Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy (Science and Agriculture)

The Doctor of Philosophy from Charles Sturt University gives you the opportunity to make an original and significant contribution to knowledge in your chosen discipline within the sciences. As the highest level of qualification available, a PhD could pave the way for a rewarding career in research or academia anywhere in the world.

Key Information

• Study mode and sessions: On Campus, Online
• Duration: Minimum time - 4 years, Maximum time - 8 years
• Entry score: TBA
• Indicative fees:
  • International on campus: Fee paying overseas: Full-time - $38,480.00 pa, Part-time - $19,240.00 pa
  • International online: Fee paying overseas: Full-time - $38,480.00 pa, Part-time - $19,240.00 pa
• Course points and codes: Credit Points: 192, AQF: Level 10, Cricos: G, A

Why Study with Us?

The Doctor of Philosophy allows you to pursue a detailed research investigation in an area of interest and present your findings in a thesis. You'll create new knowledge and develop a thorough understanding of scholarly debate in your field, and enhance your capacity to critically analyse and constructively contribute to that debate.

Career Opportunities

As a specialist in your discipline, you could work in high-level research, policy or industry roles in Australia or internationally. Successful completion of your PhD also heralds your admission into a community of scholars and may lay the foundation for a rewarding academic career.

What You Will Study

For each 8-point subject you are enrolled in, you should expect to spend 10 to 12 hours per week working on assignments and assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, and attending lectures, intensive schools, or examinations. If you are studying four subjects per session, this is equivalent to a full-time job. The workload for some subjects may vary as a result of approved course design.

Research Areas

Students will work with their supervisory team to complete all aspects of their research project. The supervisory team will be comprised of one principal supervisor who is employed on an ongoing basis, and at least one co-supervisor who is employed on an ongoing basis or on a contract that is for at least the length of the students candidature. Supervisory teams may include additional co-supervisors who are adjuncts and/or external to CSU with appropriate qualifications. All supervisors will be required to meet minimum qualification and professional experience standards and have been formally registered on the CSU Supervisor Registry.

Costs

• Calculate my fee: The section below is designed to allow you to select the option specific to your circumstances to discover the course fee and course offering information appropriate for you.
• Course Fees:
  • International on campus: Fee paying overseas: Full-time - $38,480.00 pa, Part-time - $19,240.00 pa
  • International online: Fee paying overseas: Full-time - $38,480.00 pa, Part-time - $19,240.00 pa
• Payment Options:
  • Pay all of your student contribution up front direct to the university
  • Pay part of your student contribution to the university and defer the balance via a HECS-HELP loan through the Australian Government (if eligible)
  • Defer all of your student contribution via a HECS-HELP loan through the Australian Government (if eligible)

Entry Requirements

• Selection rank: TBA
• Academic entry requirements:
  • Qualified for the award of a Master by Research at an acceptable level
  • An appropriate Bachelor degree with class 1 or class 2(i) honours from an Australian university or an equivalent overseas tertiary institution, taken over a minimum of four years (full-time equivalent)
  • Qualified for entry into a Charles Sturt University Master by Research program, and completed a minimum of 4 years full-time equivalent study, and duly enrolled and shown exceptional ability in the conduct of a research project which is clearly capable of being extended to a doctoral level
  • Qualified for the award of a coursework Master’s degree with a research project and thesis/dissertation component. It is normally expected that a grade equivalent to the appropriate class of Honours will have been obtained
  • Some other appropriate combination of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications (such as relevant graduate diplomas) and research experience that demonstrate capacity to undertake research at a Doctoral level
• Language requirements:
  • An Academic IELTS of 6.5, with no score below a 6.0, in each of the individual skill areas
  • Level 109 of the English Language Services (ELS) examination, with a score of B or higher in the Reading and Writing components, and a score of P or higher in the Speaking and Listening components within the last 12 months
  • Written evidence of completion of a university degree that was conducted and examined solely in English
  • Applicants may request (in writing) that alternative English language proficiency evidence be accepted

Credit and Pathways

If you’ve completed relevant tertiary study, or work experience related to your course, you could receive credit towards your degree. Which would mean completing your qualification quicker. Find out how to apply for credit and see our credit policy.

How to Apply

Applying to Charles Sturt University is easy. Choose how you want to apply below, or get in touch with Charles Sturt University and we can help you with your application.

Apply via UAC

Important dates: Refer to key dates on the UAC website

Apply via VTAC

Important dates: Refer to key dates on the VTAC website

Apply directly to Charles Sturt

Important dates: Check out our direct application closing dates

Recruitment agent

Have questions about Charles Sturt University or need help with the student visa application process? Find a recruitment agent

Related Courses

Other courses that you might be interested in…

• Master of Agricultural Science (with specialisations)
• Master of Environmental Management
• Master of GIS and Remote Sensing
• Master of Health Management and Leadership
• Master of Philosophy