About the course
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) lets you explore real-world issues and develop new theories, methodologies and models that could lead to significant steps forward in your industry or discipline.
Details
As a PhD student, you’ll have the support of our academics and industry professionals throughout your studies to ensure your research is relevant and insightful. You'll also complete a research degree skills audit to help you and your supervisors identify the coursework and training that will support your research and career goals. To complete your PhD, you would typically be expected to:
- conduct a literature review
- develop and refine your research problem
- present your research theory at a confirmation seminar
- complete a research program which tests your theory
- prepare a final thesis or dissertation of your findings.
Entry requirements
To qualify for entry to a PhD, you usually need to have achieved one of the following:
- successfully completed a research masters degree
- succesfully completed a masters by coursework degree or professional doctorate, with at least 25% research
- graduated from an honours degree with a First Class or 2A Honours.
Check the admission criteria for the Doctor of Philosophy (PDF file, 235.7 KB) for the full eligibility details.
Before considering a PhD, you should read the rules and regulations for PhDs (PDF file, 200.9 KB).
Find a supervisor and research topic
We recommend that you discuss your research interests with your proposed supervisor early in the application process. You can search for a supervisor using our experts database.
As part of your application, you must propose a research topic and develop a research proposal. You can search our student topics database for available research projects or propose your own research topic. You may ask a supervisor to help you identify or refine a research topic.
If your Expression of Interest is approved you will be invited to develop and submit a research proposal as the final step of your application.
Costs and scholarships
There are normally no fees for PhD students who are Australian or New Zealand citizens, or permanent residents of Australia.
International students can find out more about fees and costs by checking course information.
You may be eligible for a scholarship as part of our annual scholarship round to help cover your costs while you're studying. Or you can browse all research scholarships.
| Course code | IF49 |
|---|---|
| Attendance | Part time or full time (part-time study is not available for international students) |
| Course duration | 3-4 years full time |
| Start month | Start any time |
| CRICOS code | 006367J |
Research areas
Collaborate with government and industry to find innovative solutions that benefit business and community at a local, national and global level.
Explore areas like:
- accountability, regulation and governance
- consumers, markets and stakeholders
- economics and finance
- entrepreneurship, innovation and strategy
- non-profit and social enterprise
- organisation and work.
Join our progressive and collaborative postgraduate community and make an original contribution to media, design or creative arts research. We foster a supportive environment that encourages our researchers to address real world problems in areas like:
- digital media, communication and culture
- innovation in the performing and digital arts
- sustainability and innovation in design.
Learn more about research in our Creative Industries Faculty
Recognised internationally as a leader in education research with a global outlook, we provide the right environment for our researchers and research students to make real progress and generate real world impact. Our research is leading the way in areas like:
- childhood in changing contexts
- teacher education and professional learning
- literacies, language, texts and technologies
- STEM education
- student engagement, learning and behaviour.
Get hands-on experience with patients and students, and collaborate with government, community groups, hospitals and institutions from around the world. Your work has the potential to advance real-world healthcare in a vast range of areas including:
- behavioural neuroscience and mental health
- chronic conditions, including cancer
- healthy lifestyles, ageing and environments
- emergency care and health services
- infection and injury prevention.
As our commercial, social and digital worlds continue to evolve, our laws and justice system must progress with them. Our research is helping to shape the law and guide policy reform in areas like:
- justice
- health law
- technology
- environment.
From robotics to biomedical engineering, we are leading the way with research that will contribute significantly to the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of people across the globe. It’s world-changing work and it’s happening now in areas such as:
- chemistry, physics and mechanical engineering
- civil engineering and built environment
- earth environmental and biological sciences
- electrical engineering and computer science
- information systems
- mathematical sciences.
Learn more about research in our Science and Engineering Faculty
Make the most of your degree
More than a supervisor
Your support team will include external supervisors from industry as well as our academic staff. You'll develop positive and collaborative relationship, helping you progress toward your research goals.
Build graduate skills
We want you to succeed in your studies and in your career. Our Graduate Research Education and Development (GRE+D) program offers seminars, workshops and practical experiences to get your ready for life after graduation.
Writing your research proposal
One of the most important steps in your application is your research proposal. It should include:
- your research topic
- an overview of previous research in the area
- the objectives of your research
- your proposed research methods and plan
- your supervisor
- any coursework requirements.
How to apply
Before you apply for a research degree, there are a few steps you need to complete. You'll need to make sure you meet the entry requirements, find a supervisor, get your supporting documents in order and complete your research proposal.
Contact us
If you have questions about the best options for you, the application process, your research topic, finding a supervisor or anything else, get in touch with us today.