Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. engage in critical reflection, synthesis and evaluation;
2. develop, adapt and implement research methodologies to extend and redefine existing knowledge or professional practice;
3. disseminate and promote new insights to peers and the community; and
4. generate original knowledge and understanding to make a substantial contribution to a discipline or area of professional practice.

We have working partnerships with most universities in Victoria, and several large industry and government departments.

Our partnerships develop opportunities for our students and expand the reach of our innovative research. Our partnerships have a shared purpose and create mutually beneficial outcomes that have real, lasting impact in the communities we serve.

Learn more about our partnerships

Our research is aligned with two interdisciplinary flagship research themes, delivered through six research focus areas.

Sustainable industries and liveable cities research is undertaken by:

• Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities
• Centre of Policy Studies (CoPS) – economic-modelling research
• Centre for International Research on Education Systems (CIRES).

You'll have access to expertise in our collaborative law and policy institutes:

• The Mitchell Institute – health and education policy
• Sir Zelman Cowen Centre – law-related topics for industry, government and the community.
• The School for the Visitor Economy – a cross-discipline institute for tourism innovation.

You can also undertake a PhD through VU's Institute for Health and Sport.

Conduct research that addresses major challenges faced by communities and industries. We offer leading supervision in several areas:

• Cultural Diversity: Migration and mobility; Social inclusion, cohesion and equity; Access to justice; Community services
• Urbanisation – Leading Urban Planning for the West & Beyond: Infrastructure and services; Urban and peri-urban planning; Quality of life
• Climate Change: Impact analysis, mitigation and adaptation; Infrastructure and planning; Risk analysis and management; Decision support
• Industrial Futures Preparing Technology-driven Futures: Technological change; Product innovation; Economic policy; Regulation and governance
• Future of Work: Technological change; Micro, small and medium business; Skill and knowledge development.

Within our research institutes, you may study towards a qualification in your chosen area:

• Business
• Creative Arts
• Education
• Engineering
• Food Science
• Information Technology
• Law and Justice
• Biological Sciences
• Science
• Society and Culture
• Sport History
• Tourism.

Engineering & science labs

Victoria University has high-tech laboratories and equipment that enable our innovative research.

These include:

• computer modelling software packages including GIS and REALM
• controlled-temperature rooms for botanical work
• dynamics labs including drop- and shock-testing and thermal-imaging equipment
• e-health software and systems, including PhysAnalyser & GP E-connect
• fluid mechanics and hydraulics lab
• large-scale structural fire-test furnace
• materials engineering labs
• PCR molecular labs
• pluviometers, flowmeters, and water-quality monitoring equipment
• polymer research lab.

Libraries & special collections

The VU Library holds several special collections and archives that are available to assist graduate students and staff in their research.

VU Research gives you opportunities to:

• connect with other researchers
• participate in research festivals and competitions
• develop your research skills
• get funding for your research
• publish and promote your findings.

We offer support for graduate researchers including:

• an orientation program
• a specialised Graduate Research School
• study spaces
• units to help you conceptualise and contextualise your research
• research ambassadors and student association.

Find out more about graduate opportunities at VU.

To be considered for postgraduate study, you will need to have specific academic qualifications, as outlined below. We also consider non-academic research and work experience for our research candidates.

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF8), or equivalent, in a different discipline to the proposed research with average grades of at least H2A/Distinction (70% or above on the Victoria University grading scale) for the final year OR Completion of an Australian Masters degree (AQF9), or equivalent, undertaken by coursework in any discipline, not including a thesis, with average grades of at least H2A/Distinction (70% or above on the Victoria University grading scale) OR Completion of an equivalent combination of academic and research achievements such as relevant industry experience, research experience evidenced by peer review publications or the completion of a high-level research project, in a different discipline to the proposed research, deemed to be equivalent to any of the above entry requirements OR Any of the Admission Requirements as listed in the PhD.

Additional information

Coursework is undertaken on the Footscray Park campus.

Special entry programs

If you are from a disadvantaged or underrepresented social, economic or cultural background, you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. These programs are designed to help you access education more easily.

Learn more about special admission programs