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Doctor of Philosophy (MXP001.2)
Please note these are the 2026 details for this course
| Selection rank | Delivery mode | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| On campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
4.0 years | |
| Faculty | Discipline(s) | Available teaching periods | UAC code |
| Graduate Research Office | Graduate Research Office |
View teaching periods | |
| Fees | English language requirements | AQF level | |
|
|
View requirements | 10 | |
English language requirements
Academic IELTS of 6.5 or equivalent, with no band score below 6.0
Delivery mode
Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
Online: All units are online.
Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.
Location
All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
Selection rank
The selection rank is the minimum ATAR plus adjustment factors required for admission to the program in the previous year. This is an indicative guide only as ranks change each year depending on demand.
Fees disclaimer
Annual fee rates
The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course. The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
Commonwealth Support Place (CSP)
Students enrolled in a Commonwealth Support Place (CSP) are required to make a contribution towards the cost of their education, which is set by the Commonwealth Government. Information on Commonwealth Supported Places, HECS-HELP and how fees are calculated can be found here.
Research Students
Most domestic Higher Degree by Research students are supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset Scholarship and are not liable for fees up the standard course duration. Find out more about your eligibility here.
AQF Level
University of Canberra qualifications are recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
- Level 5 - Diploma
- Level 6 - Associate Degree
- Level 7 - Bachelor Degree
- Level 8 - Bachelor Honours Degree OR Graduate Certificate OR Graduate Diploma
- Level 9 - Masters Degree
- Level 10 - Doctoral Degree
| Academic entry requirements | Delivery mode | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| On campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
4.0 years | |
| Faculty | Discipline(s) | Available teaching periods | CRICOS code |
| Graduate Research Office | Graduate Research Office |
View teaching periods | 102575A |
| Fees | English language requirements | AQF level | |
|
|
View requirements | 10 | |
Fees disclaimer
Annual fee rates
The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course. The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols. Information on how fees are calculated can be found here.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
Delivery mode
Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
Online: All units are online.
Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.
English language requirements
Academic IELTS of 6.5 or equivalent, with no band score below 6.0
Location
All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
Academic entry requirements
To study at UC, you’ll need to meet our academic entry requirements and any admission requirements specific to your course. Please read your course admission requirements below. To find out whether you meet UC’s academic entry requirements, visit our academic entry requirements page.
AQF level
University of Canberra qualifications are recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
- Level 5 - Diploma
- Level 6 - Associate Degree
- Level 7 - Bachelor Degree
- Level 8 - Bachelor Honours Degree OR Graduate Certificate OR Graduate Diploma
- Level 9 - Masters Degree
- Level 10 - Doctoral Degree
Distinctive advantage
Our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a transformative higher degree by research program designed to empower you to make original contributions to knowledge and practice in your chosen field. Delivered over four years full-time (or eight years part-time), the program combines rigorous independent research with 12 credit points of advanced coursework.
Be equipped with a strong foundation in research theory, methodology, and professional practice. You’ll be encouraged to think big, be entrepreneurial, find innovative solutions to real-world problems and make a positive change Our PhD Plus will help you stand out in a highly competitive job market and advance your career prospects in academia, industry or policy.
Study a Doctor of Philosophy at UC and you will:
- Conduct independent, original research culminating in a thesis, which may include creative works in applicable disciplines.
- Join a dynamic and supportive community of researchers across diverse fields.
- Design and lead complex research projects using advanced methods and theoretical frameworks.
- Develop innovative, evidence-based solutions to complex, real-world challenges.
- Communicate advanced research concepts to academic, professional, and public audiences.
- Address complex ethical issues, research integrity, and data governance requirements.
- Apply advanced data analysis, computational tools, and/or statistical techniques.
- Identify, evaluate, and influence emerging trends and debates in your field.
- Gain high-level transferable skills in research, leadership, and strategic thinking.
Industry Engagement
Thanks to UC’s PhD Plus program you’ll have ample opportunities to engage in meaningful industry collaboration. Explore the option to co-design your research with industry stakeholders, engage in collaborative data collection or trials, or undertake targeted research internships. These experiences foster real-world impact and enhance employability by embedding research within professional contexts.
Career Opportunities
After graduating from UC’s PhD Plus program, you’ll be well-positioned for a diverse and impactful career across academia, industry, government, and the not-for-profit sector. Potential roles include:
- Academic Researcher or Lecturer
- Policy or Cultural Advisor
- Innovation or Strategy Consultant
- Research and Development Manager
- Creative Producer or Arts Researcher
- Government or Industry Research Officer
- Writer, Editor, or Communications Specialist
- Program Evaluator or Strategic Planner
- Research Director or Program Lead
Course specific information
If you aspire to lead transformative research and shape the future of your discipline, then the PhD Plus might be for you. With its unique blend of coursework and independent research, the program fosters creativity, rigour, and integrity in addressing complex challenges.
You’ll benefit from UC’s strong research culture and industry connections, gaining access to high-impact projects, collaborative opportunities, and professional networks. Whether your goal is to pursue an academic career, drive innovation in industry, or influence policy and practice, the PhD provides the skills, experience, and support to help you succeed.
To be eligible to apply for this course:
1. There must be appropriate supervision available to supervise your research topic.
2. You must have completed one of the following Australian or Australian-equivalent qualifications in a relevant discipline related to your proposed research:
a) Bachelor Honours Degree with first-class or upper second-class honours, or equivalent,
b) Masters Degree (Research), or
c) Masters Degree (Coursework) with a research component of at least 25 per cent of the course.
The Dean, Graduate Research School may, in exceptional circumstances, approve admission into the PhD based on evidence of academic and research achievement gained through professional training, work experience or peer reviewed publications that they deem are equivalent to meeting the minimum academic requirements above.
All admissions are subject to the Higher Degree by Research Procedure https://policies.canberra.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=45&version=1
Transferring from another HDR Course
You may be eligible to transfer from one HDR course within the University to the Doctor of Philosophy if you have met the requirements detailed in the Higher Degree by Research Procedure.
Additional admission requirements
The Graduate Certificate in Research Methods and Design exists as an exit award only, for those students admitted to the PhD.
If a candidate fails to meet academic requirements during candidature, they may be eligible for the Graduate Certificate as an exit award providing the requirements of the award have been met.
Where a candidate fails to meet the academic requirements of the Graduate Certificate, they will be discontinued from the PhD and offered the opportunity to reattempt failed units and, if successful, exit with a Graduate Certificate. The Graduate Certificate will not be awarded if the candidate successfully completes the PhD.
Assumed knowledge
Sufficient knowledge relevant to the study area to enable identification of a need for research.
Periods course is open for new admissions
| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Research Semester 2 | |||
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Research Semester 1 | |||
| 2027 | Bruce, Canberra | Research Semester 2 | |||
| 2027 | Bruce, Canberra | Research Semester 1 | |||
| 2028 | Bruce, Canberra | Research Semester 1 | |||
| 2028 | Bruce, Canberra | Research Semester 2 |
Credit arrangements
There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Any previous study or work experience will only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and university policy.
Doctor of Philosophy (MXP001) | 96 credit points
- Information Science students: You may choose any coursework units from 973AA Master of Information Technology and Systems with agreement from your supervisory panel or the HDR convenor.
- 1. Admitted based on RPL: Students who have been admitted into the PhD based on RPL are encouraged to enrol in 12187 Research Methods and Skills for Research Students PG in their first semester
- 2. No applicable coursework units? Upon recommendation from HDR Convenor you may select any other relevant post-graduate (Level P) unit or one of the Research Thesis Electives: (12199 or 12200)
- 3. Self-enrolling: You may need to complete an enrolment waiver for some units to bypass prereqs. Provide a commentary explaining why you meet the requirements and how it aligns with your research.
- 4. Credit for Restricted Choice: If you have completed a similar coursework unit or have relevant professional experience, you might qualify for up to 6 credit points of credit. Apply via myUC.
In addition to course requirements, in order to successfully complete your course you must meet the inherent requirements. Please refer to the inherent requirements statement applicable to your course
UC - Canberra, Bruce
Year 1
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Semester 1
Semester 2
Restricted Choice Unit(s)
Year 2
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Year 3
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Year 4
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Year 1
Research Semester 2
Year 2
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Semester 1
Restricted Choice Unit(s)
Year 3
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Year 4
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Year 5
Research Semester 1
Year 1
Semester 1
Semester 2
Restricted Choice Unit(s)
Year 2
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Year 3
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Year 4
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Year 5
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Year 6
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Year 7
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Year 8
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Year 1
Year 2
Research Semester 2
Semester 1
Restricted Choice Unit(s)
Year 3
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Year 4
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Year 5
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Year 6
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Year 7
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Year 8
Research Semester 1
Research Semester 2
Year 9
Research Semester 1
Course duration
Standard 4 years full-time or equivalent. Maximum 10 years.
Learning outcomes
| Learning outcomes | Related graduate attributes |
|---|---|
| 2.1 To develop researchers who are able to conceive of, construct and conduct an independent research project in a particular area. | _ |
| 1. Learning Outcomes for the Graduate Certificate in Research Methods and Design: | _ |
| 2. Learning Outcomes for the Doctor of Philosophy (in addition to the above): | _ |
| 1.1 Sophisticated understanding of research principles and values. | _ |
| 1.2 Conceptual, cognitive and technical skills and knowledge relevant to research practice. | _ |
| 1.4 Knowledge of principles of research integrity, data management, and the communication of knowledge to various audiences. | _ |
| 2.2 The capacity to demonstrate high research integrity with cognitive, creative and technical skills, and develop theoretical and applied knowledge for their disciplinary field or profession. | _ |
| 2.4 The capacity to apply their knowledge and skills, and make a contribution communicating findings and concepts to both academic and general audiences. | _ |
| 1.3 Capacity to formulate a research problem, design a research project, and apply judgment in the field. | _ |
| 2.3 The capacity to manage a project in a professional manner, identify and address the ethical constraints, manage budgets, and collect and store data. | _ |
Awards
| Award | Official abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Doctor of Philosophy | PhD |
Alternative exits
Alternative exit award Graduate Certificate in Research Methods and Design:
Students may exit early from the Doctor of Philosophy course if they have successfully completed 12 credit points of coursework units.
Enquiries
| Student category | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Current and Commencing Students | Email graduateresearch@canberra.edu.au |
| Prospective Students | Email graduateresearch@canberra.edu.au |
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