Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) is a degree completed entirely by research. Students undertaking this degree will work with an allotted supervisor and an associate supervisor. The degree is available in both full time and part time modes. Full-time candidature is normally three to four years of study, whilst part-time candidates can take up to eight years.

Entry requirements

Prospective candidates may apply to enter the program by one of two qualifying pathways: direct entry or pathway A. In both instances, admission is subject to acceptance of the intending candidate's research proposal of 500€’1,000 words which must address criteria specified by the faculty.

Direct entry

Direct entry candidates may be required to attend lectures, or enrol in units of study subject to the supervisor's and nominated Faculty Officer's approval.

Applicants may qualify if their research proposal is accepted and they satisfy one of the criteria listed below:

• a bachelor€™s degree with first or second-class honours in an appropriate area of study that includes a research thesis based on primary data, not a literature review, or
• a master's degree by research in an appropriate area of study that includes a research thesis that draws on primary data, or
• a master€™s degree by coursework with a 12,000-15,000 words research thesis or dissertation that draws on primary data, not a literature review, with a grade point average of at least 80% in the degree.

Pathway A entry

Pathway A entry is open to applicants whose research proposal is accepted and who satisfy one of the following criteria:

• a bachelor€™s degree with first or second-class honours in an appropriate area of study, but which did not include a research thesis, or
• a master€™s degree by coursework (with no thesis or dissertation component) with a grade point average of at least 75% and an amount of scholarly writing and/or research expertise which, in the opinion of the admissions committee, is equivalent to a master's research thesis. Copies of these must be submitted with the application.

Pathway A conditions

Pathway A candidates are required to complete one core unit of study and at least one other elective unit from the list below:

Conditions of candidature

PhD candidates are required to complete a probationary year and to produce an extended thesis proposal (10,000-12,000 words) at the end of their first year of full-time or the part-time equivalent candidature. The normal length of a PhD thesis is approximately 80,000 words. Examination is by presentation of the thesis. For further information and resolutions please consult the University of Sydney Calendar.

Course Convenor

Dr Ruth Phillips
Phone: 9351 6899
Room: 741
Email: ruth.phillips@sydney.edu.au