Postgraduate research

The University of Sydney Business School offers two higher degrees by research: the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and the Master of Philosophy (MPhil). These degrees are available either full time or part time.

Prospective students should contact the Faculty Research Unit for information about admission into a research program, facilities for research and to obtain an information package.

For specific advice regarding a research proposal students are requested to contact the Postgraduate Research Coordinator in the relevant discipline (contact details below). These coordinators are the academics with responsibility at the discipline level for research students.

Application assessment

In order for an application for admission to be successful, the faculty must determine whether a prospective student has the potential to successfully complete the proposed research program. In addition, the Postgraduate Coordinator for Research must verify that:

1. the proposed course of study and research is appropriate and acceptable
2. the student has the necessary training and ability to pursue the proposed course of study and research
3. there are sufficient supervisory and other resources and facilities available to enable candidature can be completed successfully within the time limits.

Induction program

All new candidates in the MPhil and PhD programs take part in the Faculty Research Induction Program in the first semester of their candidature. This program is designed not only to help new students adjust to the demands of research candidature, but also to facilitate contact between students and staff.

The Induction Program consists of:

• Welcome to the Business School and introduction to important staff contacts
• An overview of academic and administrative issues and procedures
• How to manage the supervisor relationship
• A research writing workshop

These sessions are scheduled over four half days, usually in the first month of the commencing semester. All students are expected to attend.

Research facilities

The faculty has excellent research facilities to assist postgraduate candidates.

• The Research Centre - this area consists of both carrels and workstations. It also has printing, photocopying, phone, lounge area and kitchen facilities. The Research Centre is located in the Economics and Business Building and access is available for students 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week.
• Fisher Library contains significant collections relevant to the work of the faculty. There are 400 computer terminals connected to the campus broadband network. In addition, postgraduate students may obtain 24-hour access to the Computer Laboratory in the Merewether Building.
• Email accounts and internet access are also available, along with a number of computer packages, securities price files, company annual reports, historical records, legal services, and stock exchange services.