Change policy, practice or your community for the better with a PhD
Work with partners – both globally and locally – from not-for-profits to NGOs, from governments to community organisations. Then capture your research in high-impact work you'll pilot during your degree.
An Impact PhD helps you to accelerate and scale the change you want to make. Your networks and experience match up with our facilities, experts and academic rigour to make a difference from the very start.
This program is for professionals from non-profits, NGOs, and community organisations who are ready to tackle real-world challenges. If you’re driven to build communities or create more sustainable environments, this research pathway empowers you to transform accepted realities.
Explore
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crowdsource Scale your impact
With access to our facilities, experts and networks, your research can be amplified beyond your own networks.
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book_ribbon Tailor your PhD program
Get access to the training, skills, facilities and networks you need from the start by designing your program with your supervisors and faculty.
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build Make an impact from the start
You'll be embedded in an NFP, government or community where you can test your research in real-time, meaning you'll make an impact from the start.
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lab_research Be guided by experts
Work alongside our world-leading academic staff who are committed to guiding your research.
What do you want your research to achieve?
Innovate for industry
Build competitive advantage in real time.
Deepen your expertise
Strengthen your speciality and contribute original knowledge to your chosen field.
Create a new venture
Build commercialisation into your high-impact research idea from the very start.
Shape solutions to global issues
Address a wicked problem with an international research team.
How it works
STEP 1: FIND A RESEARCH TOPIC
Submit an expression of interest to your faculty or reach out to a supervisor who may have similar research interests to you. Ask them about available industry partnerships.
STEP 2: PLAN YOUR DEGREE
Choose between a PhD or Masters and check the eligibility criteria.
STEP 3: PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION
If you are applying for a scholarship, start preparing your application at least four weeks before the closing dates. Gain pre-approval from your potential faculty and prepare your documents.
STEP 4: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Follow the step-by-step guide to apply for a research degree.
STEP 5: DESIGN YOUR PROGRAM
You'll design a research program with your faculty and supervisors that may include discipline-specific training, research skill uplift or industry placements.
STEP 6: CONDUCT YOUR RESEARCH
During your degree, you’ll conduct research that is structured by key milestones. Your final project will be presented for examination by industry and academic experts.
Meet our supervisors
Many of our supervisors are embedded in impact-driven projects. If you meet a potential supervisor with interests similar to yours, express your interest in an Impact PhD.
How you can study with us
Choose a study mode that suits your needs, whether on campus, in partnership with another institution, or by distance. UTS offers flexible pathways to ensure you can pursue your research degree in a way that works for you.
On campus
When you choose to study in person at our Sydney campus, you’ll be at the heart of a vibrant innovation hub. You’ll have the opportunity to spend time with your supervisor in person, and access to our student spaces, specialist facilities, community and services.
In partnership
We pride ourselves on our partnerships with other institutions – locally and internationally. That’s why we offer a number of opportunities for you to do a PhD or Research Masters in collaboration with another institution.
By distance
We support you to develop your future as a researcher in a global context – without applying for a visa or subletting your apartment.
Related degrees & programs
Explore a range of research degrees designed to equip you with advanced skills and expertise. Whether you're undertaking a PhD, a Research Masters, or collaborating with industry through the Industry Doctorate Program, UTS provides the support and resources to help you succeed.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
A panel of academic supervisors will guide you to produce research that makes a significant contribution to your chosen field.
Research Masters
Produce an original piece of research and develop a wealth of skills. You also have the option to transition to a PhD.
Industry and collaborative engagement programs
Work with UTS and an industry organisation to solve a real-world challenge during your PhD.