HDR placements
The Graduate Research School's Career Development Framework offers HDR placements with industry, government, and NGO partners. These placements help you gain real-world experience, build professional networks, and strengthen your research and transferable skills.
Placement Information Sessions
Information sessions provide an overview of the placement process, including your responsibilities and how to get started.
2026 Dates (all Sessions are held via Zoom):
The Graduate Research School (GRS) is available to support you throughout the placement process. After attending a placement information session, you are welcome to book an appointment to discuss your placement plans, eligibility, or any questions you may have.
Book an appointment with the HDR Placements team
Want to know more? Explore past candidates’ stories or watch interviews to see how placements have shaped their research and careers.
1. Benefits of an HDR Placement
An HDR placement is more than a career development opportunity. It enables you to apply your research skills in a professional environment, gain insight into how research is used beyond academia, and develop valuable industry, government, and community connections.
Through an HDR placement, you can:
- Apply your research expertise to real-world challenges.
- Develop professional skills that complement your research training.
- Expand your professional network and build relationships with potential future employers and collaborators.
- Explore career pathways both within and beyond academia.
- Gain confidence working in diverse professional environments.
- Enhance your understanding of how research creates impact in the broader community.
Many HDR candidates describe their placement as a transformative experience that broadened their career perspectives, strengthened their professional confidence, and opened new opportunities.
HDR placement learning outcomes
The HDR Placement Program is designed to support candidates in developing and demonstrating the ability to:
- Apply advanced disciplinary knowledge, research expertise, and technical capabilities to real-world organisational challenges.
- Demonstrate professional conduct and ethical decision-making in workplace settings.
- Communicate complex ideas and technical information effectively to a range of audiences.
- Build and maintain professional relationships, working collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Apply critical thinking and analytical skills to translate research knowledge into practical outcomes and solutions.