Funding your research degree
If you’re an outstanding graduate and aspiring researcher, you may be eligible to apply for a scholarship in one of our scholarship rounds.
Support for researchers
'I am constantly amazed at how supportive the QUT community is. My research supervisors are just incredible - so engaged, encouraging, and knowledgeable. The Education Faculty provides wonderful support and the library team has been a great help with finding database resources specific to my topic.'
Focus on important research
'My PhD focussed on encouraging empathy through picture books about migration. Picture books can furnish readers with accessible means to investigate the complex issues of migration and promote children’s ethical and intercultural understanding.'
Three Minute Thesis winner
Faculty of Education PhD candidate Chris Poulsen has won the 2016 QUT Three Minute Thesis (3MT) grand final. Chris' research examines how school students can be encouraged to address inequality using language.
Real graduate
'My area of research is school-community engagement, and I believe communities and schools have a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be shared. I have gained confidence through the many opportunities available at QUT - attending the Beijing Normal University doctoral workshop, and an intensive study school in Iceland.'
Real graduate
'After I completed my PhD at QUT, I worked as a lecturer at Beijing Normal University in China, and then completed my postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Calgary in Canada. Since the completion of my PhD, I have engaged with the wellbeing of students in China, Canada, and Australia, with a particular interest in the social wellbeing of the traditionally disadvantaged students. I have now returned to QUT as a Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellow.'
Real research
Education student Megan Pozzi talks about her project in the annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) research communication competition. Megan was the winner of the 2013 QUT 3MT grand final, and a finalist in the 3MT Trans-Tasman competition.
Funding your research degree
If you’re an outstanding graduate and aspiring researcher, you may be eligible to apply for a scholarship in one of our scholarship rounds.
Support for researchers
'I am constantly amazed at how supportive the QUT community is. My research supervisors are just incredible - so engaged, encouraging, and knowledgeable. The Education Faculty provides wonderful support and the library team has been a great help with finding database resources specific to my topic.'
Focus on important research
'My PhD focussed on encouraging empathy through picture books about migration. Picture books can furnish readers with accessible means to investigate the complex issues of migration and promote children’s ethical and intercultural understanding.'
Three Minute Thesis winner
Faculty of Education PhD candidate Chris Poulsen has won the 2016 QUT Three Minute Thesis (3MT) grand final. Chris' research examines how school students can be encouraged to address inequality using language.
Real graduate
'My area of research is school-community engagement, and I believe communities and schools have a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be shared. I have gained confidence through the many opportunities available at QUT - attending the Beijing Normal University doctoral workshop, and an intensive study school in Iceland.'
Real graduate
'After I completed my PhD at QUT, I worked as a lecturer at Beijing Normal University in China, and then completed my postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Calgary in Canada. Since the completion of my PhD, I have engaged with the wellbeing of students in China, Canada, and Australia, with a particular interest in the social wellbeing of the traditionally disadvantaged students. I have now returned to QUT as a Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellow.'
Real research
Education student Megan Pozzi talks about her project in the annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) research communication competition. Megan was the winner of the 2013 QUT 3MT grand final, and a finalist in the 3MT Trans-Tasman competition.














Highlights
- Make an original and substantial contribution to knowledge in a specific field of learning.
- Enhance your professional practice by focusing on your professional development.
- Be supported by accredited supervisors, many of whom are world-renowned academics.
- Complete a research proposal, develop a full course of study and present the research findings after completion of the thesis.
Highlights
- Make an original and substantial contribution to knowledge in a specific field of learning.
- Enhance your professional practice by focusing on your professional development.
- Be supported by accredited supervisors, many of whom are world-renowned academics.
- Complete a research proposal, develop a full course of study and present the research findings after completion of the thesis.
Explore this course
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) offers the opportunity to work with an experienced supervisory research team to make a significant and original contribution to disciplinary knowledge. A PhD candidate’s research must reveal high critical ability and powers of imagination and synthesis and may be demonstrated in the form of new knowledge or significant and original adaptation, application and interpretation of existing knowledge. This world-class program provides a basis for critical inquiry and welcomes collaborative and interdisciplinary research projects.
Research students in the Faculty of Education are supported by a variety of services, including training and development, financial support to attend conferences, and opportunities to gain exposure for research findings through the QUT Digital Repository.
QUT adopts a project management approach. PhD candidates work closely with their supervisory team to meet collegially reviewed milestones leading to timely submission of a thesis for examination. During candidature the supervisor and other key stakeholders will provide advice and direction to the candidate to encourage their participation in university scholarly activities such as research seminars, teaching and publication. The length of the thesis varies according to the topic, but should normally be no longer than 100 000 words, excluding bibliography.
Mandatory units:
- IFN001 Advanced Information Retrieval Skills
- Time-based Thesis
Other units as agreed by student in negotiation with their supervisor and faculty.
Course design
Mandatory
IFN001 Advanced Information Retrieval Skills
Time based Thesis
Other units as agreed by student in negotiation with their supervisor and faculty.
- Course code
- IF49
- CRICOS code
- 006367J
-
- Kelvin Grove
-
- Kelvin Grove
- 3 - 4 years full-time
-
The part-time study option may be subject to QUT approval.
- 4 years full-time
- The CRICOS registered course duration is four years however the course may be completed full-time in three to four years.
-
The part-time study option may be subject to QUT approval.
- Start any time
- Start any time
Academic entry requirements
You must have either:
- a completed recognised relevant honours degree (first class or second class Division A) or equivalent
- a completed recognised masters degree or professional doctorate (by research or coursework)
Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy depends on an applicant’s demonstrated research aptitude and the availability of supervision, infrastructure and resources needed for the proposed research project.
For more information on eligibility, read the admission criteria for the Doctor of Philosophy (PDF, 98.5KB).
Once you've started your PhD, you'll need to complete your Stage 2 milestone to be fully admitted to your course. You'll usually complete this milestone within the first three months of study.
Masters and professional doctorate degrees by coursework must have a significant research component, normally not less than 25%. Holders of masters and professional doctorate by coursework must:
- have a minimum grade point average (GPA) score of 5.0 on QUT's 7 point scale; and
- present evidence of research experience and potential for approval
Minimum academic requirements
Academic entry requirements
You must have either:
- a completed recognised relevant honours degree or equivalent
- a completed recognised masters degree or professional doctorate (by research or coursework)
Masters and professional doctorate degrees by coursework must have a significant research component, normally not less than 25%. Holders of masters and professional doctorate by coursework must:
- have a minimum grade point average (GPA) score of 5.0 on QUT's 7 point scale; and
- present evidence of research experience and potential for approval
Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy depends on an applicant’s demonstrated research aptitude and the availability of supervision, infrastructure and resources needed for the proposed research project.
Once you've started your PhD, you'll need to complete your Stage 2 milestone to be fully admitted to your course. You'll usually complete this milestone within the first three months of study.
For more information on eligibility, read the admission criteria for the Doctor of Philosophy (PDF, 98.5KB).
Minimum English language requirements
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.
Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, United States of America and Wales.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests.
English Test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pearson PTE (Academic)
Commencing in 2022: The test validity has been extended from two to three years for all intakes in 2022. Commencing in 2023: Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement date. |
58 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Cambridge English Score
Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement. You must provide your Candidate ID and Candidate Secret Number, these are printed on your Cambridge English Confirmation of Entry. |
176 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
IELTS Academic
Commencing in 2022: The test validity has been extended from two to three years for all intakes in 2022. Commencing in 2023: Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement date. |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
TOEFL iBT
Commencing in 2022: The test validity has been extended from two to three years for all intakes in 2022. Commencing in 2023: Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement date. |
79 | 16 | 16 | 21 | 18 |
Don't have the English language score you need? We can help!
We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.
When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.
Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.
2023 fees
2023: To Be Announced
2023 fees
2023: To Be Announced
2022 fees
2022: $27,900 - $34,600 per year full-time if you exceed the maximum time under RTP
2022 fees
2022: $30,300 - $36,800 per year full-time
If you're an Australian citizen or permanent visa holder, or a New Zealand citizen, your tuition fees are normally covered by the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset (Domestic), as long as you complete your degree within the program's set timeframes. You'll have to pay tuition fees if you exceed the time limits under the RTP.
FEE-HELP: loans to help you pay your course fees
You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a FEE-HELP loan.
You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.
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