PhDs and research master's degrees
Make an impact while networking and learning at an international level.
We are a global centre of law research, consistently ranked above the world standard. Our dynamic and diverse research community leads progress in law across a diverse range of areas. Our candidates use doctrinal and empirical methods to tackle challenges as varied as family violence, human trafficking, food security, weapons technologies, corporate governance, legal pluralism, genetics and more.
Discover our research areas and centres, our extensive program of research events, be inspired by stories about the impact of our research, our current HDR students and the awards they won during their theses.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an internationally recognised graduate research program that will enable you to become an independent researcher.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
As an MPhil student you’ll be working alongside leading academics on an original and significant research project of your choice.
Begin your research journey
First, check your eligibility for a research degree by visiting the relevant program page.
Before you apply, you'll need to either:
- find a researcher to supervise your own research project and apply for a scholarship, or
- join one of our funded projects with scholarship support.
Student story: changing laws to protect coastal ecosystems
PhD student Rose Foster is investigating how we can use the law to support seascape-scale restoration. Her supervisor, Associate Professor Justine Bell-James is a pioneer in environmental law research.
"My supervisor team make researching at UQ feel like being part of a community," Rose said.
Contact us
Our team is available to answer any questions you might have about our PhD and MPhil programs.