Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)

The Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated) is a research-based program designed for graduates who need research skills to qualify for doctoral study. The program provides intensive research training before beginning an innovative thesis in the broad areas of health and sport.

Overview

The integrated PhD program is designed for graduates who need research skills to qualify for doctoral study. During the first year of the program, students receive training in best-practice research methods. On passing the first-year components with a 70% average, students begin their own original research, graduating in the standard timeframe. Students learn to present their research in a variety of contexts, including journals and conferences.

Duration and Delivery

• Duration: 4 years
• Delivery mode: In person
• Location: City Tower
• Next start date: 16 February 2026

Fees

• Tuition: AU$20,700 per semester (international students)

Entry Requirements

To be considered for postgraduate study, applicants must meet the entry criteria outlined below. If applicants dont meet the entry criteria, they may be able to gain entry by first completing a different course.

Admission Criteria

• 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 on the Victoria University grading scale) for the final year
• 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 on the Victoria University grading scale)
• Completion of an equivalent combination of academic and research achievements such as relevant industry experience, research experience evidenced by peer review publications or the completion of a high-level research project, in a different discipline to the proposed research, deemed to be equivalent to any of the above entry requirements
• Any of the Admission Requirements as listed in the PhD

Course Structure

To attain the Doctor of Philosophy through undertaking the Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated), students will be required to complete the following components:

• Required coursework units in Year 1 to a minimum of an average standard of 70% or have approved advanced standing for the unit(s)
• A Research Thesis unit and have had their thesis classified by a Victoria University Academic Review Panel
• Two elective units (ROP8003, ROP8004) are available to post-Confirmation of Candidature students to provide doctoral industry internships

Units

Year 1:

• Core studies:
  • Introduction to Research Methodology (UGR7001, 12 credits)
  • Research Design and Proposal Development (UGR7002, 12 credits)
  • Research Integrity and Ethics (UGR7003, 12 credits)
• Select 36 credit points:
  • Year One Thesis A (Part-Time) (UGR7901, 12 credits)
  • Year One Thesis B (Part-Time) (UGR7902, 24 credits)
  • Year One Thesis C (Full-Time) (UGR7903, 36 credits)
• Select 24 credit points of Elective Studies:
  • Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods (UGR7004, 12 credits)
  • Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods (UGR7005, 12 credits)
  • Enhancing Researcher Knowledge and Skills (UGR7006, 12 credits)
  • Enhancing Research Capability (UGR7007, 12 credits)

Year 2-4:

• Thesis Units (varies by discipline)
• Elective units:
  • Doctoral Industry Project Placement (ROP8003)
  • Doctoral Research End-User Engagement Internship (ROP8004)

Research Areas

Students can complete an original PhD thesis in their area of personal interest, under expert guidance, in the following areas:

• Mechanisms and interventions in health and disease
• Clinical and community health and wellbeing
• Inclusive and healthy communities - sport, physical activity and culture
• Sport performance

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Engage in critical reflection, synthesis, and evaluation
2. Develop, adapt, and implement research methodologies to extend and redefine existing knowledge or professional practice
3. Disseminate and promote new insights to peers and the community
4. Generate original knowledge and understanding to make a substantial contribution to a discipline or area of professional practice

Partnerships and Collaboration

Victoria University has partnerships and collaborations with dozens of public institutions, health organisations, and private sporting bodies. The university also works with other universities to provide the highest-level expertise and resources for its students.

Careers

Following the PhD, graduates will be ready for a research or management career in the private or public sectors, or to become an academic. These are usually high-level roles and are paid accordingly. Potential salaries can be found on the Jobs and Skills Australia website for policy and planning managers and university lecturers.