Doctor of Philosophy

Apply a substantial body of knowledge to research, investigate and develop new knowledge in one or more areas of investigation, scholarship or professional practice.

Student type

Quick facts

Duration

3 years full-time,
Up to 8 years part-time

Modes

Supervised

Modes

Classroom, Limited mixed, Online (off-shore students only)

Schools and Colleges

Available at 12 Schools or Colleges

Available at 12 Schools or Colleges

Total cost

AU$60,912
At 2026 fees

Next intake

Open now
Overseas student type

You are an overseas student if you are NOT one of the following:

  • Australian or New Zealand citizen (or dual citizen)
  • Australian permanent resident
  • Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder
  • Pacific Engagement visa holder.

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

If you are holding or applying for a Student Visa Subclass 500 you are required to enrol in a full-time course that is registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) in Australia. For more details, please visit the Department of Home Affairs and the CRICOS website.

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a graduate research degree that enables candidates to make an original contribution to knowledge and to develop as an independent researcher. Designed for applicants with a strong academic background, candidates are guided by a supervisory team to research, investigate and develop new knowledge. Candidates submit a thesis (or equivalent) of 80,000-100,000 words. PhD graduates demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding in a complex field of learning and are equipped with specialised research skills for the advancement of learning or professional practice.

Course learning outcomes

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy:

1. have a substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of work or learning within divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution to the field
2. have a substantial knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning
3. have expert cognitive, technical and creative skills to use intellectual independence to think critically, analyse and evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, undertake systematic investigation, reflect on theory and practice to generate original knowledge within divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines, and demonstrate expert understanding of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on that theory and its application
4. apply knowledge and skills with intellectual independence, and with responsibility and accountability, to plan and execute an ongoing program of original research, and to understand explicit and implicit ethical considerations to the formulation of a research project
5. have skills to present cogently a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards, and to communicate research results to peers and the community.

Course structure

1. Satisfactory completion of confirmation of candidature.
2. Preparation and submission of a thesis or its equivalent for examination.
3. Completion of Oral Examination.
4. Satisfactory completion of any requirements of the Human Research Ethics Committee.
5. Submission of an annual report throughout the duration of candidature.
6. Annual attendance and participation in a minimum of 8 hours of research seminars and conferences.
7. Presentation of at least one seminar or conference paper of no less than 20 minutes’ duration between confirmation of candidature and the submission of the thesis.

Locations and modes

Duration

The standard full-time duration of the Doctor of Philosophy is three years. A full-time candidate must complete the course within four years. The Doctor of Philosophy must be completed in not less than two years and not more than eight years from the date on which the course is commenced.

Minimum duration 2 years
Standard full-time 3 years
Maximum part-time 8 years

Admission criteria

Applicants may only be admitted by the School of Graduate Research Committee. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission. The Committee also takes into consideration the applicant’s potential to undertake research, quality and feasibility of the research proposal, availability of appropriate supervision, and strength of employer or referee reports.

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Completion of one of the following awards in divinity or its associated disciplines with a 75% average:

  • a Master by research degree, or
  • a Master by coursework degree, or
  • a Graduate Diploma, or
  • a four year undergraduate degree with Honours.

Where a mark is not available, examiners’ reports may be provided which indicate to the satisfaction of the School of Graduate Research Committee that the candidate is adequately prepared for doctoral research.
2. Completion of a thesis or equivalent of at least 12,000 words graded at or above 75%. The thesis may have been completed either within one of the awards listed above or as part of another program of study in an associated discipline.
3. A research proposal which identifies a research question, proposed methodology and a statement of the original contribution.
4. The names at least two supervisors with relevant expertise who satisfy the requirements of the Higher Degree by Research Policy and who consent to supervise the thesis.

Probationary admission is not available.

Credit

Candidates transferring from another doctoral program may have the length of candidature reduced.

Fee summary

The total cost of the Doctor of Philosophy at 2026 fees is $60,912.

The cost for a year of study at 2026 fees is $20,304 (full-time) or $10,152 (part-time).

Fees are subject to change from year to year. For more information about fees, please visit the Fees page.

Additional information

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Course last updated at 2:15pm on 7 May 2026
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