Doctor of Philosophy - Faculty of Science

What is this course about?

The Doctor of Philosophy aims to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for the conduct of individual research at a level that will make a distinct contribution to the knowledge base of the sciences.

Research Centres:

University Research Centres:

• EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation
• Institute for Land, Water and Society
• Research Institute for Professional Practice, Learning and Education
• National Wine and Grape Industry Centre

Faculty Research Centres:

• Centre for Inland Health
• Centre for Research in Complex Systems

Cooperative Research Centres

• Cotton Catchment Communities
• Future Farm Industries
• High Integrity Australian Pork
• National Plant Biosecurity

Schools in the Faculty of Science

• School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences
• School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
• School of Biomedical Sciences
• School of Community Health
• School of Dentistry and Health Sciences
• School of Environmental Sciences
• School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health

If you know the area of research that you are interested in, it is recommended that you see what staff are currently researching by visiting the above School websites or searching for keywords in your area of interest on the CSU website.

The Faculty of Science Sub Dean, Graduate Studies is available to help define and develop your research interests. Please phone info.csu on 1800 334 733 or submit an online enquiry for contact details.

In addition to the traditional Doctor of Philosophy, where all research and writing of the thesis is undertaken while enrolled, CSU offers a Doctor of Philosophy by Publication. The Doctor of Philosophy by Publication aims to recognise established researchers who have made a significant independent contribution and have generated significant high-quality, peer-reviewed publications over a sustained period, in a CSU-approved research area. Doctor of Philosophy by Publication candidates are required to write an integrating essay or chapter while enrolled.

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.

Course structure

The fields of research available for higher degree research students to pursue within the Faculty are dependent on availability of supervisor and resources. Students enrol in one research subject for the period of their candidature. Potential students are advised to contact the Faculty Sub Dean for Graduate Studies for advice.

PhD

Under guidance from their supervisors, students are required to determine an area of study apposite to the Faculty's designated fields of research, prepare a research proposal and, where appropriate, obtain ethics approval(s), conduct a research investigation, write a thesis and submit the thesis for examination.

PhD by Publication

Under guidance from their supervisors, students are required to demonstrate extensive, high quality, peer-reviewed research, write an intergrating essay or chapter and submit for examination.

Enrolment pattern

No enrolment pattern is specified. Students are advised to contact the Sub-Dean (Research) or Supervisor for relevant information.

Admission requirements

An applicant for the Doctor of Philosophy degree shall have:

1. qualified for the award of a Master degree with Honours, or equivalent, in the sciences or a related field; or
2. an appropriate Bachelor degree with Class 1 or Class 2 Division 1 Honours from an Australian university or an equivalent overseas tertiary institution, taken over a minimum of four years (full-time equivalent) in the sciences or a related field

Applicants must have already completed appropriate research methods subjects and show evidence of research experience in the health sciences. Applicants who do not meet these criteria should contact the Sub-Dean, Graduate Studies for advice.

Doctor of Philosophy by Publication

An applicant for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy by Publication shall meet the requirements below. Admission is subject to external assessment, and a candidate is expected to be an experienced researcher with a significant refereed publication record of doctoral standard.

An applicant for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy by Publication shall have:

1. qualified for the award of a Master degree by research at an acceptable level; or
2. an appropriate Bachelor degree with Class 1 or Class 2 Division 1 Honours from an Australian university or an equivalent overseas tertiary institution, taken over a minimum of four years (full-time equivalent);
3. some other combination of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications (such as relevant graduate diplomas) and research experience that demonstrates to the Research Advisory Committee that the candidate is capable of undertaking research at Doctoral level.

A Doctor of Philosophy by Publication candidate is required to demonstrate the originality and significance of the publications (which may include books and non-print materials) that clearly make an original scholarly contribution to knowledge, for admission to the program.

Applications are considered by the University in light of availability of places and resources, including facilities and supervision.

Intending applicants should contact the Sub-Dean, Graduate Studies to discuss the proposal before completing the prescribed application form. In addition, applicants must complete an additional admissions form describing their area of interest, which should accompany their application. Please phone info.csu on 1800 334 733 or make an online enquiry for appropriate contact details.

Admission to candidature is subject to approval by the Research Advisory Committee.

Note that scholarship applications are considered separately. There is a range of scholarship packages available to support HDR students. These are administered either by the Research Office, which should be contacted for details of external and University administered scholarships, or by the Faculty. Details of Faculty scholarships and related funding are available from the Sub Dean, Graduate Studies.

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

English proficiency

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they

1. have undertaken an academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with an average score of 7.0, and with no score lower than 6.5, within the last 12 months;  or
2. undertaken a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 577 (or computerised TOEFL score of 233), with a Test for Written English Score (where reported) of at least 5.0 or an Internet-based score of 90 with a written score of 24 within the last 12 months; or
3. undertaken other equivalent examinations, as determined by the Board of Graduate Studies;  or
4. completed a university degree where the language of assessment is in English;

The Presiding Officer of the Board of Graduate Studies may, in special circumstances, on behalf of the Board waive the above proficiency requirements after consulting the relevant Dean, Sub-Dean and nominated Supervisor.

NOTE: A Faculty may require a higher standard of proficiency than that specified above for programs deemed to be linguistically demanding.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2; Session 3