Change policy, practice or your community for the better with a PhD
Work with partners – both globally and locally – from not-for-profits to NGOs, from governments to community organisations. Then capture your research in high-impact work you'll pilot during your degree.
What is a Social Impact PhD?
A Social Impact PhD helps you accelerate and scale the change you want to make. Your networks and experience match up with our facilities, experts and academic rigour to make a difference from the very start.
This program is for professionals from not-for-profits, NGOs and community organisations who are ready to tackle real-world challenges. If you're driven to build communities or create more sustainable environments, this research pathway empowers you to transform accepted realities.
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Is a Social Impact PhD right for you?
This pathway could be right for you if you:
- work in a not-for-profit, NGO or community organisation
- want to influence policy or practice through research
- are ready to tackle real-world challenges
- want to build stronger communities or create more sustainable environments
- are looking to scale the impact of your work through research.
Why study a Social Impact PhD?
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experiment Scale your impact
With access to our facilities, experts and networks, your research can be amplified beyond your own networks.
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search Tailor your PhD program
Get access to the training, skills, facilities and networks you need from the start by designing your program with your supervisors and faculty.
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build Make an impact from the start
You'll be embedded in an NFP, government or community where you can test your research in real-time, meaning you'll make an impact from the start.
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explore Be guided by experts
Work alongside our world-leading academic staff who are committed to guiding your research.
“Doing a PhD gives you time and space to explore alternate ways of thinking, and knowing, and ultimately being in the world. It’s an absolute privilege. Now, it’s my job to try to help people to come on that journey too.”
“My PhD journey has been a masterclass in getting to know myself through my success and failures. You learn so much about yourself, and how you want to express yourself in the world. I think that’s a powerful reason for doing a PhD.”
How it works
Step 1: Find a research topic
Submit an expression of interest to your faculty or reach out to a supervisor who may have similar research interests to you. Ask them about available industry partnerships.
Step 2: Plan your degree
Choose between a PhD or Master’s by Research and check the eligibility criteria.
Step 3: Prepare your application
If you're applying for a scholarship, start preparing your application at least four weeks before the closing dates. Gain pre-approval from your potential faculty and prepare your documents.
Step 4: Submit your application
Follow the step-by-step guide to apply for a research degree.
Step 5: Design your program
You'll design a research program with your faculty and supervisors that may include discipline-specific training, research skill uplift or industry placements.
Step 6: Conduct your research
During your degree, you’ll conduct research that is structured by key milestones. Your final project will be presented for examination by industry and academic experts.
Meet our supervisors
Many of our supervisors are embedded in impact-driven projects. If you meet a potential supervisor with interests similar to yours, express your interest in a Social Impact PhD.
Ready to create real-world impact?
Take the next step towards tackling complex social, environmental or economic challenges through research with the support of UTS experts and partner organisations.
Need advice?
The Graduate Research School can answer questions about supervision, research partnerships and the application process.