The Doctor of Philosophy (Joint – ECU Home) in the Society and Culture category is an advanced research degree at the highest level of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 10). In this arrangement, the candidate is enrolled at two universities simultaneously — with ECU (Edith Cowan University) as the 'home' institution — and is jointly supervised by academics from both institutions. Candidates spend a minimum of 12 months at each institution, gaining exposure to different academic environments, research cultures, and international networks, all while pursuing a single original research project in a Society and Culture discipline such as sociology, anthropology, cultural studies, political science, history, human geography, gender studies, media studies, or social work. The degree is assessed almost entirely through the production of a substantial original thesis of up to 100,000 words, or in some creative disciplines, a creative work accompanied by an exegesis.

This qualification is designed for highly motivated, intellectually independent graduates who wish to make an original contribution to knowledge in a society and culture field. Candidates work under the close guidance of a supervisory panel co-chaired by a supervisor from each participating institution, attending progress milestones, seminars, and research training activities across both campuses. The interdisciplinary and international nature of the joint arrangement enriches the research experience considerably, equipping graduates with a global perspective and a broad professional network across two research environments.

Key employers of graduates include Australian universities, government departments and agencies (particularly at state and federal levels), think tanks, policy research bodies, NGOs, international organisations, community development agencies, cultural institutions, and the private sector in roles requiring advanced analytical and research expertise. The Society and Culture designation encompasses research across humanities, social sciences, cultural policy, and community-focused disciplines, giving graduates a wide range of employment pathways in Australia and internationally.

To be eligible for a Doctor of Philosophy (Joint) in the Society and Culture category at an Australian university, applicants typically require a Bachelor's degree with at least Second Class Honours Division A (equivalent to a strong Honours or H2A result, AQF Level 8), which must have included a supervised research component of at least one semester. Alternatively, applicants may hold a postgraduate qualification at AQF Level 9 (such as a Graduate Diploma or Master's degree) that incorporates a supervised research component equivalent to at least one semester, resulting in a Distinction or better, and includes at least one research methods subject. A Research Master's degree in which at least two-thirds of the program consisted of supervised research leading to a thesis is also a standard pathway. In some cases, a combination of professional experience and qualifications may be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Graduate Research School.

For the joint arrangement specifically, applicants must identify a research topic that aligns with the supervisory strengths of both partner institutions, and must secure agreement from a primary supervisor at the home institution before applying. A well-developed research proposal outlining the project's aim, scope, methodology, theoretical framework, and significance is a mandatory part of the application. Some disciplines may also require a portfolio of prior work, publications, or evidence of relevant professional experience. For the joint program, a formal Joint PhD Agreement between the two universities must be in place, and the candidate must meet the entry requirements of both institutions.

International applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency, typically through IELTS Academic (overall band 6.5 to 7.0, with no individual band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT (79–94), or equivalent. Some institutions accept completion of a prior degree taught entirely in English as evidence of proficiency. Domestic applicants whose first language is not English may also be asked to provide evidence of English competency. Additional documents typically include academic transcripts, certified copies of qualifications, a curriculum vitae, evidence of research experience, and referee reports from at least two academics.