Doctor of Philosophy - Arts

University of Melbourne

Australia, Melbourne

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University of Melbourne

Australia , Melbourne

Key Facts

Program Level

PhD (Philosophy Doctorate)

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

056954J

Campuses

Parkville

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesMarch-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

AUD 46,976 / year

Next Intake March-2026

Doctor of Philosophy - Arts

About

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy – Arts (also known as a PhD or Doctorate) is the highest Arts degree offered by the University of Melbourne. By writing a sustained thesis (80,000–100,000 words) of independent research which examines a specific problem, issue or topic, you will make a significant and original contribution to an existing area of knowledge in your field of study.

While researching for your thesis, you can utilise the specialist support for higher research degree students, including lectures and seminars, three-minute thesis competitions, and research leadership programs. Choose to specialise across the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences (GSHSS), as well as in the Asia Institute.

Who is it for?

Entry to the Doctor of Philosophy – Arts requires you attain a minimum grade in an honours year or masters degree. You must also have the sponsorship and approval of a supervisor prior to enrolment. The Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences (GSHSS) only accepts applications for Semester 1 commencement – there is no mid-year intake for the PhD. You are expected to begin your degree by the first week of Semester 1.

A Doctor of Philosophy – Arts degree is useful to develop advanced knowledge and experience in your chosen field of specialisation. Researching and writing a thesis refines and cultivates your expertise and theoretical understanding within your chosen subject matter.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Minimum eligibility

You’re considered an international student based on your citizenship – even if you're studying in Australia.

To be eligible to apply for graduate research courses, you're normally required to have completed at least a four year Australian Bachelor course or overseas equivalent and achieved an overall average of greater than 75% in the final year of the course.

You're also normally required to have completed a research project/component that accounts for at least 25% of your year's work at 4th year undergraduate or masters level.

Some courses may have higher or additional entry requirements and a pre-application process. Check the course you're interested in to learn what these are.

Course-specific requirements

Requirements vary by course. Usually, to apply for a graduate research course, you first need to determine your research topic and find a supervisor. Some graduate schools advertise available projects. Visit Find a Course for the requirements of the course that interests you. You will need to be able to commit to the workload required by the course.

Finding a supervisor

Check with the course you're applying for to see if you need to find a supervisor for your course before applying.

If so, you want to make sure the supervisors you choose are right for your needs and can support you in your research. Support from supervisors does not guarantee admission, nor does it guarantee a scholarship or financial assistance.

For help finding a supervisor, visit Find an expert

Writing a research proposal

Some graduate schools also require a research proposal as part of your application.

To develop a successful proposal, you need to be familiar with current research in the area. Your proposal also needs to state your research question, your area of interest, and how you'll undertake your research.

Many graduate schools offering research courses will have their own pre-application process, entry requirements and application due dates. Check the entry requirements for the course you're applying for.

English Program Requirements

English Language Criteria

All domestic and international students studying at the University of Melbourne must satisfy the University of Melbourne English Language Entry Requirements. The minimum English language requirements for this course are Band 7. For further information, refer to the English language test scores required for the Faculty of Arts courses.

In order to be eligible for consideration in any scholarship round, applicants must have met the English language requirements by the application closing date for that particular round.

Career

With a Doctor of Philosophy – Arts you will have the ability to traverse the academic world. As an internationally recognised qualification, you can pursue roles including:

Researcher and academic
Professorships and lecturing
Consultant and subject matter expert.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon completion of the PhD, the graduate researcher will be able to:

demonstrate command of a substantial and complex body of knowledge at the forefront of a discipline
independently and systematically engage in critical reflection, synthesis and evaluation
independently and systematically develop, adapt and implement research methodologies to extend and redefine existing knowledge
independently and systematically generate original knowledge and understanding such that they can make a substantial contribution to a discipline
disseminate research findings effectively in the professional arena and in an international context
demonstrate autonomy, authoritative judgement and responsibility as an expert and scholar
demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, research ethics and integrity.