PhD program

Enquiries

Dr Cathy Banwell, Convenor of the Graduate Program, Institute of Population Health

Associate Professor Rhian Parker (APHCRI)

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

ANU has minimum standards for entry into the PhD program. Applicants are assessed using the criteria given 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 must meet the minimum standards described for each of the following four measures.

Criteria for assessing applicant eligibility for PhD candidature

Criteria	Minimum standard
1. Minimum qualifications	To be eligible for consideration of admission to a research degree at ANU, you must already have an Australian bachelor degree with at least upper second-class honours (first class honours is usually required) or equivalent, or a Graduate Diploma or Master degree with a significant research thesis component, and there must be a supervisor or convener at ANU willing to accept you as a student.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

There are five main steps to submit a complete application. See application advice for prospective research students.

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 see scholarships for domestic students.