Overview
Complete your PhD in a research institute dedicated to improving our cities and communities through scientific, technological, creative and social innovation.
Victoria University offers exceptional opportunities to study in a supportive research community, with well-established connections to businesses, industry, educational institutions, the legal sector and government.
You’ll complete an original doctoral thesis at the forefront of its field, and learn to present your findings in a wide variety of contexts appropriate to your study area, such as publications, conferences, and creative works.
You'll receive expert supervision from researchers in our 'Sustainable industries and liveable cities' group, which offers leadership in our focus areas.
Your study will address important contemporary issues such as:
- artificial intelligence and intelligent information systems
- business and financial systems
- climate change, alternative energies and conservation
- cultural diversity, arts and social justice, religious and racial discrimination
- economic modelling
- education systems, policies and practices for diverse communities
- fire engineering and structural mechanics
- Indigenous cultures and communities
- legal systems, governance and regulation
- packaging design and sustainable materials
- policy and interventions for resilient and inclusive communities
- technology for future industries, education and policy
- tourism innovation
- urban planning, transport and water treatment.
Further opportunities exist to complete your PhD in the Institute for Health & Sport.
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- engage in critical reflection, synthesis and evaluation;
- develop, adapt and implement research methodologies to extend and redefine existing knowledge or professional practice;
- disseminate and promote new insights to peers and the community; and
- generate original knowledge and understanding to make a substantial contribution to a discipline or area of professional practice.
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.
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.
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 – arts, business, engineering, legal, scientific, social and IT research.
- Centre of Policy Studies (CoPS) – economic modelling.
- Centre for International Research on Education Systems (CIRES) – education methods and policy.
- Moondani Balluk – Indigenous history, society and culture.
- The Mitchell Institute – education policy.
- Sir Zelman Cowen Centre – law-related topics for industry, government and the community.
- The School for the Visitor Economy – 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.
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
- units to help you conceptualise and contextualise your research
- research ambassadors and student association.
Find out more about graduate opportunities at VU.
Within our research institutes, you may study towards a qualification in your chosen area:
- Biological Sciences
- Business
- Creative Arts
- Education
- Engineering
- Food Science
- Information Technology
- Law and Justice
- Science
- Society and Culture
- Sport History
- Tourism.
