Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is Griffith's premier research training degree. It is your opportunity to explore a specific research area or topic that you are passionate about. You will be challenged to develop your original research project and receive mentoring and guidance from your supervisor. The PhD is awarded on the basis of a thesis or other substantial research output prepared independently under supervision that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge in the relevant field of study as judged by independent experts of international standing.

An applicant for admission as a PhD candidate shall hold:

• a Bachelor degree with first-class honours or second-class honours (Division A) or a Masters degree, incorporating a significant research component, from a recognised institution; or
• a record of research, or a qualification granted by a professional or other body deemed by the Dean, Griffith Graduate Research School, to be of a standard comparable to a Bachelor degree with second-class honours (Division A).

Refer to the Equivalent Qualifications for HDR Program Admission web page.

The following University policy will apply to Higher Degree Research (HDR) programs:

• Higher Degree by Research Admission Procedure

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English.

All Higher Degree Research (HDR) applicants are expected to have reached an appropriate level of proficiency in English. International applicants must provide documentary evidence of their English Language Proficiency (ELP). Further, there may be occasions when a Head of Element or Dean feels it is appropriate to seek confirmation of ELP from applicants for whom there is no formal requirement to provide evidence of ELP (for example, Australian citizens or applicants with permanent resident status whose tertiary studies were not conducted in English or International applicants who have undertaken some studies in English). Full documentary evidence in support of English proficiency must be submitted with applications for candidature.

The minimum English Language proficiency requirements for applicants to Higher Degree Research (HDR) programs are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE
• OR a score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19
• OR a score of no less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

An applicant may be exempted from the requirement to provide an ELP test score if the applicant's tertiary level studies were completed within the specified timeframe and in one of the countries listed in the University's Admission Schedule: English Language Proficiency.

An applicant may also be exempted from the requirement to provide an ELP test score if the applicant has completed at least two years full-time work experience in an English speaking professional work environment or has successfully completed the Griffith English Language Institute (GELI) Direct Entry Program (DEP) in accordance with the requirements as specified in the University's Admission Schedule: English Language Proficiency.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

For information about potential employment and career pathways as a Doctor of Philosophy graduate, please visit the Research Graduate Outcomes website.