Doctor of Philosophy

Make your mark through research

Undertake significant independent research, contribute to knowledge in your field and develop the expertise, skills and networks to shape the future.

Explore our Research with impact booklet to discover how you can develop your research for impact.

Is this pathway for you?

There are three ways to undertake a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Macquarie. You can complete your research at Macquarie or explore Cotutelle PhD and Joint PhD pathways with an international partner university.

The program is designed for people who want to:

• undertake significant independent research
• make an original contribution to knowledge in their field
• develop expertise at the forefront of their discipline
• build experience for a research or academic career
• develop the skills and confidence to lead research and create impact

What will you research?

In a PhD, you’ll undertake significant independent research that makes an original contribution to knowledge in your chosen field. Working with expert supervisors, you’ll develop and investigate a research question, apply appropriate methodologies and communicate your findings through a substantial thesis.

• Duration: Three years full-time equivalent
• Time commitment: 35 hours per week (full time)
• Research project: Undertake significant independent research under expert supervision
• Thesis: Submit a thesis of between 75,000 - 100,000 words that makes an original contribution to knowledge.

The PhD program is available in all faculties. In some disciplines, further research training or the completion of a preliminary coursework program in research preparation may be required prior to admission to candidature.

What do you need to apply?

To be considered for admission to the PhD, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have the research experience and disciplinary knowledge needed to undertake significant doctoral research.

You’ll need to demonstrate:

• Research experience - Experience undertaking a substantial research project at master's level, including identifying a research question, designing and justifying a research methodology, and producing well-supported conclusions.
• Advanced disciplinary knowledge - Significant study beyond undergraduate level, with the ability to understand the current state of research in your field and identify new directions for research.

In addition, you’ll need to meet one of the following requirements:

• a Master of Research (MRes) with at least 75 per cent in second year
• a Master of Philosophy
• a two-year master's degree with a major research component at Distinction level (75 per cent or greater).

You'll also need to:

• demonstrate the required level of English language proficiency
• provide a detailed research proposal
• meet requirements for appropriate supervision and research resources.

Peer-reviewed research outputs may also be taken into consideration as part of the admission assessment.

If you haven't completed an MRes and don't meet the admission criteria above, you may be asked to undertake the MRes as a research training pathway.

Joint PhD and Cotutelle PhD
Entry requirements for cotutelle and joint PhDs are the same as for the PhD. Additional requirements may apply depending on the partner university and research arrangement.

Fees and scholarships

PhD students may be eligible for scholarships that provide financial support during their three years of research, including a stipend valued at $40,900 per annum in 2027, indexed annually.

Scholarships may include one or more of the following:

• tuition fee offset
• living allowance (stipend)
• top up living allowance (additional funding on top of base stipend)
• fixed sum or one-off payment
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and/or visa application costs for international students.

Explore fees and costs
Explore scholarships

Continue your research journey

Your connection to Macquarie doesn't end when you submit your thesis. Join a community of researchers, alumni and collaborators and continue to build connections, share expertise and contribute to research impact.