Doctor of Philosophy (Arts & Sciences)

School of Arts & Sciences

Are you a professional with a topic you wish to research to the highest academic level? The University of Notre Dame Australia is proud to offer the opportunity to work on a PhD to students who have achieved outstanding results in their Honours or Masters. Completed over three years of full-time study, your PhD will require you to work closely with two academic supervisors as you undertake a significant piece of research, which may include a substantial new discovery or an original adaptation, application or interpretation of existing knowledge. Start your learning journey today.

• Why study this degree?

  A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a thesis-based research degree. It has been individually designed and built around the research methodology required, the nature of your thesis topic and the candidate’s background. If necessary, you may also be required to undertake research training or further coursework as part of your PhD program. Candidates will benefit from ongoing support, mentoring or involvement in our research culture.

  A PhD may be completed as a traditional thesis or a thesis by publication or as a non-traditional thesis (exegesis) and creative artefact. Your PhD should be based on an advanced investigation into a significant question related to your current field. The thesis should make an original and substantial contribution to the humanities, social sciences, applied sciences or Aboriginal studies.

  Before submitting your application to enrol in a Doctor of Philosophy, you must discuss your application with a suitably qualified member of the academic staff, preferably one you wish to be your principal research supervisor.

  The Commonwealth Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) provides financial support for domestic candidates. Meanwhile, international students are required to pay full fees but may apply for a wide range of scholarships made available to candidates of exceptional potential.

• Program summary

  A PhD is a thesis-based research degree. The degree program is individually designed and built around the methodological requirements of the research and the nature of the topic to be investigated. The candidate may be asked to undertake further coursework to extend their knowledge and skills before embarking on the research component.

  Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

• Entry requirements

  To be eligible for admission to The University of Notre Dame Australia, all applicants must meet the University’s minimum requirements for admission. The requirements for admission are detailed in the University’s Policy: Admissions.

  To be eligible for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy applicants must also meet the following specific requirements:

  • The Pro Vice Chancellor-Research, on the advice of the National Head of School, determines admission to the Doctor of Philosophy Award.
  • Applicants to the Doctor of Philosophy Award are expected to satisfy the following criteria:

  Possession of a research Masters appropriate to the professional field of the applicant; or

  Possession of a Bachelor’s degree with Honours (typically 1st Class or Class 2A Honours level or equivalent); or

  In exceptional circumstances, an equivalent academic or professional background that is considered by the National Head of School to be an appropriate preparation for independent study and research work at Doctoral level.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Doctor of Philosophy graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply expert, specialised cognitive and technical skills in the design and execution of a substantial research project that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge, professional practice and/or creative practice
  2. Synthesise, evaluate, and critically analyse a substantial and complex body of knowledge and/or practice at the frontier of a field/s of research
  3. Communicate research findings clearly and fluently, to both peers and the community
  4. Apply knowledge of research integrity, ethics and the rights and safety of others in the conduct of research and dissemination of research findings; and
  5. Conduct research with intellectual independence, creativity, adaptability, responsibility, and accountability.

• Career opportunities

  A Doctor of Philosophy can lead to careers in academia, industry, government and non-government organisations, scientific research, specialist consultancy, research management, and executive-level management.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. There are no practicum requirements for this program.

• Scholarships

  Domestic Students

  In accordance with the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017, domestic research students are eligible to have all Higher Degree by Research (HDR) course fees paid for by the Commonwealth Government through a Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship for the length of their degree. Domestic students are also encouraged to apply for stipend scholarships, which are very competitive and awarded to students of exceptional research potential. The scholarships designed to help with general living costs for the duration of the research degree.

  International Students

  The University is keen to support high calibre international students who are eligible to apply for Commonwealth Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships (Fees Offset and/or Stipend), and the University International Fee Remission Research Scholarship (IFRRS), which are very competitive and awarded to students of exceptional research potential. Please refer to the International Prospectus or visit our Scholarships section if you would like more information. Unless in receipt of a scholarship, all international research students must pay full fees for the length of their research degree.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  International Full-Fee Paying
  Tuition costs depend on an international student’s study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of your program.

  Research Training Program (RTP)
  The Research Training Program (RTP) provides block grants to support students who are undertaking a Higher Degree by Research such as a Research Doctorate or Research Masters degree. You will receive support for a maximum of two years for a Research Masters and a maximum of four years for a Research Doctorate degree. Your offer will specify for which purpose(s) your grant may be used. This may include offset of your tuition fees, as a stipend for general living costs or as an allowance related to the ancillary cost of research degrees.

  For indicative fees and information on Postgraduate and Research Scholarships available, please visit our HDR Scholarships page.

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• More information

  View application steps for a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program on How to apply - Graduate research.

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Book a 1-on-1 advice session with a career advisor or call us on 1800 878 916.

  Fremantle and Broome
  Email: future@nd.edu.au
  Address: 23 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160

  Sydney and Melbourne
  Email: sydney@nd.edu.au
  Address: 128-140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008

  International students
  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.

  Fremantle and Broome

  Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
  Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
  Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959

  Sydney and Melbourne

  Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
  Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
  Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007