Doctor of Philosophy (Physiotherapy)

School of Health Sciences

Here at The University of Notre Dame Australia, we are proud to offer the opportunity to work on a PhD to students who have achieved outstanding results in their Honours or Masters. Completed over three years of full-time study your PhD will require you to work closely with two academic supervisors as you undertake a major piece of research, which may include a substantial new discovery or an original adaptation, application or interpretation of existing knowledge.

• Why study this degree?

  A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a thesis-based research degree and has been individually designed and built around the research methodology required, the nature of your thesis topic and the background of the candidate. If necessary, you may also be required to undertake research training or further coursework as part of your PhD program. Candidates will benefit from on-going support, mentoring or involvement in our research culture.

  A PhD may be completed as a traditional thesis or a thesis by publication. Your PhD should be based on an advanced investigation into a significant question which is related to your current field. The thesis should make an original and substantial contribution to the field of physiotherapy.

  Just remember that you must discuss your application with a suitably qualified member of the academic staff, preferably one you wish to be your principal research supervisor, before submitting an application to enrol in a Doctor of Philosophy. Financial support for domestic candidates is available under the Commonwealth Government’s Research Training Scheme (RTS). International students, meanwhile, are required to pay full fees but may apply for a wide range of scholarships which are made available to candidates of exceptional potential.

• Program summary

  A PhD is a thesis-based research degree. The degree program is individually designed and built around the methodological requirements of the research and the nature of the topic to be investigated. The candidate may be asked to undertake further coursework to extend their knowledge and skills before embarking on the research component.

  Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

• Entry requirements

  Applicants must fulfil the following requirements:

  • Completion of a research Master's degree, appropriate to the professional field of the applicant (or equivalent) at a high level of achievement; or
  • A Bachelor’s degree with Honours (Class 1 or Class 2A Honours level or equivalent); or
  • In exceptional circumstances, an equivalent academic or professional background that is considered by the Dean of the School and the PVC-R to be an appropriate preparation for independent study and research at a doctoral level.

  An applicant may be required to demonstrate an ability to understand and communicate in both written and spoken English at a level adequate for the purpose of pursuing the program of study or as deemed appropriate by the Dean of the School.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Doctor of Philosophy (Physiotherapy), graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply expert, specialised cognitive and technical skills in the design and execution of a substantial research project that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge, professional practice and/or creative practice
  2. Synthesise, evaluate, and critically analyse a substantial and complex body of knowledge and/or practice at the frontier of a field/s of research
  3. Communicate research findings clearly and fluently, to both peers and the community
  4. Apply knowledge of research integrity, ethics and the rights and safety of others in the conduct of research and dissemination of research findings; and
  5. Conduct research with intellectual independence, creativity, adaptability, responsibility, and accountability.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. There are no practicum requirements for this program.

• Scholarships

  Domestic students

  According to the Higher Education Support Act 2003, all domestic research students are eligible to have all higher degree by research degree fees paid for by the Commonwealth Government under the Research Training Program (RTP) for the length of their degree. Domestic students are also encouraged to apply for both an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) and the University Postgraduate Award (UPA) offered through The University of Notre Dame Australia. These scholarships are very competitive and are awarded to students of exceptional research potential. The scholarships are for the purpose of assisting with general living costs for the duration of the research degree.

  International students

  All international research students are required to pay full fees for the length of their research degree. Please refer to the International Guide for current cost per year to complete a Doctorate. All international students are encouraged to apply for the Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (EIPRS) or the University equivalent International Fee Remission Research Scholarship (IFRRS), and both the Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) and University Postgraduate Award (UPA). The EIPRS provides annual fee remission for the successful applicant(s) and meets the cost of a standard Overseas Student Health Cover Policy for the student for the period of the course. The IFRRS covers the annual fee remission for the successful candidate; however students will need to pay for their own Overseas Student Health Cover.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  
  

  International Full-Fee Paying
  Tuition costs depend on an international student’s study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of your program.

  
  

  Research Training Program (RTP)
  The Research Training Program (RTP) provides block grants to support students who are undertaking a Higher Degree by Research such as a Research Doctorate or Research Masters degree. You will receive support for a maximum of two years for a Research Masters and a maximum of four years for a Research Doctorate degree. Your offer will specify for which purpose(s) your grant may be used. This may include offset of your tuition fees, as a stipend for general living costs or as an allowance related to the ancillary cost of research degrees.

  For indicative fees and information on Postgraduate and Research Scholarships available, please visit our HDR Scholarships page.

  
  

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?

  Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session. Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process. Book my session.

  
  

  For more information, please contact our Prospective Students Office.

  Fremantle and Broome Phone: +61 8 9433 0533 Email: future@nd.edu.au

  Sydney and Melbourne Phone: +61 2 8204 4404 Email: sydney@nd.edu.au

  
  

  All international enquiries should contact the International Students Office on international@nd.edu.au.