Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine)

Program Summary

A PhD is a thesis-based research degree where students independently undertake a specific research project related to a field of Medicine. The degree program is individually designed and built around the methodological requirements of the research and the nature of the topic to be investigated and is conducted under the guidance of at least two supervisors. This research will culminate in a thesis of approximately 80,000-100,000 words, which will be examined by two experts in the research area. It is expected that PhD research will contribute substantial additional knowledge to the topic or field of study.

Why Study This Degree?

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a thesis-based research degree. It has been individually designed and built around the research methodology required, the nature of your thesis topic and the candidate’s background. If necessary, you may also be required to undertake research training or further coursework as part of your PhD program. Candidates will benefit from ongoing support, mentoring or involvement in our research culture.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for admission to The University of Notre Dame Australia, all applicants must meet the University’s minimum requirements for admission. The requirements for admission are detailed in the University’s Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy applicants must also meet the following specific requirements:

• The Pro Vice Chancellor-Research, on the advice of the National Head of School, determines admission to the Doctor of Philosophy Award.
• Applicants to the Doctor of Philosophy Award are expected to satisfy the following criteria:
  • Possession of a research Masters appropriate to the professional field of the applicant; or
  • Possession of a Bachelor’s degree with Honours (typically 1st Class or Class 2A Honours level or equivalent); or
  • In exceptional circumstances, an equivalent academic or professional background that is considered by the National Head of School to be an appropriate preparation for independent study and research work at Doctoral level.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Doctor of Philosophy graduates will be able to:

1. Apply expert, specialised cognitive and technical skills in the design and execution of a substantial research project that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge, professional practice and/or creative practice
2. Synthesise, evaluate, and critically analyse a substantial and complex body of knowledge and/or practice at the frontier of a field/s of research
3. Communicate research findings clearly and fluently, to both peers and the community
4. Apply knowledge of research integrity, ethics and the rights and safety of others in the conduct of research and dissemination of research findings; and
5. Conduct research with intellectual independence, creativity, adaptability, responsibility, and accountability.

Supervision

Students will be supervised by at least two academic supervisors with expertise in the research topic being studied. In addition to UNDA internal supervision, students can nominate external research supervisors with specific required expertise.

Mode of Study and Assessment

Students can undertake the degree through either the Fremantle or Sydney campus, and subject to the requirements of the research being undertaken, can work remotely. Assessment will be via the creation of a substantial research thesis (either a traditional thesis or a thesis as a series of publications) which will be sent for expert external review.

Research Focus

The School of Medicine has research projects across Australia in Fremantle, Sydney, Melbourne and the University’s Rural Clinical Schools in New South Wales and Victoria. Current research projects focus on:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
• Basic clinical sciences
• Bioethics
• Clinical and applied research
• Medical leadership and health policy
• Medical education
• Pain management
• Personal development and professional matters
• Population and public health (including social inequity, climate and human health)
• Primary care and prevention
• Rural medicine

Students should find a supervisor within the faculty whose academic background aligns with your research.

Career Opportunities

A Doctor of Philosophy in Medicine can lead to careers in academia, industry, government and non-government organisations, scientific research, specialist consultancy, leadership and research management and executive-level management.

Fees and Costs

This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

• Research Training Program (RTP) The Research Training Program (RTP) provides block grants to support students who are undertaking a Higher Degree by Research such as a Research Doctorate or Research Masters degree. You will receive support for a maximum of two years for a Research Masters and a maximum of four years for a Research Doctorate degree. Your offer will specify for which purpose(s) your grant may be used. This may include offset of your tuition fees, as a stipend for general living costs or as an allowance related to the ancillary cost of research degrees.
• International Full-Fee Paying Tuition costs depend on an international student’s study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of your program.

More Information

View application steps for a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program on How to apply - Graduate research.

• Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
• Duration type: Full time; Part time
• Location: Fremantle; Broome; Sydney
• Study mode: External; On campus
• Commencement: Semester 1; Semester 2
• Program code: 6900
• CRICOS code: K
• Fee: International Full Fees; Research Training Program (RTP)