Overview
Achieve your dream of a doctorate in medical and biological science – even if you don’t have a research background.
Integrated PhD in Medical & Biological Science program
Our integrated program offers a path to a Doctoral Degree in Medical and Biological Science for graduates without research experience. During your first year, you’ll receive intensive research training. On passing the components with a 70% average, you’ll begin an original PhD thesis, graduating within the standard timeframe.
Our expert supervisors will continue to support your study in our medical-research areas. Our specialisations include medical physiology, immunology, pharmacology, and metabolism and inflammation. You’ll pick your topic from these broad areas:
- clinical and community health
- immunology in chronic diseases
- advanced food systems and nutrition Sciences
- lifestyle-associated diseases
- musculoskeletal diseases
- population health research and policy
- measurements in health.
You’ll graduate an independent medical researcher, with the skills to present your findings in public presentations and publications. You’ll be job-ready for a medical-science career, or a role advising on health policy and practice in government and the community.
World-class medical-research facilities
We offer fantastic opportunities for collaborative study in our research institutes:
- Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management – focuses on improving the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities, particularly in Melbourne’s west.
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science – collaborative institute for research into disorders of bone, muscle and joint.
- Australian Health Policy Collaboration – supports government policy aimed at preventing chronic diseases.
- Western Centre for Health Research & Education (Western CHRE) – collaborative medical research with Western Health and the University of Melbourne.
- Institute for Health & Sport – studies health issues related to movement, using state-of-the-art laboratories.
VU's research collaboration advantage
We have a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach where we connect with other institutes, research centres and external organisations. This gives you broad choices for your PhD study, and real-world connections for your research.
Our research is undertaken in partnership with government, industry, not-for-profit organisations and other universities in Australia and overseas. Partnerships include:
- Western Health
- University of Melbourne
- Australian Sports Commission
- Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre
- University of Texas (El Paso)
- University of Malaya (Malaysia).
First-rate research facilities
VU supports its PhD students with international industry contacts, research collaborations and a Dean’s lecture series by leaders in the health profession.
Our research is conducted at St Albans campus, Werribee campus and Western CHRE.
Werribee campus is a part of a modern technology precinct with specialised facilities for teaching and research. It has a children’s centre, a health and fitness centre, student lounges and an osteopathy clinic.
Western CHRE is a state-of-the-art research facility located within the Sunshine hospital precinct.
St Albans campus is a relaxed, friendly place, with a children’s centre, a gym, award-winning architecture, and lovely grounds.
Research scholarships for PhD students
We offer various research scholarships for our PhD students. Victoria University has several generous research scholarships for successful applicants. There are also externally funded scholarships from dozens of organisations, some of which are aimed at postgraduate students.
Research opportunities & development
VU Research gives you opportunities to:
- connect with other researchers
- participate in research festivals and competitions
- develop your research skills
- get funding for your research
- publish and promote your findings.
We offer support for graduate researchers including:
- an orientation program
- a specialised Office for Researcher Training, Quality & Integrity
- study spaces
- units to help you conceptualise and contextualise your research
- research ambassadors and student association.
Find out more about graduate opportunities at VU.
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Joseph Polidano conducts research into a protein known to up-regulate cancer-promoting genes.
Our first-rate labs and facilities include an anatomy lab
Careers in medical and biological science
A PhD in medical and biological sciences prepares you for high-level roles in a variety of settings. If you’ve chosen to focus on lab work, you’ll be well placed for a medical-laboratory scientist role. Other careers include management or research in health care, government, community, or academia.
The following are average salaries from the government site, Job Outlook:
- medical laboratory scientists, A$82,000 (JobOutlook)
- policy and planning managers, A$122,500 (JobOutlook)
- university lecturers, over A$100,000 (JobOutlook).
Course structure
To attain the award of Doctor of Philosophy through undertaking the Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated) students will be required to completed in total 384 credit points consisting of:
- 72 credit points of Core studies in Year 1
- 24 credit points of Elective studies in Year 1
- 288 credit points of Thesis units as per standard PhD
Course structure and units
YEAR 1
Core Studies
-
- Unit code
- UGR7001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- UGR7002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- UGR7003
- Credits
- 12
Thesis Units (36 credit points)
-
- Unit code
- UGR7904
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- UGR7905
- Credits
- 24
Or
-
- Unit code
- UGR7906
- Credits
- 36
Select 24 credit points (equivalent to 2 units) Elective Studies:
-
- Unit code
- UGR7004
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- UGR7005
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- UGR7006
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- UGR7007
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- UGR7008
- Credits
- 12
YEARS 2 - 4
-
- Unit code
- HMB8900
- Credits
- 48
-
- Unit code
- HMB8901
- Credits
- 24
Elective unit
-
- Unit code
- ROP8003
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | expert understanding of a substantial body of theory and its practical application at the frontier of a field of work or learning, including substantial expert knowledge of ethical research principles and methods applicable to the field. | ||
| 2. | intellectual independence and cognitive skills to undertake a systematic investigation, reflect critically on theory and practice and evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, including identifying, evaluating and critically analysing the validity of research studies and their applicability to a research problem. | ||
| 3. | expert cognitive, technical and creative skills to: design, develop and implement a research project/s to systematically investigate a research problem; develop, adapt and implement research methodologies to extend and redefine existing knowledge; manage, analyse, evaluate and interpret data, synthesising key ideas and theorising within the context of key literature. | ||
| 4. | expert communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions; to disseminate and promote new insights; and to cogently present a complex investigation of originality, or original research, both for external examination and to specialist (eg researcher peers) and non-specialist (industry and/or community) audiences through informal interaction, scholarly publications, reports and formal presentations. | ||
| 5. | capacity to reflect on, develop and evaluate strategies for achieving their own learning and career goals. | ||
| 6. | intellectual independence, initiative and creativity in new situations and/or for further learning. | ||
| 7. | ethical practice and full responsibility and accountability for personal outputs. | ||
| 8. | autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability and responsibility as an expert and independent scholar. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Admission & pathways
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.
If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.
Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Entry requirements
Achieved an IELTS (Academic Module) result with an overall score of 6.5 (no band less than 6) or equivalent and completed a qualification at AQF level 8 or above, typically in a cognate discipline (including a qualification without minor thesis), with Honours or its equivalent at a high standard.
Find out if you meet the entry requirements, including English language and academic requirements.
Pathways from VU courses
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course coordinator or academic adviser.
How to apply
We are currently accepting applications for this course.
Methods of applying:
International students can apply directly to Victoria University using our online application system, or apply through an education agent.
If you have questions about your application, you can:
- speak to a staff member. Phone +61 3 9919 1164 and follow the prompts
- send an email to [email protected]
- make an online enquiry
Information and fees listed above are for non-resident students. Fees are accurate at the time of viewing and will be subject to annual increases. Some courses require students to purchase equipment or clothing that they will need in the course. These equipment or clothing costs are not included in the course fees listed above and we recommend that you confirm these costs with the relevant college.
VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.
