phd philosophy melbourne

Research degrees

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Explore our graduate research degrees and the supervisors, infrastructure, supports and services available.

Scholarships

Explore our scholarship opportunities that recognise talent and support graduate researchers.

Find a supervisor

Find the right supervisor for you and learn how they can support your research.

How to apply

Start your research journey by applying for graduate research as a domestic or international candidate.

Why research with us

Join Australia’s leading research university, pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

Discover research at Melbourne

Your research options

Discover the types of graduate research we offer, including the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and masters by research.

Explore our research areas – from arts, humanities and social sciences to veterinary, agricultural and food sciences and learn more about your opportunities  as a graduate researcher, including interdisciplinary and international experiences.

Explore your options

Your study experience

Discover what life is like as a researcher at Melbourne, including learning on campus, living in Melbourne, and the facilities and services available to you.

Life as a researcher

Support for Indigenous researchers

We encourage and support our Indigenous graduate researchers. Find out about the services and opportunities available to Indigenous applicants and join a close-knit Indigenous research community that shares your culture, challenges and knowledge.

Where could your degree take you?

Engage with industry.

Find out how our graduate researchers can engage with industry.

Entrepreneurial programs

Access a range of entrepreneurial opportunities through the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC).

Commercialising your research

Understanding intellectual property and copyright can be challenging. We're here to help you manage these aspects of your research.

Interdisciplinary research

Challenging current thinking and translating knowledge through unexpected connections.

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Graduate Research

Doctor of Philosophy - Science

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• Course code: DR-PHILSCI

How to apply

The University of Melbourne offers two graduate research programs: the Doctor of Philosophy (Science) and the Master of Philosophy (Science) . We recommend that you familiarise yourself with both these programs before deciding on the one most suitable for you.

When you have completed or are close to completing the prerequisite studies, please follow the steps below.

Step 1 – Check your eligibility

The entry requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) are the same. Check our entry requirements to confirm that you are eligible.

Please also check that you meet the University’s English Language requirements . We can assess your application even if you do not yet meet the English requirements, however, any course or scholarship offer will be issued conditional on meeting our English language requirements before enrolment.

Step 2 – Find a prospective supervisor

Before you apply, you must have the written support of an academic supervisor. You can search for potential supervisors by exploring the University’s Find an Expert directory or the Faculty of Science Research Prospectus . You can also browse the Faculty of Science School websites, which outline their research areas, themes and staff contacts:

• Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences
• BioSciences
• Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
• Mathematics and Statistics

When contacting a potential supervisor, you should include the following documents and information:

• Copies of all higher education transcripts, including a grading scale
• A current CV/resume outlining any experience relevant to your proposed field of research, including work experience and prior research output
• A brief summary of your intended area of research, or a research proposal.

Step 3 – Check the scholarship deadlines

Applications for admission to one of our graduate research programs may be submitted at any time in the year. However, to be considered for one of the faculty's  Graduate Research Scholarships you are required to submit a complete application before one of the deadlines of our scholarship rounds. If you intend on applying for a course offer to then apply for a scholarship from a sponsor external to the Faculty of Science, such as an external government scholarship, you will not be considered for a faculty Graduate Research Scholarship and you will instead receive an outcome to your application outside of the below listed timelines.

*Please note that if you do not submit your application with all relevant documentation before this date your application will not be considered in the respective round.

Step 4 – Prepare your documentation

To ensure your application is assessed without delay, please provide the following documentation in your online application:

• Evidence of supervisor endorsement
• Copies of all higher education transcripts, completion statements and grading schemes
• A research proposal of 300-500 words, including a proposed thesis title
• Copies of, or links to, any prior research publications
• Evidence of having met the University's English language requirements
• The names and contact information of academic and/or employer referees.

If you completed a masters degree with an ungraded thesis, please also provide a copy of your thesis and any examiner reports (if available).

When you submit your application, your referees will be emailed a link to access the Graduate Research Referee tool and you will be notified when they submit their reference. It is important that you contact your referees before submitting your application to ensure that they will expect the request for a reference from the University of Melbourne.

Please ensure that your academic referees are able to comment on your most recent, relevant study.

Step 5 – Submit an application

Submit an online application by selecting the link at the top or bottom of this page.

Domestic applicants include all Australian citizens or permanent residents, holders of a permanent Australian humanitarian visa and New Zealand citizens. If you do not fall into one of these categories, you will need to apply as an international applicant.

To apply you will need to search using the course code 'DR-PHILSCI'. Please also note the following:

• International applicants select ‘PG Overseas Fee Paying’
• Domestic applicants select  ‘RTP / RTS / CTS’
• Attendance mode: select 'On Campus'
• Study mode: select 'Standard'.

Once you've submitted your application, you will receive an email stating that your application has been received. If your application is incomplete, you will receive an email requesting additional documents. Assessment of your application will only commence once you have provided all required documents.

Step 6 – Wait for the outcome

If you have submitted a complete application before the closing dates for any round, you will receive an outcome by the relevant date outlined above. We would encourage you to remain in contact with your supervisor while you wait for an application outcome.

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• Doctor of Philosophy - Science

Doctor of Philosophy - Science (DR-PHILSCI)

Doctorate by Research Year: 2022 Delivered: On Campus (Parkville)

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About this course

Principal coordinator.

Craig Nitschke

Current graduate researchers: [email protected]

Future graduate researchers: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/graduate/doctor-of-philosophy-science/

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy signifies that the holder has undertaken a substantial piece of original research, which has been conducted and reported by the holder under proper academic supervision and in a research environment for a prescribed period.

The PhD thesis demonstrates authority in the candidate's field and shows evidence of command of knowledge in relevant fields. It shows that the candidate has a thorough grasp of the appropriate methodological techniques and an awareness of their limitations. The thesis makes a distinct contribution to knowledge. Its contribution to knowledge rests on originality of approach and/or interpretation of the findings and, in some cases, the discovery of new facts. The thesis demonstrates an ability to communicate research findings effectively in the professional arena and in an international context. It is a careful, rigorous and sustained piece of work demonstrating that the PhD graduand is admitted to the community of scholars in the discipline.

In scope, the PhD thesis differs from a research Masters thesis chiefly by its deeper and more comprehensive treatment of the chosen subject. It is written succinctly, in English, unless approval has been given for the thesis to be written in a language other than English. The normal length of a PhD thesis is 80,000 words.

The Faculty of Science offers PhD programs in the following schools:

• BioSciences
• Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
• Ecosystem and Forest Sciences
• Mathematics and Statistics

For information on the research groups in the Faculty of Science, please refer to: https://science.unimelb.edu.au/research/areas

Links to further information

https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/graduate/doctor-of-philosophy-science/

Last updated: 10 December 2024

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Doctor of Philosophy

Apply a substantial body of knowledge to research, investigate and develop new knowledge in one or more areas of investigation, scholarship or professional practice.

Student type

Quick facts.

3 years full-time, Up to 8 years part-time

Schools and Colleges

Available at 12 Schools or Colleges

AU$58,824 At 2025 fees

Next intake

• Locations & Modes

Additional information

You are an overseas student if you are NOT one of the following:

• Australian or New Zealand citizen (or dual citizen)
• Australian permanent resident
• Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder
• Pacific Engagement visa holder.

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

If you are holding or applying for a Student Visa Subclass 500 you are required to enrol in a full-time course that is registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) in Australia. For more details, please visit the Department of Home Affairs and the CRICOS website .

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a graduate research degree that enables candidates to make an original contribution to knowledge and to develop as an independent researcher. Designed for applicants with a strong academic background, candidates are guided by a supervisory team to research, investigate and develop new knowledge. Candidates submit a thesis (or equivalent) of 80,000-100,000 words. PhD graduates demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding in a complex field of learning and are equipped with specialised research skills for the advancement of learning or professional practice.

Course learning outcomes

Course structure, locations and modes.

The standard full-time duration of the Doctor of Philosophy is three years. A full-time candidate must complete the course within four years. The Doctor of Philosophy must be completed in not less than two years and not more than eight years from the date on which the course is commenced.

Admission criteria

Applicants may only be admitted by the School of Graduate Research Committee. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission. The Committee also takes into consideration the applicant’s potential to undertake research, quality and feasibility of the research proposal, availability of appropriate supervision, and strength of employer or referee reports.

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

Candidates transferring from another doctoral program may have the length of candidature reduced.

Fee summary

In 2025, the tuition fee for a year of study in the Doctor of Philosophy is $19,608 (full-time) or $9,804 (part-time).

Fees are subject to change from year to year. For more information about fees, please visit the  Fees page .

Course coordinator

Prof Liz Boase

Postnominal, academic dress.

Gown: Black Doctoral gown faced with hood colour

Headwear: Black velvet bonnet

Hood: Cherry

Student profile for 2024, Semester 2

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students studying the Doctor of Philosophy. It provides data on all students who commenced study in the most relevant recent intake period.

Comparing Universities

You can compare other institutions with the University of Divinity to help inform your postgraduate study choices. ComparED is an initiative of the Australian Government. It’s powered by QILT (Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching) surveys that draw data from real life student experiences from commencement of study through to employment.

Enquire about this course

• Domestic (Australian) Student
• Overseas Student
• I have studied at the University of Divinity before

• School of Mathematics and Statistics
• PhD degrees

PhD studies in mathematics and statistics

If you've completed an Honours or a Masters course with a significant research component, you're eligible to go on to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or other graduate research program.

Graduate research degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (Science)

A PhD is an essential qualification for a research career in mathematics and statistics. Many of our graduates go on to work as postdoctoral research scientists and careers in research and teaching in academia or move into industry where their technical and professional skills are highly valued. Overview

Master of Philosophy (Science)

Join one of our world-renowned research groups, work with state-of-the-art equipment, and soak up all the professional development opportunities and international connections that come with studying at Australia's leading university. Overview

Getting started in graduate research

Once you know the Graduate Research degree you want to pursue, you need to find a researcher, group or project to work with while pursuing your degree. There are two great ways to find your passion and a supervisor or group to help you reach it:

Option 1: Meet our researchers

There is a wide range of research being performed across our School – explore our website to learn more about the supervisors you could join. Send a prospective supervisor a message on their Find an Expert profile and explain what you'd like to do. Explore by research area All potential supervisors

Option 2: Find a graduate research project

As well as collecting our researchers' projects here, many of our researchers' projects are listed on the University's Graduate Research Opportunity Tool – a central directory of PhD and Masters by Research projects. Search by course, field of research or location to find a research project that you're excited to join. Projects in the School All research opportunities

What do I say to a prospective supervisor?

You need the written support of a supervisor before submitting an application to the University. Once you've found a prospective supervisor, contact them with the following documents and information:

• Your curriculum vitae (CV)
• All higher education transcripts
• A brief summary of your intended area of research.

They will consider your past academic performance and whether there is an available project that fits with your  background and area of interest.

Scholarships

The University of Melbourne has one of the most generous scholarship programs in Australia. With over 1200 scholarships and prizes available for new and current students, it's more than likely there is one that you're eligible for either when you start your course or during your studies.

You will be automatically considered for a number of scholarships, but some awards will be assessed by application.

PhD scholarship opportunities All scholarships

Helpful resources for graduate researchers

There are a range of resources for graduate researchers in our School:

• The University's Graduate Research Hub and  Faculty of Science Graduate Research Course Guide explain everything you need to know about your time as a graduate researcher – from induction to submitting your thesis.
• Learn about the expectations and obligations for graduate researchers in our School .
• Access Graduate research on the LMS (student login required).

Need advice or help getting started?

We welcome general inquiries from graduates interested in undertaking postgraduate study – email the Graduate Research Coordinator .

• Faculty of Arts
• School of Historical and Philosophical Studies
• Discipline areas

Established in 1853, the Philosophy program has fostered generations of outstanding students and researchers.

Many of our brightest students have gone on to have a major international impact on philosophy, including David Armstrong, Frank Jackson, Mark Johnston, Kate Manne and Peter Singer. Others have gone on to distinguish themselves in the arts, government and other areas of public life.

Our research strengths, ranging from ethical and political philosophy to philosophy of language and logic, have been recognised as among the best in the world. Our research is supported in part by the Barry Taylor and David Lewis Philosophy Fund , which commemorates the strong friendship of the influential metaphysician and distinguished philosopher.

We offer undergraduate and graduate research degrees, including, Honours, Masters and PhD, to give students at every level the opportunity to advance their expertise in this vibrant discipline.

Read more about the history of our program

View our staff

Explore our research

The Philosophy program is internationally renowned for research strengths in logic, metaphysics and philosophy of language; ethics, moral psychology and metaethics; and applied ethics and political philosophy.

Gender Diversity Narratives in the Australian Context

Do Australians think workplace gender diversity is important? In this project, Philosophy academics Professor Cordelia Fine and Dr Holly Lawford-Smith join an interdisciplinary team to explore reasons offered across a corpus of articles published in the Australian print media in the 25-year period between 1995-2020.

Constructing Social Hierarchy

In this ARC-funded project, a team of Philosophy academics aim to integrate recent developments in the philosophy of mind, language, emotion, and action to better understand how social hierarchies are created and maintained and how they can be disrupted.

Explore more of our research

Study with us

Philosophy involves the critical examination of big questions – foundational questions – about the nature of the world and our place in it. Follow your curiosity and advance your knowledge in Philosophy with our undergraduate and graduate programs. Find out more about our:

• Bachelor of Arts Philosophy major
• Bachelor of Arts (Degree with Honours)
• Graduate Diploma in Arts
• Graduate Certificate in Arts
• Master of Arts (Thesis Only)
• Master of Arts (Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis)
• Doctor of Philosophy – Arts
• Scholarships and prizes

Explore our stories, news and events

Delve into our student profiles, research articles, academic interviews, news, events and more.

Meet our Philosophy staff

Our academics are leading researchers, and dedicated teachers.

Prof Howard Sankey

Prof Margaret Cameron

A/Prof Karen Jones

A/Prof Daniel Halliday

A/Prof Holly Lawford-Smith

A/Prof Francois Schroeter

A/Prof Laura Schroeter

Dr Kyle Blumberg

Dr Dana Goswick

A/Prof Sam Baron

Dr Andrew Inkpin

Dr Jenny Judge

Dr John Powers

Dr Tristan Grotvedt

Dr Kai Tanter

Dr James Kent

Dr Alex Cain

Philosophy honorary staff

Banner image: Ian North b. 1945 The World is All that is Not the Case (detail), 2006 Synthetic polymer and pigment ink on canvas Canvas 140.0 x 405.0 cm The University of Melbourne Art Collection. Commissioned by the Department of Philosophy, 2006. 2006.0001