Research Degrees & PhD Programmes

Introduction to the Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Unit

The Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Unit at Curtin Colombo supports advanced research that contributes to global knowledge while addressing regional and national priorities. Our HDR programs provide candidates with the opportunity to undertake original, in-depth research in their chosen discipline under the guidance of experienced academic supervisors.

Through a strong research culture, access to academic expertise, and alignment with Curtin University’s international standards, the HDR Unit at Curtin Colombo enables researchers to develop critical thinking, advanced methodological skills, and impactful research outcomes valued by academia, industry, and society.

Research degrees

Research supervisors

Curtin Colombo’s research supervisors are accomplished academics with strong research profiles and experience in supervising higher degree research candidates. Supervisors provide academic guidance, methodological support, and mentorship throughout the research journey, ensuring candidates maintain high scholarly and ethical standards.

Each supervisor is aligned with Curtin’s research priorities and contributes to ongoing academic and industry-focused research initiatives.

The principal supervisor must be based at Curtin Perth campus and the co-supervisor must be based at Curtin Colombo campus.

Principal supervisors

Principal supervisors are based at our Curtin Perth campus in Western Australia;

Professor Rebecca Walker

Faculty: Curtin Perth
School: Curtin Colombo
Location: Curtin Perth
Disciplines:
Assessment, Classroom management, Education, Feedback, Online initial teacher education, Professional experience, Technology enhanced learning, Trauma and informed practice, Women in Leadership, Work-Integrated Learning
Profile Link:
Professor Rebecca Walker

Professor Daniel Southam

Faculty: Curtin Perth
School: Faculty of Science and Engineering
Location: Curtin Perth
Disciplines: Chemistry Education, interdisciplinary learning, and educational innovation
Profile Link:
Professor Daniel Southam

Associate Professor Sonny Pham

Faculty: Curtin Perth
School: School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS)
Location: Curtin Perth
Disciplines: Computationally efficient deep learning architecture and applications,
Responsible and explainable AI for health, Computer vision, Industrial applications
Profile Link:
Associate Professor Sonny Pham

View more Principal supervisors.

Internal supervisors

Professor Dasuni Nawinna

Faculty: Curtin Global
School: School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS)
Location: Curtin Colombo
Disciplines:
Human-Centred Requirements Engineering for Complex Digital Systems,
Socio-Capital and Inclusive Digital Development,
Technology Enhanced Education
Profile Link:
Professor Dasuni Nawinna

Dr. Umanga Pilapitiya

Faculty: Curtin Global
School: School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS)
Location: Curtin Colombo
Disciplines:
CS and SE Education, Information Technology and Education,
Innovative approaches for Education
Profile Link:
Dr. Umanga Pilapitiya

Professor Mahesha Kapurubandara

Faculty: Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
School:Global Curtin
Location: Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
Disciplines:
Digital Transformation, Higher Education Governance and Internationalization, Information Systems and Technology Adoption
Profile Link:
Professor Mahesha Kapurubandara

Dr. Prasanna Sumathipala

Faculty: Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
School:Global Curtin
Location: Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
Disciplines:
Explainable AI, Neuro-computing, Text Analytics
Profile Link:
Dr. Prasanna Sumathipala

Course overview

Entry requirements

Applicants must have completed a qualification demonstrating the capacity to undertake independent research. This includes one of the following:

A bachelor degree with first-class or upper second class honors; or
A master degree requiring the completion of a publicly available thesis or research project; or
A bachelor degree with additional postgraduate study, or a coursework master degree.

In exceptional circumstances, candidates who have been enrolled in a research master’s degree for at least one semester may be considered, subject to approval by the Faculty Graduate Studies Committee.

English Language Proficiency

All courses at Curtin University Colombo are delivered in English. Applicants must therefore demonstrate English language proficiency for Higher Degree by Research programs by meeting one of the following requirements:

Successful completion of tertiary studies taught in English at a recognised university or institute, assessed by Curtin University Colombo (Click here); or
Achievement of the minimum required scores in an approved English language proficiency test in accordance with Curtin University standards as given below.

IELTS (International English Language Test System)
Writing and Speaking	6.0
Reading and Listening	6.0
Overall	6.5

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT (Internet‑Based Test)
Reading and Listening	13
Speaking	18
Writing	21
Overall	79

PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)
Listening and Reading	50
Speaking and Writing	50
Overall	58

English language test results are generally valid for two years. Applicants who do not meet the standard requirements may be assessed on a case-by-case basis and, where appropriate, offered alternative entry pathways.

Duration

How to apply

Review the requirements and prepare your documents before you begin. The steps below guide you through the application process, from preparation to submission.

- Information before submitting your application
  - Step 1: Prospective applicants are required to create a short two page research proposal to showcase their research idea.
  - Step 2: The applicant should then liaise with a local supervisor in Colombo to refine the idea. All communication should be through [email protected]
  - Step 3: With the agreement of the local supervisor, the applicant should reach out to a potential principal supervisor at Curtin Perth. (If any assistance is required, please email to [email protected])
  - Step 4: Upon agreement from all parties, the applicant will be invited to submit the Expression of Interest (EOI)
  - Step 5: After receiving the invitation letter, applicants will be required to submit the formal enrolment application via the Curtin admissions portal https://www.curtin.edu.au/study/apply/
  - Step 6: Thereafter, the standard Curtin University processes will apply.

HDR Milestones

During your enrolment your progress will be formally monitored at three points. These points are known as milestones. The defined milestones are Milestone 1, Milestone 2 and Milestone 3.

You need to formally apply to your school to have your progress reviewed for each milestone. For each milestone there is an application form which you will need to complete and submit to your supervisor along with the required supporting documentation to commence the milestone review process within your school. You will also need to provide an oral presentation on your progress for each milestone review.
For further details: Milestones

Progression Requirements

Thesis Examination

This section provides guidance on the requirements for preparing presentation of your thesis on how to submit it and what to expect during the examination process. Your thesis may be submitted as a traditional thesis, a thesis by compilation (published papers) or a creative work supported by an exegesis. The examination process applies to all Curtin Higher Degrees by Research. Any additional requirements for collaborative or joint PhD programs will be communicated to the student and supervisor by the partnering institution.
For further details: Thesis Examination

HDR forms and guidelines

Curtin HDR policies and procedures

Contact

You should send inquiries, applications, and/or submissions regarding the Graduate School to [email protected]

Research

Introduction to the Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Unit