University of Tasmania, Australia

Admission to a higher degree by research at UTAS is based on merit, however, not every applicant who meets the admission requirements will be made an offer of candidature. UTAS must be able to provide appropriate supervision and resources for the proposed research project.

Before an applicant will be offered a place in a higher degree by research, the Dean of Graduate Research must be satisfied that the applicant has meet the entry requirements and has the necessary capacity to successfully complete a research degree.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Successful applicants for Doctoral Degree candidature will have:

a) been awarded a degree from a recognised tertiary institution considered by the Dean as being a degree in the appropriate discipline and equivalent to:

(i) a Bachelor Honours degree of at least second class upper standard with a Minimum Research Component; or
(ii) a Masters Degree with a Minimum Research Component; or

(b) substantial experience in a sector related to the proposed Research Project and who satisfies the Dean of their fitness to undertake research on the basis of the standard of achievement in, and the relevance of, previous higher education studies, and professional experience and/or published research work; or

(c) completed no more than 75 per cent of a higher degree by research in the form of a Masters Degree (Research) and the Dean is satisfied that a substantial piece of the person’s written work undertaken in the Masters Degree (Research) has been externally and independently assessed to demonstrate fitness to undertake research at a doctoral level    

Successful applicants for Masters Degree (Research) candidature will have:

a) a degree from a recognised tertiary institution considered by the Dean as being a degree in the appropriate discipline and equivalent to:

(i) a Bachelor Honours degree of at least second class lower standard with a Minimum Research Component; or
(ii) a Masters degree with a Minimum Research Component; or

(b) substantial experience in a sector related to the proposed Research Project and who satisfies the Dean of their fitness to undertake research on the basis of the standard of achievement in, and the relevance of, previous higher education studies, and professional experience and/or published research work.

English Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at UTAS. All applicants for whom English is not their first language will be required to provide evidence that they are able to read, write, speak and understand English to a sufficient standard before commencing their higher degree by research. Proof of English language ability may be demonstrated in one of the following ways:

• an IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0
• a minimum total score of 600  together with a Test of Written English (TWE)  score of 4.5 or more on the paper based TOEFL
• a minimum total score of 92 together with a minimum score of 20 in each individual section of the internet based TOEFL
• PTE Academic 58 with no score lower than 50
• completion of a course of study, of at least two years’ duration, from an accredited University in a country where English is an official language.The study must have been instructed and examined in English. Studies must have been completed within the last two years and evidence in the form of a letter or certificate issued by the university Registrar’s office will need to be provided.

An application which does not have proof of an English language ability may be still assessed.  If the application is successful, the offer of enrolment will have a condition that the applicant must meet the English language requirements before beginning their research degree. More information on English language classes at UTAS may be obtained from the English Language Centre.