Simon Lucey

Prospective Students

Research Degree Opportunities

I recruit high-potential students to join my research group in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Computer Vision at Adelaide University. Admissions are competitive and structured similarly to leading international research laboratories.

Applicants may be considered for either the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Philosophy (MPhil) research programs. Degree pathway and level of entry are determined following academic assessment.

Degree Pathways

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD is intended for candidates who demonstrate strong preparation for independent research and the capacity to develop original research directions.

Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Research

The MPhil is an advanced research degree designed for high-potential candidates who would benefit from additional research training before undertaking a PhD.

Students demonstrating strong research performance during the MPhil may apply to transfer into the PhD program.

Guidance for Domestic Applicants

Australian students commonly enter research degrees through Honours or coursework Masters programs. While these pathways provide valuable preparation, research experience and readiness vary between individuals.

Applicants are therefore assessed on demonstrated research preparedness rather than qualification title alone. Some Honours graduates proceed directly to the PhD, while others benefit from further research development through the MPhil pathway before progressing to doctoral study.

This staged pathway is common internationally and is designed to maximise student success and research outcomes.

Guidance for International Applicants

International research training systems differ substantially. In many countries, direct entry to a PhD follows extensive prior research preparation such as a research Masters degree or significant undergraduate research experience.

My research group follows an admissions model comparable to leading US and European research laboratories, where entry to doctoral study is based on demonstrated research readiness.

Applicants with strong prior research experience may be admitted directly to the PhD. Others may be offered entry via the MPhil Research program as a pathway to doctoral study.

Application Requirements

Important: The materials below are used for an initial review within my research group. This is not the official Adelaide University application. Candidates who are successful in this stage will be guided through the formal university application process for either the PhD or MPhil research programs.

Applicants should send a single email with exactly three PDF attachments:

Applications must contain exactly three PDF attachments using the file naming format above. Applications that do not follow these instructions may not be reviewed.

Document Requirements

  1. Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
    Include university qualifications, GPA, expected completion date (if applicable), research experience, publications, internships, technical skills, awards, and contact details for at least two referees.
  2. Research Statement (maximum 2 pages)
    • Select a recent paper from my Google Scholar profile.
    • Provide a clear summary and critical analysis of the paper, including:
      • the core technical idea
      • why the approach works
      • its assumptions and limitations
      • what you found interesting or unclear

    Important: Do not summarize your own work. Do not propose a research topic. This task is used to assess your ability to understand and reason about research.

  3. Research Fit (brief bullet points)
    A short explanation of why your research interests align with the group.

Application Process

  1. Email your application PDF to: simon.lucey [at] adelaide.edu.au
  2. Use subject line: AIML-GRAD-APPLICATION – [LastName]
  3. You will receive an automated acknowledgement confirming receipt
  4. Applications are assessed competitively after the closing date
  5. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interview
  6. Due to application volume, individual feedback is not provided

Application Rounds

These rounds apply to applications for supervision in my research group. Applicants who are successful at this stage will then be guided through the formal Adelaide University research degree application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are research degrees fully funded?

Yes. All students in my research group are supported through fully funded research positions that cover both tuition fees and a living stipend.

Funding may come either from project and grant support within the research group or through competitive university-administered research scholarships. Adelaide University scholarship schemes provide a useful baseline reference point, although support within the group may be higher depending on the strength of the application and the available funding pathway.

For current scholarship schemes and stipend levels, please refer to the Adelaide University Research Scholarships page.

Can students undertake internships or spend time overseas during their degree?

Yes. Many students in my research group undertake research internships or spend time visiting other research laboratories during their degree. These opportunities may be with leading technology companies, AI research labs, or partner universities both in Australia and internationally. Students in the group have previously undertaken internships or research visits at organisations such as Apple, Adobe, Meta, Commonwealth Bank, Carnegie Mellon University, and other leading research laboratories.

Such experiences are strongly encouraged as they expose students to different research environments and often lead to new collaborations and career opportunities. However, they are not guaranteed and typically depend on the student’s research progress, timing within their degree, and the availability of suitable opportunities.

What mathematical preparation is expected for a PhD?

Research in modern machine learning and computer vision relies heavily on strong mathematical foundations. Students entering the PhD program are expected to have solid preparation in linear algebra (including matrix calculus), probability, and optimisation.

Applicants should be comfortable working with vector and matrix derivatives, understanding gradient-based optimisation methods, and analysing models using mathematical tools rather than purely empirical experimentation.

Good preparation for this level of work can be obtained from texts such as Understanding Deep Learning by Simon J.D. Prince, the optimisation text Convex Optimization by Boyd and Vandenberghe, and David MacKay’s classic Information Theory, Inference, and Learning Algorithms .

I have First Class Honours. Should I proceed directly to a PhD?

Honours degrees provide strong preparation for research; however, research depth and scope vary across institutions and projects. PhD admission requires evidence of readiness for independent and sustained research. Some Honours graduates meet this threshold, while others benefit from additional research development through the MPhil pathway.

I completed a Masters by Coursework. Am I eligible for the PhD?

Coursework Masters programs typically provide strong technical training but often include limited research experience. PhD admission in my research group normally requires substantial prior research preparation.

Applicants are usually expected to have completed a research-oriented degree, such as a Masters by Research or equivalent program that includes a significant thesis component. Students whose background is primarily coursework-based may find the MPhil pathway a useful way to develop the research depth required for doctoral study.

Why might I start with an MPhil instead of a PhD?

The PhD is the highest research degree and requires strong preparation for independent and sustained research. In some cases applicants benefit from first undertaking an MPhil, which is a focused research degree designed to strengthen research capability and help develop a clear thesis direction.

The MPhil can also help students build a strong research portfolio that positions them competitively for doctoral programs internationally. Our group regularly collaborates with leading AI research laboratories and universities around the world, and strong MPhil graduates are well prepared to pursue advanced research opportunities within this global ecosystem.

Can I transfer from MPhil to PhD?

Yes. Students demonstrating strong research progress during their MPhil may apply to transfer into the PhD program, subject to academic review and supervisor support.

I completed a research Masters overseas. Which program should I apply for?

Applicants with substantial prior research experience are typically considered for direct PhD admission. The most appropriate pathway will be determined during academic assessment.

Do I need a Computer Science degree to apply?

No. While many applicants come from computer science, strong candidates also regularly come from fields such as applied mathematics, engineering, physics, and related quantitative disciplines.

The most important preparation is a strong mathematical foundation, particularly in linear algebra, probability, and optimisation. Programming experience is also necessary, as research in the group involves implementing and evaluating machine learning systems.

Applicants from non–computer science backgrounds often benefit from initially entering through the MPhil pathway. This allows students to strengthen their research and technical preparation before progressing to the PhD.