Applying for a Research Higher Degree Program

Closing Dates/Start Dates

Closing dates apply for certain programs (eg PhD Clinical Psychology and PhD Health Psychology close on 1 October each year. Domestic Scholarship applications close 31 October and International Scholarships close 31 August each year).

However, as a general rule, research higher degree candidates may now commence on almost any weekday of the year. Closing dates are not enforced for general candidature applications.

Qualifications Required

The qualifications required for an applicant to enter a Research Higher Degree are prescribed in the Doctor of Philosophy Schedule and the Master of Philosophy Schedule.

Assessment of Application

You are required to provide a research proposal with your application, indicating the nature of the research you wish to undertake. You are encouraged to consult with academics at the University in your chosen discipline prior to lodging your application. You can search for areas of research expertise in the Register of Supervisors. Your application will be recorded electronically on our system and if you have provided an email address you will be sent an applicant login and password for checking the status of your application via the website.

Your application will then be assessed initially by the Office of Graduate Studies and then sent to the relevant Faculty. The Faculty will consider the following:

• That you are appropriately qualified to enter the program;
• That there are projects available within the designated areas of specialisation which are appropriate both in depth and duration for the program proposed;
• That suitable supervisors are available for the duration of the candidature;
• That sufficient resources are available to support the candidature;
• Any conditions to be placed on the candidature such as enrolment in prescribed courses.

If your candidature application is successful you will receive an offer letter which will include any conditions that have been placed on your candidature. The letter will outline your program, supervisory arrangements and any other details relevant to actioning the offer and your initial enrolment. The offer may be provisional if verification of documents or claims is required.

Accepting Your Offer

To accept the offer, you will need to visit the myHub website and login with the details that were previously emailed to you. If your offer is conditional you will have to provide any documents requested to the Office of Graduate Studies before you can enrol. Candidates have the flexibility to commence at a time that is suitable to them and their supervisors. If deferral is possible this will be indicated in your letter of offer. Once you have accepted your offer and all requirements have been met, you will be able to self enrol via myHub. You and your principal supervisor will receive confirmation of your enrolment and commencement date. When you accept an offer you will be given new student login details. They can be accessed at the myHub website under ‘Student Login Details’.

If you do not have an email account your login details can be requested by telephone. Identifying information will be required. If you do not have reliable internet access, a paper based acceptance and enrolment system can be put in place.

If you have also applied for a scholarship, separate advice will be provided. Advice on admission to candidature will be provided prior to advice on scholarship outcomes. First round scholarship offers will be made in early December. Scholarship offers must be accepted within 14 days.