Research Degrees
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
| Length of candidature: | 2-4 years full-time, 2-8 years part-time |
|---|---|
| Admission requirements: | A Bachelor degree with first-class or second-class honours, division 1, OR A Masters degree with a substantial research component in any field relevant to the program of study. |
Facilities for the completion of PhD degrees by research are available in all Departments. To be eligible for admission a candidate must normally possess either a Master degree with a substantial research component, or a Bachelor degree with first-class or second-class honours division 1 from a recognised university or other tertiary institution. The minimum period of candidature is two years and the maximum period is four years for full-time candidates and eight years for part-time candidates. Extensions may be granted in special circumstances. Part-time candidates must be able to spend on average throughout the year at least 20 hours a week on a program of research and advanced study and attend the University on an average of at least once a week for consultation with their supervisors.
The program of advanced study and research for the degree includes the presentation of a thesis embodying the results of the student's work. The thesis for a PhD must form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the subject and afford evidence of originality by the discovery of new facts or the exercise of independent critical power. A candidate's program of study must be supervised by a member of the fulltime academic staff of the University, or an approved part-time member of academic staff, and will normally be carried out within the University. There is, however, provision for a candidate to be permitted to carry out much of the program outside the University as an external candidate. In this case the place of study, method of supervision and periods of attendance at the University must be approved by the University.
Before submitting a thesis, all students, including external candidates, must have followed an approved program of advanced study and research within the University for a period determined by the Postgraduate Studies Committee and normally not less than 2 years.
Before submitting an application for admission to candidature, it is strongly recommended that the applicant approaches a potential supervisor. Advice on this may be obtained by accessing the Staff Interests on this website.