How to apply

The GSBL offers three HDR degrees including:

• DR 205 PhD (Business)
• DR 206 PhD (Law)
• MR 205 Master (Business and Law)

When applying for any of our Higher Degree by Research degrees you may choose to either do so with an advertised proposed project or an independent topic of your own.  

There is a formal process to submit an application. RMIT admits applicants on the basis of their demonstrated capacity to conduct independent research. Please note that it is a highly competitive degree and subject to academic supervisor and resource availability, as well as suitability of the proposed research.

Ensure that you visit the Research degrees page for full details on eligibility, how to apply, research scholarships and other pertinent information. Please find some key information for your application detailed below.

Please note that your Expression of Interest (EoI: first stage of the application process) requires a number of documents. Please find below an overview of the key documents (additional documents required in application) and information the GSBL are looking for:

Highlight your education, including your academic performance (ie. H1, H2A, H2B), details of research project and the QS ranking of your institution, prior research experience, research strengths and any academic publications such as book chapters, journal articles, refereed conference papers (include ABDC ranking if ranked).

Please also highlight any other academic standing, such as teaching experience, professional experience and industry strengths, such as organisational, governmental or media reports/publications, leadership roles, certifications, awards, large and complex projects.

Certified transcripts of all previous studies.

A thoroughly researched dissertation proposal (ca. 10-pages) is a key component of your application. It must demonstrate clear focus and purpose, whilst also showcasing your writing, research and organisational skills. It is advisable to seek feedback from your tutors, careers services, PhD application workshops, university websites.  You are welcome to get in touch with potential supervisors before you apply, but please note that some academics would rather you did not contact them individually until you have made your application. I would suggest however, that you identify any particular GSBL supervisors you would like to work and include this in your EoI. If your EoI is successful we will then work with you to ensure suitable and available academic supervision.

All HDR research must align with RMIT’s research priority areas, which we call our Enabling Impact Platforms (EIPs). You should note that most staff in the school work on research projects linked either to the Global Business Innovation platform, or the Social Change platform. You can find out more about the EIPs here. You can also find out more about research at the College of Business and Law.

If you are not applying specifically for one of GSBLs advertised HDR research projects, your research proposal should indicate how your proposed research aligns with one of the research priorities identified in the relevant EIP. If your EoI is accepted you may be invited to revise and resubmit your proposal in the full application.

Your proposal should be a five page overview of your research divided under the following headings:

• Title and topic
• EIP Alignment
• Research questions you plan to investigate in the context of existing research/literature in the area
• Significance and impact of the research
• Methodology/research tasks required to undertake the research
• Any particular needs, if applicable (e.g. resources, facilities, fieldwork or equipment that are necessary for your proposed research degree).

Please ensure that you clearly label all attachments.

If you need a scholarship to support your research, make sure that you read about RMIT research scholarships.

Scholarship applications must be submitted by advertised, non-negotiable deadlines. If you are applying for an RMIT scholarship, you are encouraged to submit your application well in advance of the deadlines.

We look forward to receiving your application!