Doctor of Philosophy

School of Arts & Sciences

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.

  A PhD may be completed as a traditional thesis or a thesis by publication or as a non-traditional thesis (exegesis) and creative artefact. Your PhD should be based on an advanced investigation into a significant question related to your current field. The thesis should make an original and substantial contribution to the humanities, social sciences, applied sciences or Aboriginal studies.

  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. 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 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
  5. Conduct research with intellectual independence, creativity, adaptability, responsibility, and accountability.

• Career opportunities

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

• Fees and costs

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

  
  

  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.

• 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.