Program Overview

Overview of the PhD Program in Global, Urban & Social Studies

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Global, Urban & Social Studies is a research-based program that cultivates high-level skills in research processes, advanced communication skills, analysis, and synthesis of knowledge. This program enables students to develop and extend their expertise, widen their networks, enhance their career prospects, and produce socially useful research.

Program Details

• The program is offered by RMIT University.
• It is available for both domestic and international students.
• The duration of the program is 3-4 years full-time and 6-8 years part-time.
• The program is delivered on campus in Melbourne City.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Requirements for Admission

• A bachelor's degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honors.
• The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects, or research methodology subjects that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year.
• The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year.
• Alternatively, a master's degree that includes a research component with an overall distinction average, or a master's degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average, may be considered.
• Evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
• TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing)
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE(A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

Program Structure

• The program includes compulsory research methods courses.
• Students receive training in research integrity and ethics.
• Electives in qualitative and quantitative research techniques are available.
• A thesis or research project that demonstrates an original contribution to the field and the ability to communicate complex or original research for peers and the community to an international standard is required.

Research Areas

• Urban planning and housing studies
• Sustainability
• Criminology
• Globalisation, languages, and cultures studies
• Applied linguistics, translating, and interpreting
• Sociology
• International development and relations
• Community development
• Social and public policy
• Social work

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the PhD program are employed in tertiary academic positions, research centers and institutes, and senior leadership and management positions in a variety of education environments. They may also be employed in senior leadership and management positions in government, non-government organizations, and corporations.

Fees

• For domestic students, the program is funded by the Commonwealth Government under the Research Training Scheme (RTS), with full exemption from tuition fees.
• For international students, the annual tuition fee for 2026 is AU$34,560, with a total indicative tuition fee of AU$149,760 for the duration of the program.

Additional Information

• RMIT University has particular expertise in the fields of urban planning and housing studies, sustainability, criminology, and more.
• The program provides access to industry partnerships and collaboration with other researchers.
• Students gain creative, technical, and communication skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts.