School of Social Science

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.

  1. Check the entry requirements
  2. Identify an advisory team
  1. Write the research proposal
  2. Gain the support of advisors and the Director of Higher Degree Research

4. Gain the support of advisors and the Director of Higher Degree Research

Your prospective advisor(s) will then consider your full research proposal. They may ask you to arrange for an in-person or online interview to discuss the proposal, or to revise your proposal to reach its full potential. Once your advisors are satisfied with your project, you will be instructed to submit a full application online to the UQ Graduate School. Please include your completed research proposal.

We recommend that you apply at least 4-6 weeks prior to any advertised scholarship closing dates. This is important to increase your chances of being considered, to provide adequate time for your referees to write their reference, and for you to provide any additional documents that may be required.

The full online application, including your referee reports and research proposal, will be assessed by the School’s HDR Committee.

The Graduate School will make a final determination on whether to formally support your application.

Good luck with your application!