Postgraduate research
In postgraduate research courses, students undertake a supervised research project leading to the production of a thesis.
Sydney Medical School at the University of Sydney offers two research degrees for both medical and non-medical graduates:
and the Master of Surgery (by research), which is for medical graduates only.
The research master's and doctoral degrees have two purposes. One is to prepare a substantial piece of work which represents a significant contribution in a particular field of study; the other is to train candidates in general research methodology and equip them with transferable research skills.
We are affiliated with over 40 independent medical research institutes aimed at achieving medical firsts in specialist areas of health and medicine.
The Medical School provides an outstanding environment for postgraduate research. The Medical School's research activities consistently attract high levels of funding from the Commonwealth and state governments, overseas funding agencies and other public and private sources. Our prominent research themes include:
- Neuroscience and Mental Health
- Public Health and Health Services
- Cancer
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases
- Renal Diseases
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Bio-terrrorism
- Developmental Biology and Reproductive Health
- Healthy Ageing
- Paediatrics
- International Health
- Molecular and Cellular Biology and Proteomics
- Gene Therapy and Functional Genomics
- Clinical Trials
We currently supervise over 700 research students, the majority of whom are doctoral students (PhD) based at clinical schools and University affiliated research institutes around the state. Our research students come from a wide range of first degrees and our research projects attract an international cohort of students.
Cotutelle
Some local and overseas applicants may be eligible to enter the Medical School’s PhD cotutelle program. Candidature is undertaken jointly at Sydney and an overseas university with which the University of Sydney has an approved cotutelle agreement. PhD cotutelle candidature and the examination of the thesis are conducted according to arrangements established during the application process. For further information, contact the Postgraduate Manager.
Higher doctoral degrees
The University also awards several higher doctoral degrees whose award is based on the research output of the applicant over a substantial number of years. The Doctor of Medicine (MD) and the Doctor of Dental Science (DDSc) are examples of higher doctoral degrees, and are normally awarded to graduates of the University of Sydney on the basis of a distinguished contribution to a field of knowledge.
For more information on the MD and DDSc please contact the