PhDs and doctorates

Doctor of Philosophy

When you graduate with a Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD, it marks your admission to the community of scholars in your discipline.

The PhD is awarded on the basis of a thesis of approximately 80,000–100,000 words, in which you report on an independent, sustained and academically supervised research project investigating a specialised topic.

Your research is expected to make a significant new contribution to the discipline. In some disciplines, creative work or performance may form part of the thesis.

Some PhD programs in the University of Melbourne may also incorporate coursework, but all PhDs are assessed via external examination of the research thesis alone.

Duration

The usual duration of PhD study is three years, full time.

Entry requirements

Refer to the details of minimum entry requirements.
You must demonstrate that you meet the specified English language requirements.

Inter-university PhD partnership programs

Universitas 21 (U21) Program

The University of Melbourne is one of 14 U21 institutions who are participating in a jointly-awarded PhD degree initiative. A formal Agreement signed by these institutions offers graduate researchers a single PhD degree for their thesis when completed as a collaboration between any two of the participating U21 institutions. Find out more about the U21 jointly-awarded PhD initiative.

French-Australian PhD Cotutelle

The French-Australian PhD Cotutelle program offers approved PhD researchers joint supervision by academics from the University of Melbourne and a nominated French University. Find out more about the French-Australian Cotutelle program.

Other collaborative PhD programs

The A*STAR Singapore Research Attachment Program

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is a scientific research organisation located in Singapore, offering valuable learning opportunities for graduate researchers undertaking a PhD at the University of Melbourne. Find out more about the A*STAR Program.

CONICYT Agreement - Chile

The University of Melbourne jointly sponsors a number of PhD places in conjunction with the Comision Nacional de Investigacion Cientifica y Technologica Chile (CONICYT) through a Collaborative Agreement.  This arrangement applies to Chilean nationals interested in undertaking a PhD programat the University of Melbourne. Find out more about the CONICYT Agreement.

China Scholarship Council (CSC) Agreement

The University of Melbourne jointly sponsors a number of PhD student places in conjunction with The China Scholarship Council (CSC). This agreement promotes international collaboration by offering excellent candidates from Chinese universities the opportunity to undertake PhD study at the University of Melbourne. Find out more about the China Scholarship Council Agreement.

Professional doctorates

Professional doctorates are offered in Dentistry, Education, Medicine, Music and Veterinary Science. These programs provide specialised training to advance practice and knowledge in the relevant professional field. Doctorates are offered through coursework and research. Please consult with your prospective Faculty or Graduate School for information on specific requirements for these degrees including special application processes.

Duration

The usual duration of Doctoral study is three years full-time.

Entry requirements

Refer to the details of minimum entry requirements.
You must demonstrate that you meet the specified English language requirements.

Check Course Search for entry requirement information. Search by keyword "doctor".