The Doctor of Philosophy (Communication) is Australia's highest academic qualification in the field of communication, media, and related disciplines. It is a research-intensive Higher Degree by Research (HDR) that requires candidates to undertake an original, substantial, and rigorous research project under the guidance of experienced academic supervisors, culminating in a thesis or alternative approved format such as a thesis by publication, project, or creative exegesis. Programs typically take three to four years of full-time study (or up to eight years part-time), and span a wide range of specialisations including digital media, journalism, science communication, strategic communication, media policy, cultural studies, political communication, screen studies, and human communication science. Candidates are expected to make an original contribution to knowledge in their chosen area, engaging with cutting-edge theoretical frameworks and empirical methodologies.

This qualification is designed for highly motivated graduates who have demonstrated strong academic achievement at Honours or Masters level and who wish to pursue deep scholarly expertise in communication-related fields. It suits aspiring academics, policy researchers, senior industry practitioners, and those seeking leadership roles in organisations that depend on communication research and strategy. Candidates are typically drawn from backgrounds in journalism, media studies, public relations, cultural studies, linguistics, creative arts, or related social sciences.

Graduates of a PhD in Communication are sought by a broad range of employers across Australia and internationally, including universities and research institutions, federal and state government departments, think tanks, ABC and SBS and commercial media organisations, NGOs, public relations and communications consultancies, cultural institutions, arts organisations, corporate communications teams, and technology companies. The qualification signals advanced analytical, research, and communication leadership capabilities that are valued across the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Australian universities typically require applicants to hold a Bachelor's degree with First Class or Second Class Division 1 Honours in a relevant discipline, or a Masters degree by research with a Distinction average, as the minimum academic standard for entry into a PhD in Communication. Some institutions will also consider a Masters by coursework with a substantial research component at a high distinction average, or a combination of professional experience and lower-level qualifications in exceptional cases. Applicants must also submit a well-developed research proposal that clearly outlines the research question, methodology, theoretical framework, and significance of the proposed study, and must identify a suitable potential supervisor whose research interests align with their own.

For international applicants and some domestic applicants from non-English-speaking backgrounds, English language proficiency must be demonstrated. Typical requirements include an IELTS Academic score of at least 6.5 to 7.0 overall (with no individual band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT scores of around 79–100, or PTE Academic scores of 58 or above — though specific thresholds vary by institution. In addition to academic qualifications, selection criteria typically include demonstrated research potential, the quality and feasibility of the research proposal, the availability of an appropriate supervisor, and alignment with the university's research strengths and strategic priorities. Most universities require applicants to secure supervisor agreement before or during the formal application process, and some schools require completion of a pre-application process before a formal application can be lodged.