The Doctor of Cultural Research is designed to produce future professional leaders in a range of industry settings where culture is an important dimension of the typical issues and problems faced in that workplace or organisation.
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Duration
Full Time: 3 Years (Available Part Time)*
Next Start Date
04 January 2027
29 March 2027
21 June 2027
13 September 2027
End of Session
Campuses^
Parramatta City
Parramatta South
Penrith
Bankstown City
Hawkesbury
Campbelltown
Domestic Student Fees
Indicative annual fee from $11,885
Additional Information
Program Code: DCR
Cultural research at Western
The Doctor of Cultural Research is designed for candidates who deal in their professional practice with issues such as:
- Cultural diversity and community relations
- Urban development, planning and place management
- Art, culture and heritage
- Cultural impacts of technology and globalisation
- Creative and innovation
- Transnational connections and local cultures
- Cultures of organisational change
The degree requires you to produce an examinable portfolio of work that provides evidence of significant conceptual development and professional capacity relevant to the better understanding of significant problems in practice.
You will be expected to participate in research training and development activities, contribute to the research culture at Western, and maintain a professional profile of high standard during your candidature.
As part of your research training, you will also be encouraged to publish or present your work to the public and contribute to policy and planning debates in your area of expertise.
Note: Applications for research programs are accepted at any time with successful candidates commencing on a quarterly intake basis.
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What you can expect to study
The program structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.
Career Opportunities
As a Doctor of Cultural Research graduate, you will find career opportunities in:
- Academia
- Policy analysis, research and development
- Industry consulting
- Creative and cultural industries
Entry requirements for domestic students
Western Sydney University must be satisfied that you have the skills and experience to commence independent study at a suitable level for entry into a doctoral program.
To be eligible for admission, you must have previously completed at least one of the following degrees:
- Bachelor (Honours Class 1 or Class 2) degree
- Master of Research degree
- Master of Philosophy degree
- Degrees from a university or other tertiary institution equivalent to the above
If you do not meet the admission criteria, the approval of prior research experience or other degrees is at the discretion of the relevant School Dean or Institute Director.
If you do not meet the admission criteria and you are interested in a pathway program, we encourage you to consider our Master of Research (MRes).
Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.
You can read more about special requirements here.
Entry requirements for international students
You can find information about the eligibility requirements for this degree from the HDR how to apply page.
Visit the find a supervisor page for advice about how to search for a potential supervisor or who to contact for advice in our Schools and Institutes.
This program may not be available in part-time mode for International students due to visa conditions.
Indicative annual fee
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.
The RTP is an Australian Government research block grant program that provides funding to Australian universities to support their training of domestic and international students undertaking research doctorate and research masters degrees, known collectively as higher degrees by research (HDRs).
This means that you are not required to pay tuition fees if you complete your degree within the allowable duration.
You may be required to pay overtime tuition fees if you do not complete with the allowable duration.
Apply as a Domestic Student
You should refer to the Higher Degree Research Fees page for information about tuition fees for this program.
If you are a domestic student, you can apply through our Western Application system which is free of charge.
Domestic students are:
- Australian Citizens
- New Zealand Citizens
- Australian permanent residents
- Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders
Scholarships
Refer to the Higher Degree Research (HDR) scholarships page for advice about current opportunities.
Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis. There may be specific eligibility criteria and application procedures depending on the type of scholarship. Refer to the Graduate Research Services page for up-to-date information.
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.
Apply as an International Student
You should refer to the Higher Degree Research Fees page for more information about tuition fees for this program.
You can apply online via our application portal for free at any time.
For the purposes of this degree, international students exclude:
- Australian Citizens
- New Zealand Citizens
- Australian Permanent Residents
- Australian Permanent Humanitarian Visa Holders
International applicants from some countries may be required to apply via an education agent. You can use our online tool to find an agent to help with the admission process.
Scholarships
Refer to the Higher Degree Research (HDR) scholarships page for advice about current opportunities.
Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis. There may be specific eligibility criteria and application procedures depending on the type of scholarship. Refer to the Graduate Research Services page for up-to-date information.
FAQs
We've gathered common questions to provide you with quick, clear answers about this program. If you need more information, our support team is ready to assist you on your journey to Western. You can find their details below.
The Doctor of Philosophy is a three-year full-time (or part-time equivalent) postgraduate research training degree where you undertake a supervised research project. It is the highest level of postgraduate qualification in Australia.
The Doctor of Philosophy is not available to study fully online or by distance, although you may not need to attend campus all the time. There may be flexibility in the research project to find a schedule that works for you in consultation with your supervisor.
This program does not include a structured coursework component. You will be located based on your chosen discipline and within your School or Institute.
Applications are open all year and you can apply online via our application portal.
Your application will be assessed for the next available intake. There are four intakes commencing in each quarter of the year.
You can find information about the eligibility requirements for this degree from the HDR how to apply page.
You must also meet the HDR English language proficiency requirements.
A research supervisor is an experienced academic staff member who is there to guide you in designing and completing your research project.
Visit the find a supervisor for advice about how to search for a potential supervisor or who to contact for advice in our Schools and Institutes.
You can significantly strengthen your application by attaching a letter of support from your proposed supervisor.
Domestic students are supported by the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP). You will not be required to pay tuition fees if you complete your degree within the allowable duration.
You may be required to pay overtime tuition fees if you do not complete with the allowable duration.
International students are required to pay tuition fees, unless you are awarded a scholarship that includes a tuition fee waiver.
Scholarships are advertised via the Graduate Research Services page. Refer to the individual scholarships for information about eligibility criteria and application procedures.
Want to know more?
We're here to provide clarity.
If you're uncertain about your study journey, enquire about our program today and gain the confidence to move forward.if you have any further questions or would like to know more, please submit your enquiry here.
For more information visit the Higher Degree Research Knowledge Directory.
The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.
As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.