Name: Doctor of Philosophy
Price: 39552 AUD

What is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)?

The Doctor of Philosophy is a highly regarded research degree, in which you will conduct independent research under the supervision and guidance of experts in their field. The Doctor of Philosophy requires the completion of a thesis which demonstrates original thought and academic rigour, and which makes a significant contribution to existing knowledge. The PhD is available to study on campus in Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, offshore and online.

Our Higher Degree by Research allows you to develop your research skills, so you are work-ready in academic and industry contexts. By conducting original research and practising cognitive flexibility, you will craft your professional identity and be able to communicate the impact of your findings to interested stakeholders in real-world applications.

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Learning outcomes

A substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of the field and make an original contribution in the context of ethical practice.
Appropriate and purposeful research principles and methods for the field including any technical and creative skills for enhancing the work.
Cognitive skills including critical analysis, argument and problem solving to design and implement a theoretical/practice proposition and apply intellectual independence to evaluate existing knowledge and to generate original knowledge.
Appropriate and coherent communication skills to represent cogently a complex investigation of original research against international standards and communicate results to peers and the community.
Intellectual independence and initiative, responsibility and accountability for planning and executing original research and for planning a research career and demonstrate collaborative behaviours that generate intellectual activity.

Download course guide Start online application

Study mode

On campus, Online, Blended

Campus locations*

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Online

Student

Domestic

International

Course duration

3 years full time, 6 years part time

Start date

15 Sep 2025

16 Feb 2026

01 Jun 2026

14 Sep 2026

View all key dates

Fee & scholarships

Learn more

This course is delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd, ABN 99 154 937 005, RTO 41343, CRICOS 03389E

*For more details on international student study options.

Contribute new knowledge to your field

Make a significant and original contribution through thought leadership, advanced professional practice, through a research thesis and advanced professional practice portfolio.

Be a catalyst for change

Become an innovative changemaker by challenging current research and finding new ways forward.

Transferable skills and a new career

Build upon your expertise, opening doors to unique career opportunities in academia and industry.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) have a bright future. They will have demonstrated their preparedness for a career in research and analysis within government, higher education, research centres and private enterprises. Graduates will have demonstrated intellectual leadership, positioning them for roles such as those in the following areas:

Policy research
Research projects
Research & development
Academic research
Industry and government advising

Subjects and units

Delivered both on campus and online, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) comprises a submission of a thesis, requiring 35-40 hours per week.

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Thesis

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Thesis | PhD

Students conduct independent research under the supervision and guidance of experts in their field. Through this research, students make a significant and original contribution to knowledge through thought leadership. The PhD requires the completion of a thesis of not more than 80k words, which demonstrates original thought, academic rigour, and a sustained program higher order thinking. The thesis may be presented in one of the following formats: Standard Narrative, Thesis by Publication, Exegesis, or Folio.

International students must not enrol in more than one-third (33%) of online subjects over their course, and must study at least one face-to-face subject each study period. For more information, visit Study in Australia.

International students on a student visa are required to study full time (i.e. must complete a minimum of 1.0 EFTSL of study per year). For the latest information on study locations, please check the entry requirements flyer.

Research project

The Doctor of Philosophy is comprised of independent research under the guidance of experienced supervisors, culminating in the submission of a thesis, to be presented in one of the following formats: standard narrative, publication, exegesis or PhD by folio. You will be required to provide an Expression of Interest and a Research Proposal as part of your initial application.

Entry details

Fees

Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.

FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.

Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP

Scholarships

We're serious about supporting your studies from start to success, which is why we offer partial scholarships for both international and domestic students undertaking HDR. Please discuss these options with international and domestic admissions on application. For more information, please email HDR@torrens.edu.au

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Successful completion of a Masters degree by research from an Australian university or equivalent with a Distinction average

OR

Successful completion of a Masters degree by coursework with a substantial element of research work from an Australian university or equivalent with a Distinction average

OR

Successful first- or second class Honours degree from an Australian university or equivalent

OR

Work life experience demonstrating the ability to undertake study at the required level which may include approval of prior study or successful completion of a readiness assessment.

Research proposal accepted by supervisory panel.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Fees

Check the international course fee schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.

Fee payment

Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.

Scholarships

We're serious about supporting your studies from start to success, which is why we offer partial scholarships for both international and domestic students undertaking HDR. Please contact the HDR Office at hdr@torrens.edu.au for more information.

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Successful completion of a Masters degree by research from an Australian university or equivalent with a Distinction average

OR

Successful completion of a Masters degree by coursework with a substantial element of research work from an Australian university or equivalent with a Distinction average

OR

Successful first- or second class Honours degree from an Australian university or equivalent

OR

Work life experience demonstrating the ability to undertake study at the required level which may include approval of prior study or successful completion of a readiness assessment.

Research proposal accepted by supervisory panel.

Equivalent IELTS 7.0 (Academic) with skills band no less than 7.0 in writing and speaking and no less than 6.5 in listening and reading (or equivalent TOEFL, CAE or PTE).

View full course admission information

*For more details on international student study options.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Higher Degree by Research (HDR)?

A higher degree by research is focused on undertaking self-directed independent research that contributes to discipline-based knowledge and theory building. A student pursuing a higher degree by research requires core knowledge in a discipline, research skills, self-motivation and drive, the ability to work independently with a supervisor, critical thinking skills and very strong academic writing skills.
What is the application process?
The first step in the application process is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

This document needs to be completed in full. The EOI is an opportunity to show your academic ability, your ability to follow instructions and your attention to detail. Incomplete applications and EOIs will be rejected.

The EOI needs to be submitted to HDR@torrens.edu.au along with the following supporting documentation:

Official and certified copies of all academic transcripts (including course offerings and results) and certificates attained from any and all undergraduate and postgraduate courses completed

Proof of citizenship

Evidence of English Language Proficiency (if applicable)

If applying for a PhD:

copies of, or links to, any research publications authored by you (in English), and

An up-to-date curriculum vitae.

The EOI is a screening assessment to ascertain:

Your level of academic writing

Your ability to interrogate literature

The alignment of your project area to the targeted projects of TUA

Your ability to follow instructions and problem solve, and

Your understanding of the current literature and research opportunities.

When we have received your EOI, your academic eligibility will be assessed first. If you have met the academic criteria for entry, the quality of your EOI will then be assessed based on the criteria listed above.

Late or incomplete EOIs, including EOIs submitted with insufficient documentation, will not be assessed. If the EOI is approved, we will request a two-page Research Proposal. The Research Proposal should advance on your EOI, further developing your research idea and proposed methodology. To ensure your proposal is of the standard required for entry, we suggest you interrogate the research in your chosen area, ensure your proposal is founded in research and that clear gaps for future research have been identified.

The strength and quality of your Research Proposal will also be assessed, and supervisor availability will be determined.

Please be advised that Expressions of Interest and Research Proposals are run through software which identifies similarity rates to other submitted and published work. If your submission returns a high similarity rate, it will not be accepted and we will not review any resubmissions.

Applications can be rejected at any stage during the application process for a variety of reasons, ranging from not meeting the entry requirements, to the university being unable to supervise the project. Please be assured all efforts are made to carefully review and accommodate all applications.

What is required in a Higher Degree by Research?

A Higher Degree by Research is an advanced program of study which requires the candidate to conduct independent research into a particular topic in their field, while being guided by a supervisory team. It requires the submission of a thesis comprised entirely of original work and submitted for examination at the end of the student’s candidature. The submitted thesis must demonstrate original and critical thought, contribute to the current body of knowledge in the student’s chosen area, and be clearly and coherently written.
What is the time commitment for a Higher Degree by Research?

A full-time HDR course requires a 40-hour commitment each week. HDR students are entitled to four weeks of annual leave, and can apply for 12 months of additional leave due to exceptional circumstances such as illness or injury. Although the academic year at Torrens is divided into three trimesters, HDR students do not have trimester breaks and are expected to work consistently throughout the year.

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Doctor of Philosophy

What is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)?

Learning outcomes

Career opportunities

Subjects and units

Thesis | PhD

Research project

Entry details

Fees

FEE-HELP

Scholarships

Admission criteria

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Fees

Fee payment

Scholarships

Admission criteria

How to apply

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Frequently asked questions

Similar courses

Master of Philosophy

Professional Doctorate (Research)

Graduate Diploma of Research Studies

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