Medicine

Research at the University of Sydney Medical School embraces health and medical research from fundamental molecular mechanisms through clinical research and clinical trials; from public health issues to health policy development. This course allows you to pursue research from a wide range of areas in which the faculty has expertise. You will complete the degree in three to four years, undertaking research which culminates in a thesis.

Sydney Medical School is dedicated to improving health through excellence in research, creating new knowledge and fostering innovation. Our research is focused on both discovery and translating new discoveries into improved healthcare.

With over 1600 active researchers at the Sydney Medical School, prospective students can choose from a huge number of research projects that are close to their interests and career ambitions, and have at their disposal the full range of enabling disciplines across Sydney Medical School. Research degrees are available for both medical and non-medical graduates.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) allows you to pursue research from a wide range of areas in which the faculty has expertise. The degree has two purposes: to prepare a substantial piece of work representing a significant contribution in a particular field of study, and to train candidates in general research methodology and equip them with transferable research skills.

The PhD is aimed at those who intend to pursue careers in medical or health research or who wish to gain a competitive edge by demonstrating superior ability and research experience.

Major research areas include:

• anaesthesia
• anatomy and histology
• cardiology
• dermatology
• endocrinology
• gastroenterology and hepatology
• general practice
• geriatric medicine
• haematology
• infection and immunity
• medical education
• medical genetics
• neurology
• nuclear medicine
• obstetrics and gynaecology
• oncology
• clinical ophthalmology and eye health
• paediatrics and child health
• pathology
• pharmacology
• physiology
• psychological medicine
• public health
• rehabilitation medicine
• renal medicine
• respiratory medicine
• rheumatology
• surgery.

Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply in plenty of time, and even before completion of their current qualifying degree. In these circumstances, referee reports are essential as part of the application for admission.
To apply for a PhD, you need to demonstrate sufficient prior research experience and capability. In most cases, to be eligible to apply for a PhD you will have:

• a Bachelors degree with first or upper second class Honours or
• a Masters degree performed at a high academic standard, and which includes substantial component of original research, or
• an equivalent qualification that demonstrates research experience, excellence and capability.

Applying for admission

1. Find a supervisor within the Faculty whose academic background aligns with your research. To start you can:
   • search current research opportunities through Research Supervisor Connect, OR
   • submit a Research Student Enquiry Form
   You will need to provide the following in contacting a supervisor:
   • your academic/educational background and research experience with examples such as an academic transcript
   • your CV/resume
   • the area of interest for your PhD
   • why you believe your research topics align with this supervisor
2. In conjunction with your supervisor, develop a preliminary research proposal (see below 'Preparing your research proposal').
3. If you intend to study part-time towards a PhD, you will also need to supply:
   • evidence that shows you will have sufficient time available to plan and carry out the research under the supervision of the University, and complete the course within the maximum period allowed for a part-time PhD enrolmenta declaration from your employer (if relevant) confirming that you will be permitted to take the time required to effectively pursue your studies.Your research proposal should be submitted along with your CV, academic transcripts and other supporting documents.
   • Applications are made via the University’s online application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply Now’ button on the right hand side of this page

Additional application requirements

In order for your application to be assessed, you will be required to upload all of the following documents:

• certified academic transcripts for all your previous tertiary study, if they were not completed at The University of Sydney
• CV, providing a summary of your work experience
• two academic references (international and domestic applicants)
• research proposal (see below 'Preparing your research proposal')
• statement of capacity to undertake part-time candidature (if applicable –domestic applicants)
• evidence that your supervisor supports your application. This can be PDF copies of emails between you and your supervisor
• proof of your Australian residency status (a certified copy of the main page your Australian passport, or a certified copy of the main page(s) of your own passport with evidence of your visa)
• IELTS: A minimum result of 6.5 overall and a minimum result of 6.0 in each band
• TOEFL paper-based: A minimum result of 565 overall including a minimum result of 4.5 in Writing TOEFL IBT: A minimum result of 85 overall including a minimum result of 17 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 19 in Writing

Preparing your research proposal

A research proposal is a required document as part of application for admission to a postgraduate research degree at the University of Sydney. It is necessary to prepare a proposal that clearly summaries your proposed research project. You should prepare this document and it should be reviewed your supervisor(s) before submission with your application for admission. If you are admitted this initial research proposal will be used as a basis for preparation of your final research program in your first year of candidature.
Below are guidelines to help you prepare your initial research proposal for admission. Requirements of Faculties may vary so please contact your supervisor(s) or the relevant Postgraduate Research Coordinator for more information.

• Min-Max length: up to 2000 words
• Project Title: Working title for the project
• Supervisor name(s): Names of supervisor(s)
• Proposed mode of research: Describe your mode of research? (e.g. creative work, laboratory/field research, clinical investigations, archive/library study)
• Aims and objectives What are the overall aims of the work? What objectives are necessary to meet the aims?
• Synopsis: Briefly describe the key aspects of what you will be investigating
• Background: Brief review of literature in the area of interest. Describe what research lays the groundwork for your topic.
• Expected research contribution: Why is the topic/creative work important? Describe how the research may be novel and its impact on the discipline.
• The proposed methodology: Approach or methodology to be used in the research, the materials/equipment you intend to use, your space/laboratory/studio requirements.
• Work plan: An initial plan for completion with annual milestones.
• Resources: Provide details of major resources required for you to carry out your research project. What significant resources are required for the success of your proposed project (e.g. travel, equipment)?
• References: A short bibliography of the cited literature.
• Work plan: An initial plan for completion with annual milestones.

Scholarships

• Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS)
• Research Training Program Fee Offset and Stipend Scholarship (International - formerly IPRS)
• University of Sydney International Scholarship (USydIS)
• Vice-Chancellor International Scholarships Scheme