Doctor of Philosophy (0100213)

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an internationally recognised graduate research program that will enable you to become an independent researcher.

With the guidance of an advisory team, you'll undertake a research project, produce an 80,000-word thesis and complete an oral examination.

A PhD takes 3 to 4 years full-time. Under guidance, you'll develop advanced research skills and knowledge in your chosen field.

The thesis is a substantial document that makes an original contribution to your field of research. Your thesis may involve an alternate format.

You'll need a strong academic background and you may need to submit a research proposal and other documents to support your application. About 1,000 PhD candidates join UQ each year researching a wide range of topics.

You have to prove you are prepared for PhD study. You do this by showing you:

have completed some research experience
have completed an approved university degree and
can meet the English language requirements.

Approved degrees

An approved degree needs to be:

in an area relevant to your proposed PhD project and
completed no more than 10 years ago.

You need one of the following approved degrees to apply for a PhD:

Master of Philosophy (or another research master’s degree); or
Bachelor’s degree from an approved university with at least honours class IIA or equivalent; or
Coursework master’s degree with an overall grade point average of 5.65 on the 7-point UQ scale which includes relevant research experience, approved by the dean; or
Postgraduate degree (at least one year full-time or equivalent) with an overall grade point average of 5 on the 7-point UQ scale, together with demonstrated research experience equivalent to honours class IIA will be considered on a case-by-case basis; or
Bachelor’s degree plus at least 2 years of relevant research experience, including research publications.

English Language Requirements

IELTS (clinical projects) minimum overall score of 7.0, 7.0 in every sub-band
IELTS (all other disciplines) minimum overall score of 6.5. 6.0 in every sub-band
TOEFL (paper-based) 5705.0 in TWE (written), and 54 in reading & listening
TOEFL (internet-based) minimum overall score of 87, 21 in written, 19 in reading, listening & speaking