Doctor of Philosophy

Entry Requirements

Successful completion of a Masters degree by research from an Australian university or equivalent with a Distinction average

OR

Successful completion of a Masters degree by coursework with a substantial element of research work from an Australian university or equivalent with a Distinction average

OR

Successful first- or second class Honours degree from an Australian university or equivalent

OR

Work life experience demonstrating the ability to undertake study at the required level which may include approval of prior study or successful completion of a readiness assessment.

Research proposal accepted by supervisory panel.

Equivalent IELTS 7.0 (Academic) with skills band no less than 7.0 in writing and speaking and no less than 6.5 in listening and reading (or equivalent TOEFL, CAE or PTE).

Course Details

The Doctor of Philosophy is a highly regarded research degree, in which you will conduct independent research under the supervision and guidance of experts in their field. The Doctor of Philosophy requires the completion of a thesis which demonstrates original thought and academic rigour, and which makes a significant contribution to existing knowledge. The PhD is available to study on campus in Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, offshore and online.

Our Higher Degree by Research allows you to develop your research skills, so you are work-ready in academic and industry contexts. By conducting original research and practising cognitive flexibility, you will craft your professional identity and be able to communicate the impact of your findings to interested stakeholders in real-world applications.

Learning outcomes

A significant body of knowledge at the frontier of the field and make an original contribution in the context of ethical practice

Appropriate and purposeful research principles and methods for the field including any technical and creative skills for enhancing the work

Cognitive skills including critical analysis, argument and problem solving to design and implement a theoretical/practice proposition and apply intellectual independence to evaluate existing knowledge and to generate original knowledge

Appropriate and coherent communication skills to represent cogently a complex investigation of original research against international standards and communicate results to peers and the community

Intellectual independence and initiative, responsibility and accountability for planning and executing original research and for planning a research career, and demonstrate collaborative behaviours that generate intellectual activity.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) have a bright future. They will have demonstrated their preparedness for a career in research and analysis within government, higher education, research centres and private enterprises. Graduates will have demonstrated intellectual leadership, positioning them for roles such as those in the following areas:

Policy research

Research projects

Research & development

Academic research

Industry and government advising