Doctor of Philosophy

Distinctive advantage

Our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a transformative higher degree by research program designed to empower you to make original contributions to knowledge and practice in your chosen field. Delivered over four years full-time (or eight years part-time), the program combines rigorous independent research with 12 credit points of advanced coursework.

Be equipped with a strong foundation in research theory, methodology, and professional practice. You’ll be encouraged to think big, be entrepreneurial, find innovative solutions to real-world problems and make a positive change Our PhD Plus will help you stand out in a highly competitive job market and advance your career prospects in academia, industry or policy.

To be eligible to apply for this course:
1. There must be appropriate supervision available to supervise your research topic.
2. You must have completed one of the following Australian or Australian-equivalent qualifications in a relevant discipline related to your proposed research:

a) Bachelor Honours Degree with first-class or upper second-class honours, or equivalent,
b) Masters Degree (Research), or
c) Masters Degree (Coursework) with a research component of at least 25 per cent of the course.

The Dean, Graduate Research School may, in exceptional circumstances, approve admission into the PhD based on evidence of academic and research achievement gained through professional training, work experience or peer reviewed publications that they deem are equivalent to meeting the minimum academic requirements above.

All admissions are subject to the Higher Degree by Research Procedure https://policies.canberra.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=45&version=1

Transferring from another HDR Course
You may be eligible to transfer from one HDR course within the University to the Doctor of Philosophy if you have met the requirements detailed in the Higher Degree by Research Procedure.

Additional admission requirements

The Graduate Certificate in Research Methods and Design exists as an exit award only, for those students admitted to the PhD.

If a candidate fails to meet academic requirements during candidature, they may be eligible for the Graduate Certificate as an exit award providing the requirements of the award have been met.

Where a candidate fails to meet the academic requirements of the Graduate Certificate, they will be discontinued from the PhD and offered the opportunity to reattempt failed units and, if successful, exit with a Graduate Certificate. The Graduate Certificate will not be awarded if the candidate successfully completes the PhD.

Academic IELTS of 6.5 or equivalent, with no band score below 6.0