Doctor of Philosophy (First Nations)

What is a Doctor of Philosophy (First Nations)?

The Doctor of Philosophy (First Nations) is a higher degree by research designed for candidates seeking to make a significant contribution to existing First nations knowledge and cultural learning. By combining advanced research capability with Indigenous knowledge systems and ethical research practices, graduates contribute to cultural understanding and develop the expertise to influence meaningful change through evidence-informed leadership and community-centred research. Through independent research supported by expert supervision, you will investigate significant questions relating to First Nation’s culture, language, health, education, leadership, governance and community development while contributing new knowledge that has the potential to create meaningful social, cultural and economic impact for First Nations people and community.

The program embraces ethical, community-centred research that values collaboration, reciprocity and respect, enabling candidates to undertake research that is both academically rigorous and culturally responsive. As the highest academic qualification available, the Doctor of Philosophy (First Nations) prepares graduates to become research leaders who influence scholarship, policy and professional practice while contributing to the ongoing strength and future of First Nations communities.

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Study mode

On campus, Online, Blended

Campus locations

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Online

Student

Domestic

Course duration

Full-time: 3 years Part-time: 6 years

Start date

14 Sep 2026

15 Feb 2027

31 May 2027

13 Sep 2027

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.

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.

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.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy (First Nations) explore the frameworks used to lead research which can strengthen First Nations communities, inform public policy and contribute to culturally responsive practice across academia, government, industry and community organisations. The qualification is ideal for all researchers, academics and professionals seeking to advance First Nations knowledge while contributing to leadership, policy development, education, health and community outcomes. Graduates are well positioned to shape future research agendas, mentor emerging researchers and influence decision-making that supports the aspirations and priorities of First Nations peoples.

Subjects and units

Delivered both on campus and online, the Doctor of Philosophy (First Nations) comprises 24 thesis units. The course supports supervised research in First Nations cultural contexts, culminating in an original contribution to knowledge through the completion and examination of a research thesis. The course involves 20–30 hours of study per week, comprising 2–3 hours of facilitated study, 2–3 hours of independent research and 16–24 hours of self-directed study.

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Thesis

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Thesis subjects

Thesis Unit | THE601 to THE624

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. The student is required to complete 240 credit points of thesis writing.

Research project

To qualify for the Doctor of Philosophy (First Nations) candidates must pursue supervised research, leading to the submission of an exegesis and artefacts and share in public display to support cultural growth and development. The thesis may be presented in Standard Narrative, Thesis by Publication, Exegesis and Creative Practice, and Folio format. Your thesis will be reviewed by two external examiners of cultural and academic standing in the field of enquiry.

Candidates shall have a Principal Supervisor who is an accredited HDR supervisor of Torrens University Australia and is accredited for First Nations research, appropriately qualified to supervise research candidates. A Doctor of Philosophy (First Nations) candidate shall also have an Associate Supervisor who may be internal or external to Torrens University Australia and must be a discipline expert in the field of research.

Throughout your research, candidates are required to:

- consult with their Principal Supervisor regularly;
- undertake structured activities as prescribed by their supervisor(s);
- present a research plan and proposal by the end of the first trimester of study
- submit progress reports in accordance with the Research Student Progress Procedure; and,
- present research findings to faculty as per the milestones outlined in the Student Progress Procedure.

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 get started with your course application, check you meet all the requirements listed below.

Applicants with formal study: Direct Entry

A person may be considered for direct entry admission to study for the degree of PhD (First Nations) if they are successful on application.

An application will include:

Application Form
Academic Referee Report including two supporting letters from cultural referees
Identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person of Australia and be recognised by their community

AND

Successful completion of a master's degree by research from an Australian university
Successful completion of a master's degree by coursework with a substantial element of preparatory work aligned to the research area and preference for embedded cultural content
Successful completion of a bachelor's degree by coursework with a substantial element of preparatory work aligned to the research area and Indigenous cultural studies

AND

Research proposal accepted by supervisory panel and First Nations research advisor.

Special Entry Requirements

Doctoral research at TUA recognises Indigenous Elders’ Knowledge as a valid and rigorous form of prior learning and research capability, providing an alternative entry pathway to applicants who demonstrate significant, sustained cultural authority, community leadership, and custodial knowledge grounded in Country, language, and kinship systems.

Assessment of recognised prior knowledge will consider evidence such as:

community endorsement from relevant Traditional Owners or governing bodies
demonstrated roles in cultural governance or knowledge transmission
contributions to community wellbeing and decision-making
maintenance and practice of cultural protocols
the ability to articulate knowledge systems in ways that align with ethical research principles

In ensuring legitimacy, evaluators will apply culturally responsive criteria including respect for Indigenous data sovereignty, relational accountability, adherence to local protocols, verification through appropriate Elders or Councils, and recognition of diversity across Nations, while upholding the integrity, authority, and self-determination of Indigenous knowledge holders within the academic environment.

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

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 (First Nations)

What is a Doctor of Philosophy (First Nations)?

Career opportunities