Doctor of Philosophy

University of Adelaide

Australia, Adelaide

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Duration4 year(s)

Next IntakeJuly 5, 2026

Doctor of Philosophy

About

Become a thought leader and change maker by studying a PhD at Adelaide University. Your degree will allow for a thriving career, where your research experience is respected and rewarded by industry and academia alike.

A PhD is an investment in yourself as an innovator and a leader – and it’s the essential qualification for those aspiring towards a research-focused career in the private or public sector, or academia.

Adelaide University attracts world-leading researchers who will mentor and supervise you throughout your PhD journey. With their support, you’ll undertake an independent project on a topic that’s both meaningful to you and significant to your field.

A PhD is a self-directed degree that does not involve classes or coursework. Instead, you’ll complete progress milestones. Your studies will culminate in a substantial thesis or creative project and exegesis that offers an original contribution to your discipline, and an oral examination of your thesis or creative work and exegesis before a panel of examiners.

Throughout this process, you’ll gain expertise in independent research, apply creative thinking to tackle complex challenges, and refine your ability to communicate intricate ideas to diverse audiences.

We understand that balancing study with work, family responsibilities and other important commitments can be challenging. It's why we’ve designed our program to be flexible. Where possible, you can choose to study full-time or part-time, helping you pursue your study goals without forgoing your current commitments.

Discover our research pathways

Are you an experienced professional looking to upskill your research abilities? Perhaps you’re looking for a clear pathway to a PhD? Maybe you didn’t meet the entry requirements for the Master of Research? Our research-focused Graduate Certificates can help you take the next step towards your goals – whether that’s advancing your career or working towards a research qualification. Learn more about our Graduate Certificate in Research Skills and Graduate Certificate in Research Design.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

For admission to a Doctor of Philosophy degree, you will need to have completed either (or equivalent to):

A Master degree by research (AQF level 9); or
A Master degree by coursework (AQF level 9) or Master degree extended (AQF level 9) with weighted average mark (WAM) of ≥ 65 or a seven-point GPA of 5.0 or higher, incorporating at least 0.5 years full time (or part time equivalent) of research training* with a WAM of ≥ 75 or a seven-point GPA of 6.0 or higher; or
A 4-year Bachelor (Honours) (AQF level 8) or Graduate Diploma (AQF level 8) (following a bachelor or honours degree) with an overall WAM of ≥ 65 or a seven-point GPA of 5.0 or higher, incorporating at least 0.5 years full time (or part time equivalent) of research training* with a WAM of ≥ 75 or a seven-point GPA of 6.0 or higher; or
A Graduate Certificate (Research Skills) (AQF level 8) with an overall WAM of ≥ 75 or a seven-point GPA of 6.0 or higher, with approved professional experience; or
An equivalent combination of qualifications and experience.

* The 0.5 EFTSL of research training must have included at least 50% of research on a focused topic.

Additional requirements

You will need to demonstrate that your prior qualifications used as the basis for admission are in a discipline relevant to the proposed area of research – unless an exemption is approved by the Pro Vice Chancellor Graduate Research Training (or delegate).

Please note that admission to a research degree at Adelaide University is conditional on the availability of a suitable supervisory panel and resources to support the proposed project.

English Requirements

PTEMin 58
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

English Program Requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 | IELTS Reading 6 | IELTS Listening 6 | IELTS Speaking 6 | IELTS Writing 6

Career

Career outcomes

A PhD equips you with advanced skills for long-term success in industry, public service, academia, and beyond. You’ll gain exceptional critical and creative thinking abilities, enabling you to tackle complex challenges and thrive in your career.

You might decide to pursue a career as a university academic, where you can further knowledge in your field while mentoring the next generation of researchers. Alternatively, you could take on a senior role in a private enterprise, driving innovation and solving global challenges. Or perhaps you’ll work in the public sector, creating a safer and more equitable society by translating cutting-edge research into evidence-based policy and practice.

With a research degree, you’ll unlock opportunities in fields such as:

Healthcare and clinical research
Education and academia
Information technology and data science
Government and policy research
Scientific research and development
Consulting services
Environmental science and sustainability
Finance and economics
Creative practice.

Industry trends

Employers across various sectors are increasingly looking for candidates with higher qualifications to fill specialised positions (World Economic Forum, 2023). With the advanced analytical, creative, and problem-solving abilities that come with a research degree, your abilities will be in high demand.

Likewise, advanced qualifications are associated with higher salaries and better employment outcomes. On average, Australians with postgraduate qualifications earn an additional $25,000 AUD annually when compared to those with only undergraduate qualifications. Those with postgraduate research degrees also report median salaries reaching $100,000 AUD (QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2023).

Fee Information

Doctor of Philosophy

University of Adelaide

Australia, Adelaide

Go to Official Website