This Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program at the Asia-Pacific College of Diplomacy at the ANU targets candidates with considerable experience (at least a decade) in the practice of diplomacy. It provides these candidates with specialised, rigorous academic and research training, in order to equip them to contribute at the highest level, whether in Australia, our region or globally, to policy formulation and academic scholarship in the field of diplomacy, foreign policy and international affairs. The program aims to produce doctoral scholars who connect the most important academic insights of the discipline of diplomatic studies with the most important policy developments in the practice of diplomacy.
This is a three-year research-focused doctoral program. Candidates complete one year of coursework in the theory, practice and research of diplomacy. In the remainder of their program candidates produce significant and original research outcomes culminating in a thesis of no more than 100,000 words
The Asia-Pacific College of Diplomacy (APCD) promotes world-class research, teaching, and training in transnational diplomacy. While our outlook is global, we pay particular attention to the new dynamics arising from the shift in the distribution of power to the Asia-Pacific region.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Generate original knowledge and understanding to make a substantial contribution to key concepts, theoretical debates or practical challenges in Asia Pacific politics, international relations, strategic studies, aid and development, history, or diplomacy.
- Critically reflect upon, synthesis, and evaluate diverse sources of information and develop them into clear arguments—both oral and written.
- Develop, adapt, and implement research methodologies to extend and redefine existing knowledge or professional practice in Asia Pacific politics, international relations, strategic studies, aid and development, history, or diplomacy.
- Develop high-level communication skills by presenting original research to external examiners, peers, and the community.
Work Integrated Learning
Fieldwork
Thesis Course code is used for enrolment purposes only. Fieldwork and Projects will form a part of the degree.
Indicative Assessment
- The Doctor of Philosophy requires the submission and successful examination of a thesis of up to 100,000 words. (100) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Approximately 120 hours of study over the semester
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Prescribed Texts
N/A
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 3 to 24 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 3.00 | 0.06250 |
| 4.00 | 0.08333 |
| 5.00 | 0.10417 |
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
| 7.00 | 0.14583 |
| 8.00 | 0.16667 |
| 9.00 | 0.18750 |
| 10.00 | 0.20833 |
| 11.00 | 0.22917 |
| 12.00 | 0.25000 |
| 13.00 | 0.27083 |
| 14.00 | 0.29167 |
| 15.00 | 0.31250 |
| 16.00 | 0.33333 |
| 17.00 | 0.35417 |
| 18.00 | 0.37500 |
| 19.00 | 0.39583 |
| 20.00 | 0.41667 |
| 21.00 | 0.43750 |
| 22.00 | 0.45833 |
| 23.00 | 0.47917 |
| 24.00 | 0.50000 |
Course fees
If you are a domestic student, information about course fees can be found at Fees.
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $1170 per unit |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Quarter 1
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1011 | 01 Jan 2026 | 02 Jan 2026 | 30 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | In Person | N/A |
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2040 | 01 Jan 2026 | 01 Jan 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 30 Jun 2026 | In Person | N/A |
Quarter 2
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5023 | 01 Apr 2026 | 01 Apr 2026 | 30 Jun 2026 | 30 Jun 2026 | In Person | N/A |
Quarter 3
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6019 | 01 Jul 2026 | 01 Jul 2026 | 30 Sep 2026 | 30 Sep 2026 | In Person | N/A |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7038 | 01 Jul 2026 | 01 Jul 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 31 Dec 2026 | In Person | N/A |
Quarter 4
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9017 | 01 Oct 2026 | 01 Oct 2026 | 31 Dec 2026 | 31 Dec 2026 | In Person | N/A |