Research

Building on a well-established international reputation for expanding knowledge, Adelaide Medical School offers a diverse range of biomedical and health care research programs across many disciplines.

Two research students within a lab, looking at a test tube

When you join the Adelaide Medical School you become part of a vibrant, high-impact research community. At any one time there are over 500 students enrolled in our honours, masters and PhD programs, all striving to transform lives by improving human health.

Here you will enjoy a stimulating research environment, with access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences building and multifunctional Ray Last Laboratories. You will also have the opportunity to expand your knowledge and capabilities under the expert guidance of research supervisors who are internationally recognised, and who collaborate widely with numerous major research institutes.

Our team has strong partnerships with: the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), the Royal Adelaide Hospital, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Lyell McEwin Hospital, and regional hospitals. Internationally, our partnerships include those with Nagoya University (Japan), Freiberg University of Mining and Technology (Germany) and the University of Nottingham (UK).

Our greatest research strengths

Adelaide Medical School conducts high-quality basic, translational and clinical research across all 17 of the faculty’s areas of inquiry.

Some particular strengths include: cancer biology and clinical oncologycardiac, respiratory and vascular healthfertility and conceptionpregnancy and birthearly origins of healthchild and adolescent healthneuroscience, behaviour and brain healthsurgical and health systems innovationnutrition and metabolic healthmusculoskeletal health; and immunology and infection.

How to get started in research

If you want to challenge yourself and potentially pursue a career in research, but aren’t sure where to start, consider applying for our Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences (Honours).

The honours degree enables you to research an area of personal interest, and develop the skills required for postgraduate study at a higher level (see below). You’ll undertake a research project, prepare a report for publication, and—in the process—acquire a potential point of difference in the eyes of employers.

To get started, browse the AMS HDR Students Handbook and Adelaide Medical School’s research groups and available projects in the Research Opportunities Guide. Then find out more about applying for honours within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.

Postgraduate medicine and surgery research degrees

A postgraduate research degree at Adelaide Medical School allows you to specialise and extend your knowledge in a research area of your choice at one of the world’s leading universities; a member of Australia’s Group of Eight (Go8), renowned for excellence in education and research, and consistently ranked in the top 1% globally.

The international standing of our supervisors provides opportunities for networking and increasing your research profile. The many benefits of completing a postgraduate research degree at Adelaide Medical School include:

  • the opportunity to attend conferences and symposiums to present your research, and network with other national and international researchers in your field.
  • the ability to undertake research at our partner international research institutes.
  • the development of a wide range of professional skills to complement and enhance your skills as a researcher, and your career in general.
  • a wider range of employment opportunities, including higher paid careers, both in Australia and overseas.

We offer three degrees, each aimed at helping you make an impact in your chosen field of study.

Master of Philosophy

The Master of Philosophy is offered in every faculty as the primary research master’s degree available to prospective research students, and is conducted over two years of full-time study. It will train you in research methodology and techniques, and engage you in advanced, critical evaluation of literature and results.

Adelaide Medical School also offers a number of Master of Philosophy specialisations:

You can access the AMS HDR Students Handbook for more information.

Master of Clinical Science

The Master of Clinical Science provides an introduction to clinically-based research for candidates who have clinical qualifications and work experience. The key aim of the program is to train experienced clinicians in research methodology and techniques, impart new skills and enhance their professional qualifications.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is our flagship research award and is the standard qualification for a research career or academic position. It is a stepping stone to a range of career opportunities and involves three to four years of research for a full-time candidate.

You can access the AMS HDR Students Handbook for more information.

Research project supervision

A key component of a successful postgraduate research experience is finding the right topic, and the best supervisor to help you achieve your investigative goals. Depending on your area of interest, there are two main avenues through which you can start this process.

For a comprehensive overview of research within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, you can explore all faculty research areas. While for research specifically within the Adelaide Medical School, you can browse research groups and projects in our Research Opportunities Guide.

Ready to take the next step?

You’ll find full admission requirements for each of these degrees in the University’s Graduate Centre Academic Program Rules.

For more information on how to apply for a higher degree by research or if you have any queries, visit the Adelaide Graduate Research School.