Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy is a major research degree offered within the Faculty. Candidates undertake a substantial piece of original research while under the academic supervision of the Faculty. The thesis must demonstrate that it makes a new contribution to the knowledge within the discipline and it is authoritative in the candidate’s field of investigation. Some coursework may be required as part of the degree but in no case is it a major component.

People do PhDs for many reasons, although they usually do so for professional advancement and/or personal fulfillment.

A PhD provides the opportunity for:

• more qualifications for your career progression
• learning how to do research
• learning more about research methods
• improving your tenacity, logical thought and analytical abilities
• learning more about a particular topic
• learning some independence and responsibility for a project
• engaging with a genuine passion for research in a particular area.

The admission requirements for a PhD include:

• a bachelor’s degree with first or upper second class honours (Class 11, Division 1), or a masters degree with a substantial research component from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualifications from another university or institution;
• be registered or eligible for registration to practice nursing in an Australian state or territory (or in their country of origin); and
• have relevant post-registration clinical experience as a registered nurse.

Students intending to apply for candidature must submit a 2 page research proposal. See Writing a research proposal for further information on how to write a research proposal.

You may start your PhD in March (Semester 1) or July (Semester 2). However, it is advisable that you apply at least two months in advance.

The degree may be undertaken on either a full-time or part-time basis. Only local students may undertake the course on a part-time basis. Completion times are as follows:
Full-time a minimum of three years study
Part-time a minimum of six years study

Probationary candidature: candidates are enrolled on a probationary basis for the first full- time year (or equivalent) during which time they are expected to have developed a detailed research proposal.

The PhD degree is an entirely research-based degree assessed by thesis. Candidates must write a thesis on a topic of their choice. During their candidature students work closely with their supervisors who must be consulted regularly concerning the general planning of the thesis and the work in progress. Participation in the Faculty’s research student seminar program including the annual presentation of a seminar is expected.

Because the PhD is a thesis-based research degree there are no coursework classes to attend. Candidates are required to attend the research seminar series in the first semester of their candidature. Candidates may be required to undertake coursework units of study that are approved by the supervisors to assist in their studies.

The length of a PhD thesis is determined by the topic area and the type of research conducted. The maximum length is approximately 80,000 words.

Candidates will need to have decided on a basic topic of study before applying for a PhD, and, as part of the application procedure, attach a two page research proposal. It is also essential to have chosen a basic area of research and to have discussed the research project with an academic member of staff and/or a preferred supervisor before completing the application form.

To support candidates in their research the Faculty has extensive facilities. The Faculty endeavours to provide full-time PhD candidates with an office with a desk and a computer, while part-time students have shared office facilities.

Research students are located together within the Faculty and have their own common room. All students are given free email and web access, including links to all University libraries and their databases.

All candidates are required to spend a minimum of 12 months (full-time) at the University over the course of their candidature. This can be organised in blocks of time (eg, 3 month or one semester blocks). All candidates wishing to be absent will need the permission of the Faculty.

Local students
No fees apply

International students
International students should contact the International Office for the current fee structure at www.usyd.edu.au/io.

International students are required to:

• meet the Faculty’s English language requirements of IELTS 7 in each band and 7 overall; and
• enrol in the degree on a full-time basis.

More information on being an international student at the University of Sydney, including fees and application forms, can be found at www.usyd.edu.au/io.

General enquiries
David Hopkinson
Research Support Officer
Phone: +61 2 9351 0778
Email:

Academic enquiries
Dr Jo Patching
Sub-Dean (Research)
Research Development Support Unit
Phone: 61 2 9351 0648
Email: