Program Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy requires completion of a research project that demonstrates a significant and original contribution to knowledge in the field of study. This includes the submission and successful examination of a thesis of up to 100,000 words.

Completion of a standard program for a Doctor of Philosophy requires a minimum of 96 units and a maximum of 192 units of enrolment in the research component.

Admission Requirements

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry.

Admission to a Doctor of Philosophy is also subject to supervisory capacity, availability of appropriate infrastructure and resources, and approval from the relevant Delegated Authority within the Academic College.

Applicants must:

1.      Present a relevant Bachelor Honours degree or international equivalent

• With a minimum grade of Second Class Honours – Upper (H2A); 
• or an equivalent combination of qualifications, research publications and/or professional experience related to the field of study.

2.      Have the written approval of an identified supervisor for the research project/thesis.

3.      Provide:

• A detailed research proposal outlining your intended research, (applicants should seek guidance from the potential supervisor regarding length and content);
• Original evidence of all relevant academic qualifications and graduation documentation (with English translation as appropriate);
• An up-to-date CV including academic qualifications, work experience and research publications;
• At least two academic referee reports.

4.      All applicants must meet the University’s English Language Admission Requirements for Students

Fee Information

All students are required to pay the Services and amenities fee (SA Fee)

The annual indicative fee provides an estimate of the program tuition fees for international students and domestic students (where applicable). The annual indicative fee for a program is based on the standard full-time enrolment load of 48 units per year (unless the program duration is less than 48 units). Fees for courses vary by discipline meaning that the fees for a program can vary depending on the courses selected. Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis and typically will increase from year to year. The tuition fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and the courses selected and are subject to increase during the period of study.

For further information on Fees and Payment please see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments

Scholarships

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the Scholarships website.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy degree have a wide range of career opportunities in addition to academia. Our graduates find employment nationally and internationally in government, start-ups, and industry across many sectors of the economy. They work as researchers, analysts, consultants, software developers and as managers and executives.

Learning Outcomes

1. critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate complex information in a specific area of the discipline relevant to their research;

2. formulate a research plan and undertake independent research to address specific research questions that make a substantial contribution to knowledge;

3. ensure that research is carried out with integrity and actively promote responsible conduct of research;

4. develop, adapt and implement research methodologies relevant to their research questions;

5. demonstrate expert technical and/or specialist skills relevant to their research focus;

6. communicate effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences in both written and oral form;

7. demonstrate appropriate collegial and professional behaviour, and safe working practices as required by their specific research focus.

Inherent Requirements

No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this program, but a condition of supervisor approval may be required to confirm the research project is feasible and it should be noted that the majority of research projects will require on campus attendance.

Further Information

The completion of a Doctor of Philosophy normally takes between three and four years of full-time study or part-time equivalent and is conducted in English. The award is made on the basis of independent research resulting in a detailed thesis comprising original written work, normally of up to 100,000 words, that is independently assessed by no fewer than two external examiners of international standing. 

 All candidates are required to complete Research Integrity Training. In addition, candidates will also be able to participate in the College of Science Career Development Framework and demonstrate broader skills in research training, teaching and learning, industry and innovation, policy and governance; and opportunities to develop other transferable skills.

More information on how to apply can be found at https://www.anu.edu.au/study/apply/anu-postgraduate-research-domestic-and-international-applications.

There are a number of scholarships available to ANU HDR candidates to assist with the cost of their studies; however, in general first class honours might be required for consideration for a scholarship. Scholarships are highly competitive and not all applicants that receive an offer of admission to a HDR program will be successful in receiving a scholarship.