#1 university for postgraduate overall employment in Victoria^
100% of our specific research sub-fields are rated at or above world-standard*
Top 1% of universities globally**
Master your passion with a research degree at Deakin
A research degree empowers you to become an expert in your field. With the support of Deakin's world class expert supervisors and access to our industry partners and state-of-the-art facilities, you'll make your mark with research that helps to solve some of the world’s most challenging problems.
Research that makes an impact
Deakin’s research makes a positive difference to our communities by addressing the social, economic and environmental challenges facing the world. We’re focused on innovation and robust partnerships with industry and business.
Explore our research themes to discover more about where a research degree at Deakin could take you.
Improving health and wellbeing
Improved health and wellbeing underpins the success of any society, and at Deakin, we’re driving research that impacts lives – globally and locally – in meaningful ways.
Creating smarter technologies
At Deakin, we’re developing practical technology with ethical foundations to support a sustainable, progressive society.
Enabling a sustainable world
Our research is underpinned by an objective for sustainable outcomes.
Advancing society, culture and the economy
We’re helping to strengthen society, culture and the economy through creative, contemporary and intercultural approaches to education, the arts and business.
Building safe and secure communities
From strengthening community resilience to the development of cutting-edge cyber security, our cross-disciplinary research builds ethical and innovative solutions to global security problems.
Course and study options
Support for research students
PhD Xtra – Be Expert
PhD Xtra offers all higher degree by research (HDR) students at Deakin an enhanced and individually tailored learning experience.
Scholarships
Deakin has a range of scholarships available to support you on your research journey.
Professional Skills Uplift Program
Deakin Research has partnered with DeakinCo (Deakin’s workplace education and accreditation provider) to deliver a Professional Skills Uplift program for Deakin’s higher degree by research students.
Research degree eligibility and entry pathways
Research degree entry pathways
Learn about entry requirements and the different ways you can demonstrate your readiness for significant research in your area of interest.
International research students
Almost one third of all Deakin's higher degree by research students are from overseas, making Deakin a truly diverse and globally significant centre of research.
Application process
Deakin has a streamlined process for applying for a higher degree by research. Apply online with our Higher Degree by Research Application form.
Experience a PhD
Dr Emma Whatman - Arts and Education
Alfred Deakin Award winner Dr Emma Whatman shares the deeply rewarding and personal experience of completing her PhD through the Faculty of Arts and Education.
Isabella Bower - Architecture
Architecture PhD student Isabella Bower's research incorporates medical and virtual reality technology to explore the impact the built environment has on people’s emotions.
Dr Tim De Souza - Industry
PhD graduate Tim de Souza’s passion for pushing the boundaries and his hands-on approach to problem-solving led him to study an industry PhD with Deakin.
Xin Li - Industry
PhD student Xin Li extended his interest in sustainable building materials when he joined supervisor Dr Mahmud Ashraf at Deakin. In partnership with industry, Xin’s PhD looks at innovative and environmentally sustainable cross-laminated timber.
Contact us
Domestic Candidature Enquiries
+613 924 45258
Email the HDR Candidature office
Domestic Scholarships Enquiries
+613 924 45413
Email the HDR Scholarships office
International Candidature and Scholarship Enquiries
+61 3 924 8296
Email the HDR International office
^ Australian Graduate Survey (2010-15) and QILT survey (2016 - 18)
* Excellence in Research Australia 2019
** ARWU Rankings 2020