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.
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Research
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Duration
Full Time: 3 Years (Available Part Time)*
Next Start Date
05 January 2026
30 March 2026
22 June 2026
14 September 2026
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: PhD
CRICOS Code: 050330A
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.
Note: Applications for research programs are accepted at any time with successful candidates commencing on a quarterly intake basis.
Available Research Projects: You can browse a list of currently available research projects to get you started with finding a supervisor and preparing a research proposal.
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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 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
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
**Please note, if this course lists a part-time option, this is not available to International Students on a Student Visa.
Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.
You can read more about international academic entry requirements here.
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.
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
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 information about tuition fees for this program.
FAQs
We have compiled a list of answers to some of the most common enquiries regarding Higher Degree Research, as well as information around fees.
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.