A Doctor of Philosophy program provides research training in a discipline within the School of Social Sciences and Psychology.  It typically develops the independent research skills of the candidate under the supervision of an academic expert.  The program leads to a thesis that demonstrates a contribution to scholarship and advances knowledge in a relevant field.

You will demonstrate your capacity for critical analysis and capacity for pursuing scholarly and programmatic research. You will learn how to frame, express and convey ideas in a clear and convincing way.

You will become accustomed to being exposed to new and confronting ideas, and have an appreciation of the value of different perspectives on life, society and knowledge.

As a  research student, you will learn:

• The ability to analyse and evaluate and distinguish between good arguments and bad arguments, irrespective of their subject-matter, and thus to be able to make informed decisions and recommendations on contentious issues.
• Clarity of thought. You will learn to separate distinct issues, consider them independently and think out the consequences of positions on them. 
• Advanced communication skills. Research graduates have to meet very exacting requirements in communicating their ideas, both in written and oral form.

Research opportunities are available across a range of disciplines in the School of Social Sciences and Psychology.

• Location:
  Footscray Park and St Albans
• Other locations:

  Dependent upon supervision

• College:
  College of Arts
• Study mode:
  Full Time and Part Time
• Delivery mode:
  On campus
• Course code:
  APPD
• Duration:
  4 years
• This information is for Australian residents.
  Click here for the international version of this course

How to apply

Career opportunities include:

• manager
• academic
• employment with a university conducting research
• researcher in public, private or university sectors

Learn more about your career options on the Australian government's Career Information and Resources website.

The School of Social Sciences & Psychology offers supervision for Doctorate programs in many key research areas: some examples include Psychology, Community Psychology; Counselling; Sleep and Sleep problems; History; Political Science, Sociology, Asian Studies and International Development.

Standard completion times for research is 48 months for a PhD, or part-time equivalent.

Applicants are invited, in the first instance, to discuss their potential research topic with the School Postgraduate Coordinator for more information.

• Mature: Applicants for candidature to the Doctor of Philosophy should normally have completed either a Master of Arts with a substantial research component (ie. not a coursework only Masters degree) or a four-year undergraduate degree with Honours, with 2A honours level equivalent or better. Applicants may be required to be enrolled in the first instance in a Masters by research program and will be given the opportunity to convert to a Doctoral program when they have completed sufficient work to satisfy the School that their topic is suitable in scope and level for doctoral study. Initial contact should be made with either the School Postgraduate Studies Coordinator to clarify the proposed area of research. Applicants will need to discuss the availability of suitable supervision for their program and any facilities or support required. Applicants for the Doctor of Philosophy in the discipline of Psychology should normally have an Australian Psychological Society accredited fourth-year (Honours or Graduate Diploma) in Psychology, with 2A honours level or better. Students with fourth-year or Master's degrees in other related disciplines with a substantial research component may be considered, if appropriate supervision is available.