6 steps to become a research student

To begin the process of becoming a postgraduate researcher, students need to think about possible research projects and topics that align with their interests, qualifications and experience.

Future students are encouraged to seek further information about the research expertise of academic staff through the websites and brochures of research centres, faculties, schools and departments.

The application process

• Step 1 - Check eligibility
• Step 2 - Select a topic / research area
• Step 3 - Prepare a brief research proposal and contact school
• Step 4 - Refine the research project
• Step 5 - Prepare application materials
• Step 6 - Lodge application

Step 1 - Check eligibility

Students considering study at Monash University must meet the University’s minimum academic and English language proficiency entry requirements.

Click here and answer a series of questions to assess your eligibility.

Minimum English language proficiency requirements for entry into a higher degree by research

Minimum academic requirements for entry into a higher degree by research

• A bachelors degree in a related discipline from Monash University requiring at least four years of full-time study, which normally includes a research component in the fourth year, leading to an honours degree at H1 or H2A level, or

• A course leading to a masters preliminary qualification at a level rated by the relevant department, faculty and committee as equivalent to an honours class I or IIA degree, or

• A masters degree in a related discipline, including a significant research component, at least equivalent to an Australian honours degree (a full-time year of research and an examined thesis). It is normally expected that a minimum grade of H2A has been obtained for the research thesis or project, or

• A qualification deemed equivalent.

Some research courses have additional entry requirements, while some research masters courses have different entry pathways. Please check the school website for specific entry requirements to these courses.

Pathways to research

Students may gain entry into the PhD program by upgrading from a research masters degree.

This will normally occur following a period of 12 months full-time equivalent enrolment in the masters program. If upgrade from masters to PhD is approved, the research undertaken in the masters program will count towards the PhD studies.

Alternatively, students may wish to complete a masters course before commencing PhD studies. Students who have completed a masters degree with a significant research component will be considered for admission to doctoral candidature. The percentage of the research component required may vary from discipline to discipline, but there should be sufficient evidence of research ability, such as distinction level results in the project component of the degree.

Some faculties also offer preliminary research courses (such as postgraduate diplomas and masters qualifying programs that provide a pathway to research for students without a research background.

Step 2 - Select a topic/research area

Students should consider potential areas of research that interest them and align with their qualifications and experience.

Reviewing school websites will help students determine which faculty and academic unit would be most appropriate for their proposed research.

Step 3 - Prepare a brief research proposal and contact faculty

Students should prepare a brief research proposal and send it to the faculty/academic unit with their initial inquiry. This will help the department or faculty manage the inquiry efficiently. It is important at this stage that prospective candidates identify a potential supervisor or research group. The faculty higher-degree research administrator will assist.

Different faculties will have slightly different requirements for research proposals. Information about specific requirements can be found on each faculty's website.

Faculties will respond to the inquiry and advise if the research topic/proposal is suitable and whether there is the capacity to supervise such a project.

School contacts

Step 4 - Refine the research project

Once a potential supervisor or research group has been identified, discussions should begin on candidature and project options. The research proposal will be refined in line with faculty requirements and advice provided by the potential supervisor.

The type of information that should be contained in this initial proposal includes:

• The topic area and what motivated interest in this particular area?
• Field(s) knowledge concerned?
• The aim(s) of the project and what key questions are to be explored?
• Methodologies, works or materials involved?
• Proposed outcomes of the research?
• A brief background of qualifications, publications and other research experience.

Step 5 - Prepare application materials

Which application form prospective students are required to use will depend on the level of course they wish to study (Masters or PhD), and whether they wish to apply for a scholarship.

The following table outlines which form to use in which circumstance, and how to obtain the form.

Step 6 - Lodge application

Scholarship applications

• Applications can be lodged at any time of the year.
• Masters by research applications are considered and approved by the faculty.
• PhD and Master of Philosophy applications must be first considered by the faculty and then sent to the Monash Research Graduate School (MRGS) for final endorsement.
• All applications including scholarship must be lodged with the School.
• All applications are considered in the School Research Committee.
• Scholarship applications will only be considered when a candidate is offered a place at Monash.