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Medical students interested in research

RCS Research Group supports students across all the RCS sites, who are interested in obtaining research experience. Students interested in participating in research are encouraged to utilise opportunities embedded in the MD such as the Research Personalised Learning Stream (year 2) and scholarly project (year 3).

There is currently a temporary pause on extracurricular research across the medical school as these processes are being reviewed. Medical students are encouraged to check the Medical School Student Research Portal for updates.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A PhD is one of the highest degrees that can be awarded. It is an advanced academic qualification seen as a requirement for the majority of academic and research positions in a wide range of fields and industries. The aim of the PhD is to foster the development of independent research skills. These skills include the capacity to formulate a significant problem, to develop mastery of appropriate conceptual and methodological skills, and to relate the research topic to a broader framework of knowledge in a relevant disciplinary area.

Duration: It typically takes 3-4 years (full-time) or 6-7 years (part-time) to complete a PhD.

Students are required to produce a thesis of no more than 80,000 words, with the research representing a significant new contribution to the discipline.

Entry requirements

Check your eligibility

Applicants must provide evidence of the following:

  • A bachelor’s degree with at least honours class IIA or equivalent from approved universities, which includes a relevant research component; or
  • A research master’s degree; or
  • A coursework master’s degree and an overall GPA (grade point average) equivalent to 5.65 on the 7-point UQ scale, which includes a relevant research component; or
  • A postgraduate degree of at least one year full-time equivalent with an overall GPA (grade point average) equivalent to 5.0 on the 7-point UQ scale, together with demonstrated research experience equivalent to honours IIA will be considered for PhD entry on a case by case basis; or
  • A bachelor’s degree plus at least two years of documented relevant research experience, including research publications.

For those who don't quite fit the eligibility standards, we strongly encourage you to consider a Masters pathway which supports the transition into a PhD. 

Applicants with overseas qualifications should refer to the GPA equivalency table.

English language proficiency requirements apply.

Potential research topics

The RCS can support candidates from a broad range of backgrounds and interest areas. While we are situated within the Faculty of Medicine, our research staff and potential HDR students come from a multitude of different disciplines beyond medicine and/or clinical research such as public health, nursing, health policy, health services research, marketing, biostatistics and psychometrics.

We strongly encourage you to read about our primary research program areas and consider how your project idea may align with one (or more) of these. Please contact us to discuss your potential research idea(s). This will help determine if the RCS Research Group is a suitable fit.

Find a supervisor

Visit the Research Team page to find a potential supervisor.

Prepare your application

For further information, see our preparing your application advice  

Apply online

To apply online visit this website

Please check UQ scholarship round application deadlines and outcomes dates before applying.

In addition, we can confirm that candidates who plan to study within one of the RCS sites are eligible to apply (you will not be classified as remote) for the RTP scholarship (stipends).

If you wish to be considered for a UQ competitive, merit-based stipend scholarship simply indicate this on the application form.

Masters of Philosophy (MPhil)

Masters of Philosophy (MPhil)

An MPhil is an internationally recognised postgraduate research degree that involves undertaking a significant research project. The MPhil program provides students with an opportunity to develop and enhance analytical and research skills through independent investigation in a specific field. Many MPhil students elect to transition into a PhD. 

Duration: It typically takes between1.5-2 years (full time) or 3-4 years part-time tom complete a MPhil.

Students are required to produce a thesis of no more than 40,000 words that demonstrates their capacity for critical analysis and application of specialist knowledge.

Entry requirements

The requirements for an MPhil, applicants must provide evidence of the following:

  • A bachelor’s degree with honours class IIB or better from approved universities, which includes relevant experience; or
  • A postgraduate degree of at least one year full-time equivalent and an overall GPA (grade point average) equivalent to 5.0 on the 7-point UQ scale, which includes relevant experience; or
  • A bachelor’s degree plus at least two years of documented relevant experience; or
  • Evidence of other qualifications and/or experience to satisfy the Dean that the applicant is suitably qualified for admission

Applicants with overseas qualifications should refer to the GPA equivalency table.

English language proficiency requirements apply.

Potential research topics

The RCS can support candidates from a broad range of backgrounds and interest areas. While we are situated within the Faculty of Medicine, our research staff and potential HDR students come from a multitude of different disciplines beyond medicine and/or clinical research such as public health, nursing, health policy, health services research, marketing, biostatistics and psychometrics.

We strongly encourage you to read about our primary research program areas and consider how your project idea may align with one (or more) of these. Please contact one of us with your potential research idea(s). This will help determine if the RCS Research Group is a suitable fit.

Find a supervisor

Visit the Research Team page to find a potential supervisor.

To apply online visit this website.

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