Higher Degree by Research Application Process
The application process for entry into a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program in the School of Social Science involves several steps. Becoming an HDR student in the School requires you to meet the entry requirements of the UQ Graduate School and also to gain the support of the School.
The School of Social Science only supports applications from candidates who clearly demonstrate the ability to complete a high-quality Higher Degree by Research. Obtaining School support is not an automatic process and requires the applicant to do more than simply meet minimum entry requirements.
We recommend that applicants start the School's process 2 to 3 months prior to the UQ Graduate School’s deadlines for online applications. This will allow the applicant sufficient time to gather the relevant documentation and to prepare a competitive research proposal, and afford the School sufficient time to review your application.
There are four steps to gaining support from the School. Throughout this application process the applicant must send application materials to the School’s HDR Liaison Officer (HLO), who will be your primary point of contact (hdr.socialscience@enquire.uq.edu.au). The HLO will liaise with, and assist, the applicant throughout the process.
2. Identify an advisory team
Browse through our academic staff profiles to find one or more advisors within our School who match your area of research interest and who have sufficient expertise in your proposed field of research.
Contact potential advisors by email to find out whether they have the capacity and expertise to supervise your project. Your email should include a rough description of your proposed research project or some broad areas of interest, your academic CV and, where possible, past academic transcripts.
Potential advisors may request that you make changes to your proposal before proceeding any further. They may alternatively point you towards other academic staff within the School if they are unable to supervise you personally. This is nevertheless not a guarantee that a suitable advisor will be found. It is essential that you receive written endorsement from at least one prospective advisor to continue the process.
The HLO will forward your EOI and supporting documentation to the HDR Committee. If it is decided that the application meets UQ entry requirements, the School of Social Science can provide sufficient advisory expertise and resources, and the proposed advisory arrangements are appropriate, you will be invited to write a full research proposal and submit your application online.