Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine)

School of Medicine

Are you a professional with a topic you wish to research to the highest academic level? The University of Notre Dame Australia is 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 significant piece of research, which may include a substantial new discovery or an original adaptation, application or interpretation of existing knowledge. Start your learning journey today.

• Why study this degree?

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

  The Doctor of Philosophy degree is designed to develop in students the capacity to conceptualise and conduct independent research with a high level of originality and quality. In the selection of fields of research, students are encouraged to examine the broad perspective within which the problem lies and to adopt problem-solving techniques applicable across disciplines.

  Before submitting your application to enrol in a Doctor of Philosophy, you must discuss your application with a suitably qualified member of the academic staff, preferably one you wish to be your principal research supervisor.

  The Commonwealth Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) provides financial support for domestic candidates. Meanwhile, international students are required to pay full fees but may apply for a wide range of scholarships made available to candidates of exceptional potential.

• Program summary

  A PhD is a thesis-based research degree where students independently undertake a specific research project related to a field of Medicine. The degree program is individually designed and built around the methodological requirements of the research and the nature of the topic to be investigated and is conducted under the guidance of at least two supervisors. This research will culminate in a thesis of approximately 80,000-100,000 words, which will be examined by two experts in the research area. It is expected that PhD research will contribute substantial additional knowledge to the topic or field of study.

  A PhD student is expected to work independently. No Coursework is prescribed in a PhD program; however, it is possible that the student 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

  To be eligible for admission to The University of Notre Dame Australia, all applicants must meet the University’s minimum requirements for admission. The requirements for admission are detailed in the University’s Policy: Admissions.

  To be eligible for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy applicants must also meet the following specific requirements

  • The Pro Vice Chancellor-Research, on the advice of the National Head of School, determines admission to the Doctor of Philosophy Award.
  • Applicants to the Doctor of Philosophy Award are expected to satisfy the following criteria:
    • Possession of a research Masters appropriate to the professional field of the applicant; or
    • Possession of a Bachelor’s degree with Honours (typically 1st Class or Class 2A Honours level or equivalent); or
    • In exceptional circumstances, an equivalent academic or professional background that is considered by the National Head of School to be an appropriate preparation for independent study and research work at Doctoral level.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Doctor of Philosophy 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.

• Supervision

  Students will be supervised by at least two academic supervisors with expertise in the research topic being studied. In addition to UNDA internal supervision, students can nominate external research supervisors with specific required expertise.

• Mode of study and assessment

  Students can undertake the degree through either the Fremantle or Sydney campus, and subject to the requirements of the research being undertaken, can work remotely. Assessment will be via the creation of a substantial research thesis (either a traditional thesis or a thesis as a series of publications) which will be sent for expert external review.

• Research focus

  The School of Medicine has research projects across Australia in Fremantle, Sydney, Melbourne and the University’s Rural Clinical Schools in New South Wales and Victoria. Current research projects focus on:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
  • Basic clinical sciences
  • Bioethics
  • Clinical and applied research
  • Medical leadership and health policy
  • Medical education
  • Pain management
  • Personal development and professional matters
  • Population and public health (including social inequity, climate and human health)
  • Primary care and prevention
  • Rural medicine

  Students should find a supervisor within the faculty whose academic background aligns with your research.

• Career opportunities

  A Doctor of Philosophy in Medicine can lead to careers in academia, industry, government and non-government organisations, scientific research, specialist consultancy, leadership and research management and executive-level management.

• Real-world experience

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

• Fees and costs

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

  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.

  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.

  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

  View application steps for a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program on How to apply - Graduate research.

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Book a 1-on-1 advice session with a career advisor or call us on 1800 878 916.

  Fremantle and Broome
  Email: future@nd.edu.au
  Address: 23 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160

  Sydney and Melbourne
  Email: sydney@nd.edu.au
  Address: 128-140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008

  International students
  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.

  Fremantle and Broome International Office
  Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
  Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
  Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959

  Sydney and Melbourne International Office
  Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
  Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
  Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007