Course Overview

About This Course

Undertake your PhD at a world-leading research institute. Victoria University provides expert supervision in a wide range of disciplines. Studying within our Institute for Health and Sport (IHES), you'll discover extraordinary opportunities to conduct research into the health, fitness and wellbeing of communities and individuals. You'll develop best-practice research methods, and complete an original doctoral thesis at the forefront of its field. You'll also acquire the advanced skills needed to present your findings in publications and at conferences. Victoria University conducts highly-ranked research, ranking world number 6 for sport science education (ShanghaiRankings, 2025). Our cross-disciplinary approach allows for broad research opportunities, aligned with our focus areas. Within IHES you may study towards a qualification in a range of disciplines, including business, medical sciences, nursing, psychology, society and culture, and sport.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne City Campus, Melbourne VIC

Victoria University City Campus, 364-378 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Completion of an Australian Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF8), or equivalent, in a similar discipline to the proposed research with average grades of at least H2A/Distinction (70% or above on the Victoria University grading scale) for the final year
OR Completion of an Australian Masters degree (AQF9), or equivalent, in a similar discipline and undertaken by a combination of coursework and a thesis with average grades of at least H2A/Distinction (70% or above on the Victoria University grading scale). The output produced from the thesis must have been undertaken solely by the applicant and examined externally to the supervisory/advisory team, but this need not be external to the University where they completed the degree.
OR Completion of an Australian Masters research degree (AQF9), or equivalent in a similar discipline with average grades of at least H2A/Distinction (70% or above on the Victoria University grading scale)
OR Completion of an equivalent combination of academic and research achievements such as relevant industry experience, research experience evidenced by peer review publications or the completion of a high-level research project in a similar discipline to the proposed research deemed to be equivalent to any of the above entry requirements.
Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Following your PhD, you'll be ready for a research or management career in the private or public sectors, or to become an academic. These are usually high-level roles, and paid accordingly. Potential career roles include policy and planning managers and university lecturers.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units18 units

ROP8001

Conceptualising and Contextualising Research

Required coursework unit

ROP8002

Research Integrity and Ethics

Required coursework unit

BBM8001

Business Research Thesis (Business and Management)

Thesis unit for Business and Management discipline

ACR8001

Creative Arts Research Thesis (Creative Arts)

Thesis unit for Creative Arts discipline

EED8001

Education Research Thesis (Education)

Thesis unit for Education discipline

NEN8001

Engineering Research Thesis (Engineering)

Thesis unit for Engineering discipline

HFS8001

Food Science Research Thesis (Food Sciences and Technology)

Thesis unit for Food Sciences and Technology discipline

SHM8003

Human Movement Research Thesis (Human Movement)

Thesis unit for Human Movement discipline

NIM8001

Information Technology Research Thesis (Information and Mathematical Sciences)

Thesis unit for Information and Mathematical Sciences discipline

LLW8001

Law and Justice Research Thesis (Law)

Thesis unit for Law discipline

HMB8001

Medical and Biological Sciences Research Thesis (Medical and Biological Sciences)

Thesis unit for Medical and Biological Sciences discipline

HNM8003

Nursing and Midwifery Research Thesis

Thesis unit for Nursing and Midwifery discipline

APS8002

Psychology Research Thesis (Psychology)

Thesis unit for Psychology discipline

NCS8001

Science Research Thesis (Science)

Thesis unit for Science discipline

ASC8001

Society and Culture Research Thesis (Society and Culture)

Thesis unit for Society and Culture discipline

SSR8003

Sport and Recreation Research Thesis (Sport and Recreation)

Thesis unit for Sport and Recreation discipline

ROP8003

Doctoral Industry Project Placement

Elective unit available to post Confirmation of Candidature students to provide doctoral industry internships

ROP8004

Doctoral Research End-User Engagement Internship

Elective unit available to post Confirmation of Candidature students to provide doctoral industry internships

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay tuition fees for the Doctor of Philosophy at Victoria University?

Australian and New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents do not usually pay tuition fees for graduate research degrees, as the fees are covered by the Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP). Where RTP fee offset support coverage is not provided, fees will vary depending on the program of study, and may be paid upfront or through a government loan scheme, subject to eligibility criteria.

What entry requirements do I need to meet to apply for the PhD?

Applicants need to have completed an Australian Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF8) or equivalent with average grades of at least H2A/Distinction (70% or above) in the final year, OR an Australian Masters degree (AQF9) combining coursework and thesis with the same grade requirement, OR an Australian Masters research degree (AQF9) with the same grade requirement, OR an equivalent combination of academic and research achievements such as relevant industry experience or peer-reviewed publications in a similar discipline.

What disciplines can I study within the Institute for Health and Sport (IHES) PhD program?

Within IHES you may study towards a qualification in business, human movement, medical and biological sciences, nursing and midwifery, psychology, science, social work, society and culture, and sport and recreation. Further opportunities also exist to complete your PhD in other disciplines in the Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities.

Are there multiple start dates available for the PhD program?

Yes, Victoria University offers multiple start dates throughout the year. For 2026, domestic applicants can start on dates including 16 February, 13 March, 27 April, 25 May, 27 July, 31 August, 28 September, and 26 October 2026, across campuses including Melbourne City, Werribee, Footscray Park, and St Albans. Early start dates are available for domestic students only.

What research facilities are available to PhD students at Victoria University?

PhD students have access to a $68 million high-technology sport and exercise science research facility including altitude hotel, biomechanics laboratories, exercise physiology and rehabilitation laboratories, and sport and exercise biochemistry laboratories. There is also a $51.6 million Western Centre for Health Research and Education building at Sunshine Hospital with clinical trials areas, as well as science labs at Werribee campus with cell culture, biotechnology, biochemistry, and biomedicine facilities.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Upcoming Intakes

09 February 2026

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $70,000 to $90,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $90,000 to $115,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $115,000 to $150,000 per year

Career Paths

University Lecturer or Senior LecturerAssociate Professor or ProfessorPostdoctoral Research FellowSocial ResearcherPolicy Analyst

Key Skills

Advanced qualitative and quantitative research designCritical analysis of social and cultural theoriesSystematic literature review and bibliographic managementEthnographic and fieldwork methodologiesDiscourse and narrative analysis

Full Course Overview

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