Doctor of Philosophy (Health Sciences)

The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a thesis-based research degree. The degree program is individually designed and built around the methodological requirements of the research and the nature of the topic to be investigated; we consider your background. Candidates may be asked to undertake further coursework to extend their knowledge and skills as a basis for the research component. The Doctor of Philosophy degree is designed to develop in students the capacity to conceptualise and conduct independent research with a high level of originality and quality. In the selection of fields of research, students are encouraged to examine the broad perspective within which the problem lies and to adopt problem-solving techniques applicable across disciplines.

All research students are assigned supervisors who are part guides and part advisers in the journey towards completing the degree. Before applying, please get in touch with the University’s Research Office to arrange a discussion with a suitably qualified academic staff member.

The maximum time for completion of the Doctor of Philosophy (not including periods of approved leave of absence) will generally be three calendar years for a full-time student and six years for a part-time student. The minimum time for completion will typically be two years.

The following criteria are required for a student to be admitted to the PhD program:

• Completion of a research Masters degree (by research or course work and thesis), appropriate to the professional field of the applicant (or equivalent) at a high level of achievement; or
• A Bachelor’s degree with Honours (Class 1 or Class 2A Honours level or equivalent); or
• In exceptional circumstance, an equivalent academic or professional background that is considered by the Dean of the School and the PVC-R to be an appropriate preparation for independent study and research at a doctoral level.

An applicant may be required to demonstrate an ability to understand and communicate in both written and spoken English at a level adequate for the purpose of pursuing the program of study or as deemed appropriate by the Dean of the School.

IELTS (Academic) - 7.0 overall, with no score lower than 7.0 in writing and no other individual band score lower than 6.5; CAE/CPE - 185 overall, with no score lower than 185 in writing and no other band score lower than 176; PTE Academic - 68 overall, with no score lower than 68 in writing and no other band score lower than 58; TOEFL (iBT) - 94 overall, with no score lower than 27 in writing and no other individual band score lower than 20.