Introduction

A research degree requires not only high level intellectual capacity but the commitment of a substantial period of time to the research work and preparation of a thesis. Consequently, the University takes great care to ensure that you have the capacity for success and have a feasible area of research. In addition, the task of matching potential students with appropriate supervisors who will enjoy working together is negotiated carefully at the outset. Expertise and personalities need to blend. Finally, the resources, including specialised equipment, need to be in place before a research degree candidate can be admitted to the University.

Before you start compiling an application, make sure you contact the University and faculty where you want to carry out your research work. You should establish that the expertise and facilities you will need are available at the University before you expend time on preparing your papers. You can do this by searching the following links:

1. UTS Research Strengths, which provides an overview of the research strengths at UTS.
2. Faculty and Institute pages which provide a picture of the research being carried out in faculties and institutes.
3. List of research degrees offered.
4. Responsible Academic Officer (RAO). The RAO is the senior academic in the area responsible for research degree matters and will suggest names of potential supervisors for you to contact to discuss your proposed research. If at any time you hit a "dead-end", go back to the RAO or contact the University Graduate School as staff there may be able to suggest alternative strategies. It is important to get in touch with people in the faculty to discuss your proposed area of research. If you have not been in touch with the faculty or unit to find out that they can provide you with appropriate support and supervision, you may be wasting your time in putting in an application. Make sure you are applying to the right place before you go too far!

The University is committed to improving access to education for people with disabilities. Applicants who have disabilities or ongoing illnesses which may impact on their participation in a postgraduate research degree are encouraged to contact the Special Needs Service. Staff of the service can inform you about the processes in place for people with disabilites and illnesses. Phone 02 9514 1177 or email special.needs@uts.edu.au

An applicant for a UTS Doctoral Scholarships who has a disability which has had a significant impact on their professional and academic achievements can arrange for this to be given consideration. To be eligible for this consideration an application needs to be within two points of the cut-off for the award of a scholarship. Documentation of your disability and  information from an appropriate health professional about its impact on your previous studies will be required, along with completion of the UTS Doctoral Scholarships: Application for Special Consideration form. Personal information will be handled with careful regard for the applicant's privacy.

The process of assessing an application can take several months from the time of initial enquiry to receipt of a decision on the application. Patience is needed!

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