The Doctor of Philosophy (Media and Communication) is Australia's highest research degree in the field of media, journalism, and communication studies. It provides the framework, focus, and discipline necessary to conduct original and rigorous inquiry across the full spectrum of media and communication — from digital cultures and journalism to public relations, media policy, and communication theory. Candidates undertake an extended supervised research program that culminates in an original, substantial contribution to knowledge in their chosen specialisation. The degree may be completed via a traditional thesis, thesis by publication, or practice-led research project, depending on the candidate's research focus and the requirements of their institution. It is a degree designed for those who want to push the boundaries of what is known in the field rather than simply apply existing knowledge.

The PhD in Media and Communication is designed for professionals and graduates who want to pursue careers in academia, high-level research, policy, or industry leadership. Students come from diverse backgrounds including journalism, public relations, film, digital media, corporate communications, and cultural studies. Research programs are typically individually supervised, with candidates working alongside leading academics to explore topics such as social media and digital cultures, audience studies, media regulation, science communication, health communication, environmental journalism, media ethics, and the political economy of media. Researchers and postgraduates in this field are involved in diverse projects funded by the Australian Research Council, philanthropic organisations, and commercial bodies.

Graduates are employable across a wide range of organisations, including universities, government agencies, galleries, museums, media companies, NGOs, and corporate entities. They also work as independent consultants, freelance communicators, creative practitioners, curators, and producers. The degree is particularly well-suited to those who want to contribute original knowledge to the field, shape media policy, lead academic programs, or take on senior strategic roles in communication-intensive industries across Australia and internationally.

To be admitted to a Doctor of Philosophy in Media and Communication at an Australian university, applicants typically need to hold an Australian Bachelor degree with at least Second Class Honours (Upper) — and First Class Honours is often preferred — or a Master's degree by research in a relevant discipline. The entry-level degree must generally include a significant research component (such as a thesis or research project) comprising at least 25% of full-time study, demonstrating the candidate's ability to conduct independent scholarship. In some cases, an equivalent qualification or a combination of relevant professional experience and prior research output may be considered. Applicants must also identify a suitable supervisor whose research interests align with their proposed project before submitting a formal application, and must submit a research proposal (typically 1,500–2,000 words) outlining the research question, background, methodology, and significance of the proposed study.

International applicants are required to meet English language proficiency standards. Most Australian institutions require a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.5–7.0 overall (with no band below 6.0), a TOEFL iBT score of 79–94, a PTE Academic score of 58–65, or an equivalent Cambridge English result. Some universities apply higher thresholds for writing components. Domestic applicants whose prior study was in English are generally exempt from these requirements. Candidates whose academic background or English proficiency falls just short of the minimum may be able to access pathway programs or English language bridging courses to strengthen their application.

Beyond academic qualifications, competitive applicants will typically demonstrate a clear and well-developed research proposal, familiarity with the existing literature in their area of specialisation, and an established connection with a prospective supervisor. Some schools require applicants to complete a pre-application process before submitting a formal enrolment application. Professional experience in media, journalism, communications, or a related industry is highly regarded but not universally required. Scholarship applicants will need to demonstrate academic excellence and research potential through academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, and referee reports from academic supervisors.