Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy (APHD01 - 2026) Postgraduate Research ## Overview ### Duration - 4 year/s full-time - 8 year/s part-time ### Intake - Semester 1, Semester 2 - On campus - Semester 1, Semester 2 - Online - Semester 1, Semester 2 ### Locations - Alice Springs campus - CDU Brisbane - CDU Sydney - CDU Waterfront Darwin - Casuarina campus - Danala - Education and Community Precinct - Online ### Entry Requirements View full entry requirements ### Credit Points Required 320 ### Course Code APHD01 ## Overview Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD, candidates undertake a novel and significant program of research, under the direction of two or more supervisors. The candidates then communicate the results of this research in a thesis or another approved format. To facilitate their research and their career, candidates also need to complete additional training and other activities in line with the HDR Policy. ### Fees #### International Tuition Fees The annual tuition fee for full-time study in 2026 is AUD $36,728.00. This equates to $4,591.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL). These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year. CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study. ## Why Study a Higher Degree by Research at CDU Undertake your Higher Degree by Research (HDR) at CDU and you'll be supported by committed supervisors who are experts in their fields. - 82% of CDU's research is rated at world standard and above (RA Research Excellence Rankings Analysis 2018) - Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021) - Unique research opportunities found only in the Northern Territory ## What Will I Study PhD Candidates complete a research project, usually over 3 to 4 years. During this time, they must also complete: ### Course Structure - Additional training around research integrity, research methods, communication, personal development, and career development - A research proposal and oral presentation to confirm their candidature - A second presentation midway through their candidature - A third presentation towards the end of their candidature - A thesis, usually comprising 60,000 to 100,000 words. Instead of a traditional thesis, some candidates may submit a research artefact/object, as well as an exegesis or explanation of this work, usually comprising 30,000 to 50,000 words. Research artefacts and objects vary across faculties and may include both traditional and non-traditional research objects, as appropriate to the discipline. ### Study Plan Recommended Study Plans are not required for this course. ## Entry Requirements ### Admission Criteria To achieve the minimum level of academic proficiency to enrol in a PhD, applicants must have completed: A. At least one semester FTE of relevant research activity at AQF Level 8 and achieved a GPA equivalent to a Distinction B. At least one semester FTE of relevant research activity at AQF Level 9 or above or C. Equivalent levels of research activity as approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies. You must also plan to conduct research that is compatible with the research priorities and resources of this University. When you apply, you must submit a research proposal, comprising 500 to 1000 words. The research priorities of this University tend to revolve around: - Tropical, regional, and remote health - including nursing, midwifery, and allied health - Environmental studies - Energy, resources, and engineering - Social and public policy in Northern Australia and the region - Community resilience - Cybersecurity and IT - Business and law - Education ### Essential Requirements Must have written evidence of agreement to supervise the applicant from a registered HDR supervisor (registered to supervise at PhD level as Principal on the CDU HDR supervisor register). HDR students must have at least two supervisors at a campus to be approved to enrol at that campus. #### English Language Requirements International Students To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Degree by Research applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 all applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing one of the following: - 2.0 FTE Higher Education Study: Successful completion of at least 2.0 FTE of higher education study at level AQF 7 or above from Australia or an approved country where the medium of instruction was English, including an official testamur plus academic transcript/s and evidence of English as medium of instruction where required. - English Test: Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. The approved English tests and their minimum scores are: | Requirements | - CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes: Successful completion of EAP004 - International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test: Overall minimum: 6.5, No band below: 6.0 - Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): Overall minimum: 176, No skill below: 169 - Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic: Overall minimum: 58, No score below 50 - Test of English as a Foreign language: Overall minimum: 79, Minimum writing score: 21 IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU. CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if: - Both tests were under the same testing system - The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum - The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test Recognised English-speaking countries: - Standard List: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America - Extended List: Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy. ## Course Details ### Australian Qualification Framework This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 10. ### Additional Information Can offers be deferred? Yes Award Doctor of Philosophy Faculty/College CDU Central Sector HE Area of study Accounting, Allied Health Sciences, Arts, Business, Communications and Design, Community Services and Social Work, Creative and Performing Arts, Education, Engineering, Exercise and Sport Science, Health, Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management, Humanities and Social Sciences, Indigenous Knowledges, IT and Network Engineering, Languages and Linguistics, Law and Legal Studies, Nursing and Midwifery, Psychology, Public Health, Science, Environmental Science and Management