Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a thesis-based research degree that allows you to explore an area of research interest in depth. It takes a minimum of three years' full-time or six years' part-time study to complete.
People do PhDs for many reasons, although they usually fall into two categories:
Professional advancement
- You need more qualifications for your career progression
- You want to learn more about research
- You want to learn more techniques in research
- You want to learn how to design experiments to test hypotheses
- You want to learn how to analyse scientific data
- You want to learn how to publish scientific data
- You want to learn how to write scientifically
- You want to learn how to write a thesis
- You need a base for the beginning of a long-term research career
Personal development
- You want to improve your tenacity, logical thought, rationality
- You want to improve your concentration span
- You want to learn a little more depth about a particular topic
- You want to learn some independence and responsibility for a project
- You have a genuine passion for research in a particular area
- You have a naturally inquiring mind to know more
The standard University of Sydney admission requirements for a PhD is either:
- Masters degree, or
- 1st or 2nd class Bachelor Honours degree
In addition, the School will need to certify that your proposed research project is appropriate - see application procedures for more information.
Commencing: 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. For international students, the lead times are longer. The University of Sydney sets closing dates international applications for all research degrees at 31 October for semester one, and 30 April for semester 2.
Local students can complete their PhD on a full-time or part-time basis. International students can only undertake a PhD on a full-time basis.
Full-time - a minimum of three-years study
Part-time - a minimum of six-years study
For the PhD you must write a thesis on a topic of your choice. During the degree you will work closely with your supervisors who will help you clarify your topic and assess your progress. You are required to give a presentation about your PhD during your first year, and research-in-progress presentations subsequently throughout your degree - see the important information for research students for further information.
Because the PhD is a thesis-based research degree there are no coursework classes to attend. However, you may undertake free-of-charge, any of the School's Masters coursework units that are approved by your supervisor as relevant to your PhD studies.
You will need to have decided on a basic topic of study before you apply for the PhD, as part of the application procedure is a two-page research proposal. It is also essential to have chosen a basic area of research as you must discuss your proposed research project with an academic member of staff and/or your preferred supervisor before completing your application form.
As the range of topics available within public health is very wide, to help you narrow your topic area down you may like to explore the research interests of our academic staff. As there are currently more than 60 PhD students in the School, you may also wish to explore current students' research topics. There are also existing research opportunities within the School, offering specific topics and projects on which you can complete your PhD.
To support you in you in your research we have extensive facilities. If you are a full-time PhD student the School endeavours to provide you with shared office space with a desk and computer, while part-time students are generally based at their place of employment or work from home. All students are given free email and web access, including links to all University libraries and their databases. You will automatically be subscribed to a postgraduate email list to receive important information about seminars, workshops and courses.
In the Current Students section of this site you can find all the relevant information and resources you will need as a research student in the School of Public Health.