A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.

When you complete your PhD at UNE, you will be recognised as an expert in your area of study. Your original discoveries and innovations will be applied to benefit society and industry in Australia and worldwide.

Why study the Doctor of Philosophy with UNE?
Cement your place as an expert and leading practitioner or scholar in your field with UNE's Doctor of Philosophy. You will contribute to solving problems and challenges that will benefit society and industry.

You will undertake sophisticated original research in the discipline or professional area you choose. Integrating your knowledge across a range of disciplines, you will critically evaluate your findings to generate original knowledge and make a substantial contribution to understanding complex issues in your specialist niche. Your studies will culminate in a comprehensive thesis in which you present your insights.

At UNE, we are committed to maintaining our strong research culture, underpinned by high research training standards. Our diversity of research strength makes UNE an outstanding place to complete your PhD.

We have been awarded 5 stars – well above world standard – in 18 separate fields of research by the Australian Research Council's Excellence for Research in Australia (ERA) research evaluation program. We have been rated world standard and above (3 and 4 stars) in a further 23 fields of research.

Our research is underpinned by 5 thematic priorities:

• Securing Australia's future food and water through smart science and smart technology.
• Climate change and environmental sustainability, protecting biodiversity and developing effective policies.
• Health and wellbeing in rural communities, focusing on areas such as social exclusion, health inequity, mental health and social policy.
• Regional and rural development, sustainability, prosperity and peace.
• Our past, present and future: documenting, protecting and promoting cultural heritage, history, memory and identity in Australia and internationally.

Year after year, students award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.

What makes our course different?
At UNE you will work with supervisors who are acknowledged experts in their fields of research, as well as receive the flexibility to target the specific area of interest to you. In the Doctor of Philosophy you will have opportunities to:

• Earn your place as an expert in your niche.
• Draw on and extend your extensive academic and professional experience.
• Develop solutions to real-world problems or further society's understanding of topics of interest in your area of focus.
• Pursue a career as an academic or highly skilled specialist in industry, government or non-profit organisations.
• Perfect your research and analysis skills.
• Hone your transferrable skills in areas such as project management, collaboration, problem solving, public speaking and written communication.
• Interact with supervisors online or on campus, giving you the flexibility to balance your studies with your other commitments and constraints.
• Become a member of UNE's highly regarded research community.
• Build relationships with fellow researchers in academia and industry who have expertise and interests in similar specialist areas to your own.

If you are an Australian or New Zealand student and meet the criteria for entry to the Master of Philosophy, you may be funded under the Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP) and may not incur tuition fees for the normal duration of the course. If you are an international student, you will incur tuition fees.

Internal funding is available to support research projects and UNE offers a range of scholarships for Higher Degree Research students.

Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus
Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.