Doctor of Philosophy
Course information for - 2025 entry
Domestic
- Domestic
- International
- Domestic
- International
Offered at 6 locations
- Ballarat
- Brisbane
- Canberra
- Melbourne
- North Sydney
- Strathfield
- Ballarat
- Brisbane
- Canberra
- Melbourne
- North Sydney
- Strathfield
- Duration
-
Three years full-time, with the possibility of a six to 12 month extension, or
Six years part-time, with the possibility of a 12 to 24 month extension.
- Start dates
-
February 2025, July 2025
The course is available at Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney, Strathfield.
Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded for high-level research and, as such, it is expected that candidates will make a contribution to knowledge in their chosen field. A PhD may be undertaken by three different means:
- Traditional PhD: A PhD candidate’s work is assessed on the basis of a c. 100,000 word thesis.
- PhD by Publication: A PhD candidate’s work is assessed on the basis of the submission of a thesis (c. 50,000 words) containing a number of papers written up as journal articles.
- PhD by Creative Project: A PhD candidate’s work is assessed on the basis of a thesis and a project, including but not limited to: a durable record of performance, exhibition of visual arts, writing, design, film, multimedia, CD, DVD, software program or other creative works.
Further detailed information regarding requirements for the submission of a PhD may be located in the Guidelines on the Preparation and Presentation of a Research or Professional Doctoral Thesis for Examination.
PhD (in Contemporary Humanism)
ACU, in partnership with Lumsa Università, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), Institut Catholique de Paris (ICP), Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) and Lyon Catholic University (UCLy), seeks to appoint one outstanding candidate to the PhD (in Contemporary Humanism). The program aims to develop knowledge and critical skills in reading and interpreting the historical, cultural, literary, philosophical and educational tradition in its making, and in its effects on the present, from the point of view of the category of “humanism”.
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), a student must complete 240 credit points (cp).
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Entry requirements
Applicants with higher education study
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.
If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.
You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.
English language requirements
If applicants have an overseas qualification/s from an institution where English is not the standard language of instruction, they will need to meet ACU’s English proficiency requirements, e.g Academic IELTS 6.5 (including individual scores of 6.0 for all tests). Refer to Appendix C of the Higher Degree Research Regulations.
Inherent requirement
The eligibility criteria for admission into the Doctor of Philosophy are stipulated in the Higher Degree Research Regulations, Eligibility For Admission To A Research Higher Degree.
The progress requirements of the Doctor of Philosophy are stipulated in the Higher Degree Research Regulations, Pursuance of Candidature.
Fees
Course costs
Commencing domestic candidates enrolling in a master-by-research or doctoral degree at ACU will be offered a Research Training Program Fee Offset Scholarship under the Australian Government's Research Training Program. Further information about Research Training Program Scholarships can be found in the Research Training Program Scholarship Policy.
*This is an indicative first-year fee based on the tuition fee rates for a full-time student, using unit enrolment data from domestic students who studied the course in the previous year.
A student’s annual fee will vary depending on factors including:
- Number of units studied per year
- Choice of major or specialisation
- Elective units
The University reviews fees annually.
You can view current course costs and domestic tuition fee rates by unit..
Scholarships
ACU offers a number of scholarships to domestic and international research candidates. Information about these scholarships, including the application process is available here.