The Doctor of Philosophy (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) is a research-focused doctoral degree that requires candidates to make an original and significant contribution to knowledge within the field of women's reproductive health. Unlike clinical training programs, this PhD is primarily a research degree centred on the development, execution and writing up of a substantial independent research project under expert academic supervision. The program typically requires a minimum of three years of full-time study culminating in the submission and examination of a doctoral thesis. Research areas span a wide spectrum including maternal-foetal medicine, gynaecological oncology, reproductive endocrinology, placental biology, prenatal diagnostics, urogynaecology, pelvic floor disorders, fertility and assisted reproduction, minimally invasive surgical techniques, gestational diabetes, preterm birth prevention, and Indigenous women's health. The degree sits within the broader health sciences faculty of Australian universities and is commonly undertaken in affiliation with major teaching hospitals and women's health research institutes.

This qualification attracts medical doctors (MBBS graduates), biomedical scientists, midwives, nurses and allied health professionals who wish to pursue academic medicine, laboratory research or health policy leadership. Graduates emerge as independent researchers capable of designing and conducting high-quality studies, analysing complex clinical or laboratory data, and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals. Key employers of PhD graduates in this field include public health systems such as state-run Local Health Districts, research institutes affiliated with major teaching hospitals, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), federal and state departments of health, universities, medical colleges (particularly RANZCOG – the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists), private hospital groups, and international non-government organisations focused on global maternal health.

To gain admission to a Doctor of Philosophy in Obstetrics & Gynaecology at an Australian university, applicants are typically required to hold an Honours degree at Class 2A (Second Class Division 1) or above in a relevant discipline such as medicine, biomedical science, nursing or midwifery, or an MBBS/MD from a recognised Australian or New Zealand university. Candidates holding a Bachelor's degree without Honours but who possess significant relevant research experience, including first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals, may also be considered for admission. Some institutions permit entry via a Masters by Research pathway with possible upgrade to a PhD subject to satisfactory performance. Crucially, all applicants must secure the support of a qualified principal supervisor at the host institution before submitting a formal application, and many programs require candidates to submit a research proposal outlining their intended project, aims and methodology.

For international applicants, English language proficiency is mandatory, with most Australian universities requiring a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall (with no band below 6.0), or equivalent scores in TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or other accepted tests. Medical graduates may additionally be required to hold current registration with the Medical Board of Australia (or eligibility for such registration) where the research has a clinical component. Demonstrated research experience, such as prior laboratory work, clinical research involvement, co-authorship of publications, or completion of a Graduate Certificate or Masters in research methodology, substantially strengthens an application. Scholarship applications (such as the Australian Government Research Training Program stipend scholarships) are typically submitted concurrently with the PhD application and are highly competitive.