Why should I pursue a research degree with industry?

UNSW Engineers are self-starters by nature and reputation, driving new paradigms in areas such as energy resources, medicine and AI. With the adoption of powerful learning tools such as short courses and generative AI study-buddies, research skills have never been so valuable.

That's why the AGSE have introduced a new mode of experiential learning to close the gap between research and industry, to open new doors to impact. People who wish to advance their skills through our PhD or Masters will equip themselves with the discipline and capacity to collaborate with industry and build original ideas from scratch.

Embarking on a research degree is fundamentally different to any other degree. As an engineering researcher, you are on a single-minded mission to shift the boundaries of science and technology in society. Simultaneously, this gives you a platform to deep-dive into your own natural curiosity by holding a magnifying glass up to the world around you. Every hypothesis starts with a question: what are you curious about?

• What problems do you see?
• Who is responsible for solving this problem?
• How can we improve as a society?
• Where are our gaps in knowledge?

An industry-linked program is a little different. Our Industry PhD and Master of Industrial Research programs have been purpose-built for the mission-led learner, to streamline their journey from research to impact. This allows students to work at the cross-section of theoretical inquiry and commercial design, bringing a fresh perspective to sector-specific goals and barriers. As the eyes of industry, your mission is simple: to shine a light on society's biggest blindspots, ensuring nothing gets lost in translation.

Research degrees aim for original and impactful ideas. Many dedicate their lives to this pursuit, and the work is never truly finished. UNSW researchers,Professor Martin GreenandProfessor Andrea Morello,exemplify the power of persistence over decades. Convincing your peers of the importance of your ideas is a life-long battle - mastering the art of communication is essential.

A typical thesis is between 60,000 and 100,00 words, but what if you didn't have 3-4 years to deliver your magnum opus? What if you only had 3 minutes?

Skills you'll master during the completion of your thesis:

1. Planning: Learning time and project management to optimise research tasks with guidance from experienced supervisors
2. Articulation: Communicating your ideas effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders
3. Endurance: Iterate, refine, and adapt until the answer finds you
4. Collaboration: Working in teams of multi-disciplinary engineering specialists with divergent perspectives
5. Translation: Converting designs into working prototypes for industry

Two degrees, three learning models.

1. Find a Supervisorwith an industry-engaged project you're interested in pursuing.
2. Apply to UNSW and identify yourself as an industry-engaged applicant.
3. Once you have accepted your admission offer, you will be considered for the AGSE Industry PhD Program.
4. Accept the invitation and join our cohort of fearless thinkers!

Apeksha Goswami from the School of Chemical Engineering won second prize at the 2023 '3 Minute Thesis' competition and was awarded $1500 for her innovative research into meat marbling.

"These PhD students are highly skilled people so we gain access to their academic expertise. They really help us to innovate...We're proud to invest in them."

- Dr Lidija Kotula, Weet-Bix Scientist at Sanitarium Health Foods