student. It’s the best thing I’ve done with my career.”
Louise O’Flynn
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Every PhD is unique and personalised to you
No one else has your experience, ideas and drive to solve the problems you see in your world. That’s why our PhD programs are designed by you, your supervisors and your faculty.
What are you waiting for?