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PhD

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) signifies that the holder has undertaken a substantial piece of original research which has been conducted and reported independently under academic supervision and is externally examined. PhD candidates produce an 80,000 to 100,000 word thesis.

Duration

The normal duration of candidature is three years for full-time candidates with the possibility of two, six-month extensions. Part time candidates have a term of six years to complete their thesis with the possibility of two, twelve-month part-time extensions.

Entry requirements

The University of Melbourne has minimum standards for entry into the PhD program. Applicants will be assessed using the criteria described below. The measures include an assessment of a candidate's knowledge of the discipline and evidence of their ability to complete a rigorous research project. Applicants are required to meet the minimum standards described for each of the six measures.

In exceptional circumstances, the Research & Higher Degrees Committee (RHD) may consider for admission a person who does not have qualifications equivalent to a four-year Honours degree if it is satisfied that the person's experience in research and the results of that experience are so outstanding that the person is likely to have the ability to pursue the course successfully (Criteria 2). In such cases, or where the other minimum standards as specified below are not all met, the department (with faculty endorsement) may present a case for admittance, including relevant evidence, to the Dean, School of Graduate Studies.

Criteria for assessing applicant eligibility for PhD candidature
Criteria	Minimum standard
1. Minimum qualifications	Applicants are normally required to have completed at least a four-year honours degree at H2A (75-79%) standard from an Australian university, or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered by the Research and Higher Degree Committee to be equivalent.
2. Minimum level of academic achievement	Applicants should have achieved an overall H1 (80-100%) or H2A (75-79%) grade in the relevant honours or masters degree. Applicants who have completed certain professional degrees such as MBBS, BVetSci, LLB and BPhysio will be assessed individually.
3. Relevance of the Degree	The completed degree must be in an area that is relevant to the intended PhD. It must include sufficient specialisation, so that the applicant has already developed an understanding and appreciation of a body of knowledge relevant to the intended PhD.
4. Evidence of research ability	Applicants are normally required to have completed a research project/component that accounts for at least 25% of their year's work at 4th year or at masters level. Graduates of certain professional degrees at the University of Melbourne, including MBBS, BVetSci, LLB, BPhysio and BEng are deemed to have met this requirement. Graduates of certain professional degrees at the University of Melbourne, including MBBS, BVetSci, LLB, BPhysio and BEng are deemed to have met this requirement.
5. Currency of applicant's knowledge of the discipline	The applicant’s degree/s and/or professional experience must demonstrate that their knowledge of the discipline in which they plan to undertake their research higher degree is current. It is therefore expected that an applicant will have completed their tertiary studies and/or any relevant professional experience in the 10 years immediately prior to their intended entry to the PhD.
6. Assessment of level of commitment	Based on interview or other communication, an assessment should be made of the level of understanding, motivation and time commitment of the student for the proposed program of study. For example, a full-time student would be expected to devote at least 40 hours a week and a part-time student about half of this.

Fees and scholarships

Local students

The Research Training Scheme (RTS) provides Commonwealth-funded places to Australian residents and New Zealand citizens in a Higher Degree Research (HDR) with an 'entitlement' to a HECS exemption for the duration of an accredited HDR course. For PhD students this entitlement is for a maximum period of four years' full-time equivalent study. For more information, download the School of Graduate Studies' Research Training Scheme FAQs .

Further information on tuition fees is available at www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/courses/fees.html.

International students

Please refer to the following link for tuition fees information www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/int/fees/index.html.

Scholarships

The Melbourne Scholarships Office, www.services.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships/pgrad/index.html.

Application process

Step 1:

Ensure that you meet the University of Melbourne PhD entry requirements.

Step 2:

Investigate the Department’s current research areas and a potential supervisor for your project

Research areas
There are three major research areas in the Department’s Primary Care Research Unit (PCRU). The current research areas are chronic disease, mental health and youth health.

Potential supervisors
A number of experienced academics are available to supervise your PhD research. Please refer to the list of supervisors and their areas of research and contact them to see if they are able to supervise your proposed topic before you submit a pre-application form.

Potential supervisors for PhD students:

Step 3: Submit a an expression of interest form

The RHD expression of interest form will be used to establish your eligibility for entry as a PhD student and whether the Department can provide appropriate supervision and facilities to support your research. Please note that submission of this form does not guarantee that you will be offered a place in the PhD program.

Expression of interest

Step 4: Submit a formal application form

If the Department is able to provide appropriate supervision and facilities to support your research you will be asked to submit a formal PhD application to The University of Melbourne. Please be aware that this application process does not guarantee that you will be offered a place in the PhD program.

Application for PhD

Resources available to postgraduate students

Please consult the department’s A-Z Postgraduate Student Guide.
The School of Graduate Studies provides a comprehensive range of resources to support students from their commencement to completion.

Further information

Postgraduate Academic Coordinator
Dr Meredith Temple-Smith
tel: +61 3 8344 3371
m.temple-smith@unimelb.edu.au

Research Development Coordinator
Dr Helen McPartlan
tel: +61 3 8344 9050
hmc@unimelb.edu.au

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PhD