Highlights
- Produce a substantial piece of research that contributes to the body of knowledge in your chosen specialisation.
- Maintain regular contact with supervisors and participate in university scholarly activities such as seminars, teaching and publication; a program of supervised research and investigation; and preparation of a thesis.
- External program candidates may research in a workplace away from QUT, either domestically or overseas.
Highlights
- Produce a substantial piece of research that contributes to the body of knowledge in your chosen specialisation.
- Maintain regular contact with supervisors and participate in university scholarly activities such as seminars, teaching and publication; a program of supervised research and investigation; and preparation of a thesis.
- External program candidates may research in a workplace away from QUT, either domestically or overseas.
Explore this course
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. QUT is proud of its record of timely completions and low attrition rates realised by this approach.
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.
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 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
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- 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)
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
- 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 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
- 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)
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
Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement date. |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
TOEFL iBT
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.
Haven't completed an English language test? We can help!
If you have not completed an English language test, you can sit the IELTS test at our IELTS test centre
Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.
2022 fees
2022: TBA
2022 fees
2022: TBA
2021 fees
2021: $26,800 - $33,300 per year full-time if you exceed the maximum time under RTP
2021 fees
2021: $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.
Become a researcher. Let us pay the bills.
If you’re an outstanding graduate and aspiring researcher, apply during our annual scholarship round, closing 30 September.
Flexible learning
'I found QUT to be really flexible. I got offered an opportunity really early on in my degree, which was an internship at the National Institute of Biodiversity Research in Canberra. So I took a leave of absence from my degree, and this was no problem at all.'
Real graduate
'My time as a researcher allowed great intellectual freedom and discovery. Research has allowed me to work on the cutting edge of my field, and to contribute new knowledge in the area of medical engineering. I believe research is about charting new territory, which is an exciting and challenging experience.'
Become a researcher. Let us pay the bills.
If you’re an outstanding graduate and aspiring researcher, apply during our annual scholarship round, closing 30 September.
Flexible learning
'I found QUT to be really flexible. I got offered an opportunity really early on in my degree, which was an internship at the National Institute of Biodiversity Research in Canberra. So I took a leave of absence from my degree, and this was no problem at all.'
Real graduate
'My time as a researcher allowed great intellectual freedom and discovery. Research has allowed me to work on the cutting edge of my field, and to contribute new knowledge in the area of medical engineering. I believe research is about charting new territory, which is an exciting and challenging experience.'





