PhD program
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an ungraded degree awarded for research that demonstrates that the candidate has the capacity to conduct research independently, and form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the subject and to afford evidence of coherence and originality shown either by the discovery of new facts or by the exercise of independent critical power. The candidate's program of study will be supervised by at least two supervisors. More information is available here.
Admission requirements
From 1 January 2014, admission to Macquarie University's Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program will have the following new requirements:
- applicant to have completed the Macquarie University's Master of Research (MRes) with at least 75% in second year of the MRes; or
- applicant to have completed a Master of Philosophy; or
- applicant to have completed Master's degree from another institution with major research component. The size and length of the research thesis may vary, but it is expected to be of an equivalent scale and scope to the Macquarie University MRes thesis. Performance to be at Distinction level (75% or greater).
Macquarie University does not accept the Undergraduate Honours degree for direct entry to its Higher Degree Research programs. All candidates are expected to have undertaken a Masters degree, (or equivalent) predominantly focused on research and research preparation. This degree may vary in length and name, and will be assessed together with the totality of the candidate's qualifications. In exceptional cases, a combination of other university degrees and/or a significant track record of other research may be considered for entry.
The standard period of candidature for the PhD at Macquarie University is three years, full-time equivalent. For admission to the PhD, the university needs to confirm that prospective candidates will be able to complete their degree within this time, and that:
- They have undertaken significant study of their discipline beyond undergraduate level, and are equipped to make strategic decisions about the state of research in their field and key new directions for research, and are thus ready to conduct an HDR level project.
- Candidates have undertaken a substantial research project at Masters level, which indicates they have significant experience in independently identifying a research question; designing a research project using a methodology that they have been able to justify in relation to alternatives and that their project has produced coherent and well-justified conclusions, situated in relation to the literature.
- All candidates enrolling in HDR will have completed their research proposal in the same format as candidates completing the MRes.
All other peer-reviewed research output may be taken into consideration under Rule 7(10) of the University's Higher Degree Research Rule for admission to the new PhD program.
Candidates who have not completed an MRes degree and do not meet the above criteria may be asked to undertake the Master of Research as a research training pathway to the new Doctoral degree. Candidates with previous study at Bachelor Honours or Masters level may receive credit towards the MRes for a maximum of 50% of the program. The period of candidature for the new PhD will be three years.
- Download the 2019 HDR prospectus
- View the Guide for Candidates
- Find out How to apply