| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-02-16 | - |
| 2027-02-16 | - |
Program Overview
Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)
The Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated) is a research-based program that provides intensive training in research methods and prepares students for doctoral study. The program is offered in a broad range of disciplines and is designed to address important contemporary issues.
Overview
The program offers an alternative path to a PhD and provides students with the opportunity to develop their research skills and knowledge in a specific area of study. Students will receive expert supervision from researchers in the 'Sustainable industries and liveable cities' group and will have access to world-class facilities and research centers.
Duration and Delivery
The program is delivered in person and has a duration of 4 years. The tuition fee for international students is AU$20,700 per semester.
Location
The program is located at the City Tower campus.
Next Start Date
The next start date for the program is 16 February 2026.
Overview of the Program
The program provides students with intensive research training and prepares them for doctoral study. Students will learn to present their research in a variety of contexts, including journals and conferences. The program addresses important contemporary issues such as artificial intelligence, business, climate change, and cultural diversity.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Engage in critical reflection, synthesis, and evaluation
- Develop, adapt, and implement research methodologies to extend and redefine existing knowledge or professional practice
- Disseminate and promote new insights to peers and the community
- Generate original knowledge and understanding to make a substantial contribution to a discipline or area of professional practice
Partnerships and Collaboration
The program has working partnerships with most universities in Victoria and several large industry and government departments. These partnerships develop opportunities for students and expand the reach of innovative research.
Research Centers and Institutes
The program is aligned with two interdisciplinary flagship research themes, delivered through six research focus areas. Students will have access to expertise in collaborative law and policy institutes, including the Mitchell Institute and the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre.
Research Programs
The program offers research that addresses major challenges faced by communities and industries. Students can conduct research in several areas, including:
- Cultural Diversity
- Urbanisation
- Climate Change
- Industrial Futures
- Future of Work
Study in Your Chosen Discipline
Students can study towards a qualification in their chosen area, including:
- Business
- Creative Arts
- Education
- Engineering
- Food Science
- Information Technology
- Law and Justice
- Biological Sciences
- Science
- Society and Culture
- Sport History
- Tourism
World-Class Facilities
The program has high-tech laboratories and equipment, including computer modeling software packages, controlled-temperature rooms, and dynamics labs.
Libraries and Special Collections
The VU Library holds several special collections and archives that are available to assist graduate students and staff in their research.
Research Opportunities and Development
The program provides opportunities for students to connect with other researchers, participate in research festivals and competitions, and develop their research skills.
Entry Requirements
To be considered for the program, students must meet the entry criteria, which includes:
- Completion of an Australian Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF8) or equivalent, with average grades of at least H2A/Distinction (70% or above)
- Completion of an Australian Masters degree (AQF9) or equivalent, undertaken by coursework, with average grades of at least H2A/Distinction (70% or above)
- Equivalent combination of academic and research achievements, such as relevant industry experience or research experience evidenced by peer-review publications
Admission Criteria
The admission criteria for the program include:
- Completion of an Australian Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF8) or equivalent, in a different discipline to the proposed research, with average grades of at least H2A/Distinction (70% or above)
- Completion of an Australian Masters degree (AQF9) or equivalent, undertaken by coursework, in any discipline, not including a thesis, with average grades of at least H2A/Distinction (70% or above)
Special Entry Programs
The program offers special entry programs for students from disadvantaged or underrepresented social, economic, or cultural backgrounds.
Credit and Entry Pathways
Students who do not meet the entry requirements may be eligible for an alternative study pathway, which can include credit for previous study or work experience.
Course Structure
The program consists of:
- Required coursework units in Year 1, with a minimum average standard of 70%
- A Research Thesis unit, with a thesis classified by a Victoria University Academic Review Panel
- Two elective units, available to post-Confirmation of Candidature students, which provide doctoral industry internships
Units
The program includes a range of units, including:
- Introduction to Research Methodology
- Research Design and Proposal Development
- Research Integrity and Ethics
- Year One Thesis A (Part-Time)
- Year One Thesis B (Part-Time)
- Year One Thesis C (Full-Time)
- Elective units, such as Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods and Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods
Fees and Scholarships
The program has a tuition fee of AU$20,700 per semester for international students. The university offers a range of scholarships, including the VU Global Research Scholarship, which provides eligible international students with 20% off tuition fees for the entire duration of a research degree.
Fees
The tuition fee for the program is AU$20,700 per semester for international students. The fee is calculated based on the study load, with a 6-month research enrolment period usually being 0.5 full-time or 0.25 part-time.
Scholarships
The university offers a range of scholarships, including the VU Global Research Scholarship, which provides eligible international students with 20% off tuition fees for the entire duration of a research degree.
Careers
The program prepares students for a research or management career in the private or public sectors, or to become an academic. Graduates can expect to earn high salaries, with potential roles including policy and planning managers and university lecturers.
Potential Salaries
Graduates can expect to earn high salaries, with potential roles including:
- Policy and planning managers
- University lecturers
Related Courses
The university offers a range of related courses, including:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)