The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a higher degree by research available across a range of disciplines within our University research institutes, as well as our four university faculties: Faculty of Arts & Design; Faculty of Business, Government and Law; Faculty of Education, Science, Technology and Mathematics; and Faculty of Health.

We cover five areas of research focus: communication, education, environment, governance and health. These areas of focus are supported within the four University research institutes:

• Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis
• Institute of Applied Ecology
• Research Institute of Sport and Exercise
• Health Research Institute
• and several faculty- based research centres.

Course fees for the Doctor of Philosophy start at $23,430 per year for low-cost PhD (254LC) and at $30,700 a year for high-cost PhD (254HC). Fees for high-cost and low-cost PhD are determined by the Field of Education code relevant to the research topic, as determined by the Commonwealth Government. High-cost fields of education are generally those in natural and physical sciences, engineering, technology, environmental and related studies, medical and related studies and psychology. The appropriate field of education for your PhD will be confirmed at application stage.

There are two entry pathways into the PhD course: standard and accelerated entry. Students entering the course on accelerated entry are granted advanced standing for the 12 credit point coursework component of the PhD and commence directly into the research component.

The Faculty or Research Institute will determine an applicant's eligibility for standard entry based upon evidence provided which would include:

• evidence of advanced knowledge in an area relevant to the PhD topic;
• a minimum of four years study at Australian degree level in a relevant area (e.g. four year bachelor degree or bachelor degree plus coursework masters);
• evidence of an ability to undertake complex thinking and problem solving; and
• evidence of significant aptitude for research.

The Faculty or Research Institute will determine an applicant's eligibility for entry with advanced standing (accelerated entry) based upon evidence provided which would include:

• a degree of bachelor with first or upper second class honours awarded by an Australian university or other recognised higher education institution, and evidence of research training and aptitude for research; or
• an award or the completion of work that has first or upper second class honours equivalence (as set out in the Admission to Higher Degree by Research Courses Policy), and evidence of significant research ability and professional performance.

In addition, all applicants must:

• meet the University's minimum English proficiency requirements for entry into higher degree by research courses;
• satisfy any requirements for admission to the relevant specialisation approved by Academic Board (e.g. some specialisations require higher IELTS scores); and
• satisfy any additional requirements specified for admission of the particular applicant, consistent with University policy.

Additional Admission Requirements

The Graduate Certificate in Research Methods and Design exists as an exit award only, for those students admitted to and enrolled in the UC 'Standard Entry' 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 (see Admission Requirements below). The Graduate Certificate will not be awarded if the candidate successfully completes the PhD.