Geotech research opportunities

Why do a Research Higher Degree?

Why at UQ, and Why in Geotechnical Engineering?

Postgraduate research students generally have a high personal motivation that stems from their natural curiosity and love of intellectual pursuits. A Research Higher Degree is a valuable asset that increases the chances of earning higher salaries in more satisfying jobs. It is an investment in social standing, and a fulfilment of personal and family ambitions.

The University of Queensland is among the top 100 universities worldwide, a truly global research powerhouse, a leading source of expertise, and a pacesetter in the commercial application of research.

Geotechnical Engineering is a specialisation in the Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, and Geosciences fields. It is assuming greater importance as society demands that buildings and water supply dams rise ever-higher, bridges span ever-longer and ever-higher spans, tunnels reach new depths and lengths, and open pit and underground mines reach ever-deeper in search of ever-lower grade mineral ores. Set against this backdrop, the demand for advanced Geotechnical Engineering expertise will continue to foster demand for Research Higher Degrees in the field.

Research Higher Degrees

Master of Philosophy (MPhil) – 1 to 2 years equivalent full-time
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – 3 to 4 years equivalent full-time
Thesis and/or Publication:
- MPhil and PhD Research follows:
  - Hypothesis or Research Question
  - Methodology – laboratory, and/or field, and/or analytical, and/or numerical
  - Results
  - Analysis and Interpretation
  - Conclusions, including whether or not the Research Question was answered
- Conventionally, MPhil and PhD research is written-up as a comprehensive Thesis
- Alternatively, MPhil and PhD research can be written-up in a number of International Journal and Conference papers, linked by a summary document
- Research outcomes may be separately reported to Industry Sponsors, by UQ researchers and/or student/employee

Tuition Fees

Domestic and Permanent Residents (including NZ citizens) – No Tuition Fees
International – $8,250/Quarter

Scholarships (through UQ)

Domestic and Permanent Residents (including NZ citizens):
- Australian Postgraduate Award (APA):
  - Eligibility – Bachelor’s degree with Honours Class I, or equivalent
  - Three rounds/year (14 January, 20 May and 7 October 2015)
  - $25,849/year (2015 rate, tax free), indexed annually
- APA Industry (APAI):
  - Offered by ARC Linkage Grant recipients, generally advertised
  - $31,298/year (2015 rate, tax free), indexed annually
- UQ and Industry top-up Scholarships may be available
International:
- International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS):
  - $25,849/year (2015 rate, tax free), indexed annually, plus Tuition fees, plus Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- UQ Fee Waiver Scholarships may be available
- UQ and Industry top-up Scholarships may be available
Industry full-time and part-time salary may be negotiated with employers

Full-Time Studies

Generally based at UQ, St Lucia
Able to work part-time (taxable beyond any Scholarships paid)

Part-Time and Remote Studies

Best where the employed student works on a long-term industry problem or project, which is also their research project
Part-time is taken by UQ to represent half-time, although many part-time employed students devote an average of 2 days/week to their studies, including 1 weekend day (their own time)
Generally based on site/at workplace, with periods at UQ St Lucia, as required (no mandatory period at UQ)

Postgraduate Coursework

Generally involves contact at UQ St Lucia
Postgraduate Certificate – 8 Units/1 semester equivalent full-time
Postgraduate Diploma – 16 Units, can include Certificate
MEngSc – 24 Units, including a minimum 4 Units Thesis, can include Diploma
$1,000/Unit for all students
Ad-hoc Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Courses:
- Costing ~$1,000/day
- Possibly transferable for credit towards a Postgraduate degree