Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD is designed to provide graduates with the opportunity to undertake in-depth study in a specialised area. It is a research degree that, for most students, has a minimum period of candidature of three years. The PhD degree is important for academic appointments and research appointments in government and industrial research and development organisations.

The Faculty of Health Sciences is able to offer supervision across a broad range of research topics. Areas of research expertise are available on respective faculty research group websites. To access this information visit the faculty's research website (sydney.edu.au/health_sciences/research_innovation) and follow the links to the research area of your choice.

Program aims

The PhD has two aims. One is to prepare a substantial piece of
research work that represents an original contribution to the particular field of study, while the other is to train candidates in the general area of research methodology, equipping them with skills which will serve them in any area of research.

Admission requirements

The minimum admission requirement to the PhD is a master€™s degree with a significant research component, or a bachelor€™s degree with first or second class honours, from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification.

Alternatively, you may be admitted having passed a qualifying examination at an equivalent standard. This could be the completion of a period of relevant advanced study and research towards a master€™s degree at the University of Sydney.

The proposed course of advanced study and research must receive approval from the faculty research group convenor or unit director, who also certifies that appropriate supervisors and resources are available. In most instances, a period of probationary candidature of two semesters is required. Some coursework may be required, but in no case is it a major component.

Supervision

PhD students are expected to work individually and under the direction of their primary supervisor and one or more associate supervisors on advanced study and research in one of the chosen research areas.

Time limits

Candidates can proceed on a full or part-time basis. The normal maximum length of candidature would be four years full time and eight years part time.

The University of Sydney (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)) Rule 2004 is outlined in the General University section at the back of the handbook.