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The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree provides training and education with the objective of producing graduates with the capacity to conduct research independently at a high level of originality and quality.
A PhD candidate will uncover new knowledge either by the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative re-interpretation of known data and established ideas.
Note: Doctor of Philosophy candidates can start at any time. For more information, visit the Graduate Research School.
Available campuses
Research at Western
The award of a PhD is a recognition of successful research experience of international standard in the discipline.
Doctorates are completed within 3 years full-time candidature, with a maximum enrolment of four years full time, or part-time equivalent.
Candidates undertake their independent research under the expert guidance of a panel of supervisors.
Fees and delivery
Fees: Domestic higher degree research candidates are provided with a funded place in the degree under the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP).
The PhD candidature is funded for a maximum period of 4 years full-time, or part-time equivalent.
There are overtime fees for higher degree research studies where RTP and Western Sydney University funding has been exceeded.
Delivery: On campus
Fees: International higher degree research fees vary depending on the area of study. Please see our International Research Fee Schedule for more information.
Delivery: On campus.
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Your career
As a Doctor of Philosophy graduate, you can look forward to career opportunities in settings such as:
- Academia, industry, government and non-government organisations
- Scientific research
- Specialist consultancy
- Research management
- Executive-level management
Your career

University Researcher
As a researcher at a university, you will undertake world-class research in your area of expertise. You will uncover new knowledge and make a lasting impact in your field of research. Many academic researchers also work as lecturers at their university.

University Lecturer
As a lecturer at a university, you will prepare and deliver subjects in your area of expertise. You will teach students from a wide range of backgrounds and help to further their education in their chosen field. Many university lecturers also combine their work with academic research.

Policy Advisor
As a policy advisor, you will help to provide strategic direction and influence in settings such as government, industry or academia. You will form partnerships, prepare advisory papers and make recommendations to various stakeholders.

Industry Consultant
As an industry consultant, you will have an important role in working to identify problems, develop solutions, improve growth and maximise efficiency in an organisation. You will act as a liaison between management, support staff and other stakeholders to look for areas of improvement and evaluate performance.
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*The tuition fees quoted above are the fees for the normal full-time study load of the course (80 credit points) per annum. International students will be subject to a variable fee regime; i.e. enrolled students will be required to pay fees during their course based on the approved fee for each calendar year. Fee changes (if any) will occur at 1 January each calendar year. Students who extend their course past the normal finish date of the course will be required to pay additional fees based on the prevailing fee level. Western Sydney University is a multi-campus institution. The University reserves the right to alter the location of its courses between campuses and other locations as necessary. Students should be aware of the possibility of change of location for the whole or part of courses for which they enrol and should plan for the need to travel between Western Sydney campuses.