Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD higher degree is usually based on a three-year full time or six- year part time research program incorporating a thesis of 80,000 to 100,000 words. The research work submitted must satisfy external examiners that it is an original and substantial contribution to the candidate's original discipline.

Candidates should hold a recognised medical degree, or an honours or masters degree in science, or other relevant discipline, from an approved university.

Candidates may apply to commence a PhD at anytime during the year.

The PhD degree is administered through the School of Graduate Research. Further information and application forms for admission are available from the School of Graduate Research for local students, and from the International Centre for International Students.

How to apply for our PhD degree:

Candidates must:

1. Decide on an area of interest by viewing the list of research areas available in our department.
2. Contact the relevant researchers mentioned in your preferred field to discuss your research proposal in more detail. Note: It is important that you arrange to meet your potential supervisor in person before you apply. International students interested in applying are advised to communicate in writing with a prospective supervisor to clarify and develop their research proposal before making a formal application.
3. When a researcher has agreed to supervise you and you have agreed on a research project, you need to apply formally for admission to the university as a student. Application forms are available from the administering School as mentioned above.
4. Complete the relevant sections of the application form, and lodge the application along with the required documentation, (either by post or in person) with the our department's Student Administration Coordinator, 7th floor, Lance Townsend Building, Austin Campus. International applications must be sent to the International Office at the University as instructed.
5. Consider applying for a University or Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences' scholarship. Find out more about postgraduate scholarships.

The entire application process can take up to 12 weeks for local applicants (International applications will take much longer).  A formal letter of offer or rejection will be sent to you. You should not commence research until you have received a formal offer.

If you require any further information about our PhD course please contact our Student Administration Co-ordinator, Jo Mayall, email: jmayall@unimelb.edu.au

Student Administration Coordinator Department of Medicine (AH/NH) University of Melbourne Austin Health Studley Rd, Heidelberg, VIC 3084 Tel: (+ 61 3) 9496 5477 Fax: (+ 61 3) 9457 5485

Assoc Prof David Howells PhD Academic Coordinator Department of Medicine (AH/NH) University of Melbourne Austin Health Studley Rd, Heidelberg, Vic 3084 Email: david.howells@ unimelb.edu.au

• Students who have completed their research higher degrees in the past 12 months are listed here.

Studying at Affiliated Institutes

PhD candidates who wish to conduct research within one of our affiliated institutes are encouraged to enrol through the Department of Medicine. Institutes affiliated with our department include: Austin Health, the National Stroke Research Institute, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, the Brain Research Institute, the Institute for Breathing & Sleep and the Parent-Infant Research Institute.

For further information regarding projects available at Affiliated Institutes, please go to the institutes' web-sites.