Doctor of Philosophy
Course information for - 2026 entry
International
- Domestic
- International
- Domestic
- International
Offered at 6 locations
- Ballarat
- Brisbane
- Canberra
- Melbourne
- North Sydney
- Strathfield
- Ballarat
- Brisbane
- Canberra
- Melbourne
- North Sydney
- Strathfield
- Duration
-
Three years full-time, with the possibility of a six to 12 month extension, or
Six years part-time, with the possibility of a 12 to 24 month extension.
- CRICOS Code
- 097176G
- Fees (first year)*
- $34728
- Start dates
- January 2026, July 2026, January 2027, July 2027, January 2028, July 2028
The course is available at Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney, Strathfield.
Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded for high-level research and, as such, it is expected that candidates will make a contribution to knowledge in their chosen field. A PhD may be undertaken by three different means:
- Traditional PhD: A PhD candidate’s work is assessed on the basis of a c. 100,000 word thesis.
- PhD by Publication: A PhD candidate’s work is assessed on the basis of the submission of a thesis (c. 50,000 words) containing a number of papers written up as journal articles.
- PhD by Creative Project: A PhD candidate’s work is assessed on the basis of a thesis and a project, including but not limited to: a durable record of performance, exhibition of visual arts, writing, design, film, multimedia, CD, DVD, software program or other creative works.
Further detailed information regarding requirements for the submission of a PhD may be located in the Guidelines on the Preparation and Presentation of a Research or Professional Doctoral Thesis for Examination.
PhD (in Contemporary Humanism)
ACU, in partnership with Lumsa Università, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), Institut Catholique de Paris (ICP), Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) and Lyon Catholic University (UCLy), seeks to appoint one outstanding candidate to the PhD (in Contemporary Humanism). The program aims to develop knowledge and critical skills in reading and interpreting the historical, cultural, literary, philosophical and educational tradition in its making, and in its effects on the present, from the point of view of the category of “humanism”.
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), a student must complete 240 credit points (cp).
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Entry requirements
Eligibility criteria
A candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy must comply with the Higher Degree Research Regulations.
An applicant for admission to candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy must have completed one of the following:
a. an appropriate undergraduate degree with Honours at a minimum level of Second Class Division A (Distinction average) or equivalent; or
b. a master’s degree with appropriate research training in a relevant field; or
c. an equivalent qualification and/or demonstrated research experience, with evidence of capacity to undertake independent research work (eg an authored publication).
Meeting the eligibility requirements for admission is not in itself a guarantee of admission. The candidate’s potential to undertake research, the quality and feasibility of the research proposal, the availability of appropriate supervision and the referee’s reports will all be taken into consideration. Please refer to Section 5 of the Higher Degree Research Regulations.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2026 Admission.
Applicants with higher education study
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.
If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.
You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.
English language requirements
If applicants have an overseas qualification/s from an institution where English is not the standard language of instruction, they will need to meet ACU’s English proficiency requirements, e.g Academic IELTS 6.5 (including individual scores of 6.0 for all tests). Refer to Appendix C of the Higher Degree Research Regulations.
Inherent requirement
The eligibility criteria for admission into the Doctor of Philosophy are stipulated in the Higher Degree Research Regulations, Eligibility For Admission To A Research Higher Degree.
The progress requirements of the Doctor of Philosophy are stipulated in the Higher Degree Research Regulations, Pursuance of Candidature.
Fees
Course costs
- Unit fee: $4341
- Average first year fee: $34728
- Estimate total cost: $104184
Scholarships
ACU offers a number of scholarships to domestic and international research candidates. Information about these scholarships, including the application process is available here.
How to apply
International applicants
Direct application
Apply nowContact international.admissions@acu.edu.au (International enquiries).
International students please note that applications are lodged through the International Office.