Postgraduate research degrees in Arts and Social Sciences

Our researchers address problems, enrich public understanding, and inform solutions in our complex, technology-saturated, dynamic world.

We believe in the power and potency of research, both traditional and non-traditional. We share the UTS commitment to advancing justice, both social and environmental. Our watchwords are quality and integrity: we seek to extend the frontiers of knowledge, and to shape practice, by observing the highest standards of inquiry and engagement. Ultimately, we hope to bring tangible benefits to society in Australia and overseas. We wish to become widely known and respected for our insights, ideas, creations and innovations.

Find out more about our research groups and centres

There are several types of research degrees at UTS , including Master’s by Research, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Industry Doctorate Programme, and Collaborative Research Degrees.

These courses are specific to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (all courses are available to both domestic and international students).

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

C02097 Doctor of Philosophy

• 016018 PhD Thesis: Education

C02098 Doctor of Philosophy

• 51915 PhD Thesis: Communication
• 979114 PhD Thesis: International

C03066 Master of Arts (Research)

• 016017 Thesis (Education)

C03067 Master of Arts (Research)

• 51914 Thesis (Communication)
• 979113 Thesis (International)
   

MASTER OF ARTS (RESEARCH)

Select the course code (from choice 1 or 2 below). Then choose a thesis code. 

Choice 1: Education 

Select course code: C03066v1: Master of Arts (Research) [for Education-related thesis codes]

Thesis codes and links to handbook description:

1. 019951 - Thesis - Mathematics and Numeracy Education
2. 019952- Thesis - Special and Inclusive Education
3. 019953- Thesis - Critical Pedagogy and Social Change
4. If none of the above thesis codes match your intended studies, then select this general one in Education – 016017 - Thesis - Education

Choice 2: Communication and International Studies 

Select course code C03067v1: Master of Arts (Research) [For Communication and International Studies-related codes]

Thesis codes and links to handbook description:

1. 58130 – Thesis – Creative Writing
2. 971112 – Thesis – Criminology
3. 58131 – Thesis – Digital and Social Media
4. 971113 – Thesis – Global Asian Studies
5. 971114 – Thesis – International Studies
6. 58132 – Thesis – Journalism
7. 58133 – Thesis – Media Arts and Production
8. 58134 – Thesis – Music and Sound Design
9. 58135 – Thesis - Society, Politics and Environment
10. 58136 – Thesis – Strategic Communication
11. If none of the above thesis codes match your intended studies in Communication, then select this general one in Communication – Thesis code – Communication.

Coursework subjects

All PhD students are required to complete the first subject (51913) listed below in their first semester – it is offered Thursdays for 8 weeks (4 hours each week).

All of the Master of Arts (Research) students are required to complete all of the following 3 mandatory subjects in your first year of studies – all subjects are in hybrid mode. You will be automatically enrolled in them when you enrol in the Master of Arts (Research).

1. 51913 Academic Research Practice (offered twice a year in Autumn and Spring)
2. 58137 Theory and Narrative (offered once a year in Autumn)
3. 971115 Method and Discovery (offered once a year in Autumn)

The UTS Graduate Research School provides information about research scholarships available for local and international students applying to commence a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) degree.

Our UTS scholarships search tool provides you access to scholarships by course type.

Search for a scholarship

You need written approval from two potential thesis supervisors (Principal Supervisor and Co-supervisor) before you can apply.

Other ways to find a potential supervisor

• Browse our Research Centres and Research Groups to find your research home and supervisor
• Search for supervisor by research topic (UTS-wide search)

Higher Degree Research applications in FASS will not be considered if, at the time the application is submitted, the applicant is already employed on a fixed-term or continuing staff contract in the same Discipline, Program or equivalent teaching unit as their prospective Principal Supervisor.

If you cannot find a supervisor, but your topic fits within our research centres, email your CV and a short research proposal to FASS.HDR@uts.edu.au

• Applications to the PhD and the Masters (Research) are open twice per year.
• More information on the application process and application deadlines.

Download the HDR application guide (PDF, 6.2MB)

If you need help with applying to one of our research degrees in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, please contact  FASS.HDR@uts.edu.au