Higher Degree Research in SABEL
Higher Degree Research in the Faculty of SABEL offers a supportive, intellectually diverse environment for undertaking advanced research.
Our HDR programs span a wide range of disciplines across five Schools, bringing together expertise in the social sciences, arts and humanities, business, education, and law. Whether your work is theoretical, applied, or practice-led, as a SABEL candidate you are part of a research community committed to rigorous inquiry and meaningful impact.
HDR in SABEL is delivered through a Faculty-led model that prioritises high-quality supervision, strong research culture, and a coordinated approach to research training across Schools.
Throughout your candidature, you are supported by a dedicated supervisory panel, your School’s HDR leadership, and a range of School- and Faculty-level initiatives designed to enhance your research experience.
This model ensures that you are supported both within your discipline and across the broader SABEL research community.
SABEL offers the following HDR pathways:
- PhD and Professional Doctorates
Advanced research degrees culminating in a substantial and original contribution to knowledge. - Master of Philosophy
A research degree focused on developing advanced research skills and producing a significant thesis. - Master of Research
A structured research training program that prepares candidates for doctoral study through a combination of coursework and independent research.
A strong fit between your research interests and supervisory expertise is an important part of a successful HDR experience.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to explore the research strengths of the Faculty and identify academics whose expertise aligns with their proposed area of research. This may involve reviewing School webpages, academic staff profiles, research centres, publications, and current research projects.
In most cases, candidates will make initial contact with a potential supervisor before submitting a formal application. Early discussions can help clarify the scope and feasibility of a project, identify appropriate HDR pathways, and explore whether the proposed research aligns with the School’s expertise and supervisory capacity.
If you are unsure where your project best fits, you can contact the relevant School Director, HDR and Honours.
We are committed to supporting HDR candidates to succeed, both academically and professionally. As a SABEL HDR candidate, you have access to:
- Regular supervision and academic guidance
- Funding support [link to “Funding and Opportunities”], including Candidature Support Funds
- Opportunities to present and engage with peers [link to “Engaging with the Research Community”], such as the Annual SABEL HDR Conference
- A range of development opportunities [link to “Funding and Opportunities”], including workshops, seminars, writing retreats, internships, and more.
Our goal is to support you in producing high-quality research while maintaining steady progress toward completion.
HDR study in SABEL is not only about producing original research. It is also an opportunity to develop advanced professional capabilities that are highly valued across academic, creative, government, industry, and community sectors.
Throughout candidature, candidates build expertise in areas such as critical analysis, communication, project management, collaboration, and independent research. Through activities like presenting research, publishing, teaching, internships, and engaging with the wider research community, HDR candidates also develop broader professional and leadership skills that support a wide range of future pathways.
SABEL also supports opportunities for external engagement and industry-connected research experiences where appropriate, including HDR internships and collaborations with government, industry, education, creative, and community partners.
Whether your goals lie within academia or beyond it, HDR study in SABEL is designed to support your development as an independent researcher and highly skilled professional.
One of SABEL’s strengths is its breadth of disciplines and approaches. Candidates benefit from being part of a Faculty that encourages dialogue across fields, supporting innovative and interdisciplinary research.
This environment is particularly valuable for projects that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries, that combine theoretical and applied approaches, or that engage with contemporary social, cultural, or professional challenges.
While HDR in SABEL is supported through a Faculty-wide model, your School remains your primary disciplinary home throughout candidature.
Schools provide discipline-specific research cultures, seminars, workshops, research groups, and development opportunities, as well as local academic leadership and support. Candidates are encouraged to engage actively with their School community and regularly check School webpages for HDR news, events, and opportunities.
You can find more information about your School, its HDR programs, research strengths, staff, and discipline-specific opportunities through the relevant School website:
If you are new to HDR or looking for general information about applying or eligibility requirements, please visit the University’s Graduate Research School.
For SABEL-specific guidance, including how HDR works within the Faculty, explore the pages in this section.