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156 weeks
On campus, Online, Blended
Full time / Part time / On campus / Online / Blended · 35-40 hours per week
01 Jun 2026 | 14 Sep 2026
Course Overview
What is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)? The Doctor of Philosophy is a highly regarded research degree, in which you will conduct independent research under the supervision and guidance of experts in their field. The Doctor of Philosophy requires the completion of a thesis which demonstrates original thought and academic rigour, and which makes a significant contribution to existing knowledge. The PhD is available to study on campus in Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, offshore and online. Our Higher Degree by Research allows you to develop your research skills, so you are work-ready in academic and industry contexts. By conducting original research and practising cognitive flexibility, you will craft your professional identity and be able to communicate the impact of your findings to interested stakeholders in real-world applications. More Learning outcomes A substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of the field and make an original contribution in the context of ethical practice. Appropriate and purposeful research principles and methods for the field including any technical and creative skills for enhancing the work. Cognitive skills including critical analysis, argument and problem solving to design and implement a theoretical/practice proposition and apply intellectual independence to evaluate existing knowledge and to generate original knowledge. Appropriate and coherent communication skills to represent cogently a complex investigation of original research against international standards and communicate results to peers and the community. Intellectual independence and initiative, responsibility and accountability for planning and executing original research and for planning a research career and demonstrate collaborative behaviours that generate intellectual activity. Download course guide Start online application Study mode On campus, Online, Blended Campus locations* Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Online Student Domestic International Course duration 3 years full time, 6 years part time Start date 14 Sep 2026 Fee & scholarships Learn more This course is delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd, ABN 99 154 937 005, RTO 41343, CRICOS 03389E *For more details on international student study options .
Where You Can Study
Sydney
1 Chambers Rd, Leura, NSW 2780
Eligibility
Entry details Domestic International Fees Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course. FEE-HELP Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income. Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP Scholarships We're serious about supporting your studies from start to success, which is why we offer partial scholarships for both international and domestic students undertaking HDR. Please discuss these options with international and domestic admissions on application. For more information, please email HDR@torrens.edu.au Admission criteria Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet the requirements listed below. Successful completion of a Master's degree by research from an Australian university or equivalent with a Distinction average; OR Successful completion of a Master's degree by coursework with a substantial element of research work from an Australian university or equivalent with a Distinction average; OR Successful first or second-class honors degree from an Australian university or equivalent; AND Research proposal accepted by supervisory panel. Applicants without formal qualifications at AQF8 or above may be considered for entry to the Graduate Certificate on the basis of a combination of formal (below AQF7) and work experience and may pathway to the PhD through the GCRS, GDRS and a distinction average GPA in these studies. Admission to the PhD program is contingent on the applicant's proposed field of study, proposal, the research being acceptable to the university and the availability of appropriate supervision. Applicants may be required to attend an interview and to provide additional information if required. View full course admission information Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer . We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning. Learn more about study pathways Fees Check the international course fee schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options. Fee payment Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date. Scholarships We're serious about supporting your studies from start to success, which is why we offer partial scholarships for both international and domestic students undertaking HDR. Please contact the HDR Office at hdr@torrens.edu.au for more information. Admission criteria Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet the requirements listed below. Successful completion of a Masters degree by research from an Australian university or equivalent with a Distinction average OR Successful completion of a Masters degree by coursework with a substantial element of research work from an Australian university or equivalent with a Distinction average OR Successful first- or second class Honours degree from an Australian university or equivalent OR Work life experience demonstrating the ability to undertake study at the required level which may include approval of prior study or successful completion of a readiness assessment. Research proposal accepted by supervisory panel. In accordance with the English Language proficiency requirements IELTS 7.0 (Academic) with skills band no less than 6.5 (or equivalent TOEFL, CAE or PTE). View full course admission information *For more details on international student study options .
Career & Study Pathways
Quality & Recognition
Academic Regulator
TEQSA
Accreditation Status
AccreditedCourse Content
Thesis
Students conduct independent research under the supervision and guidance of experts in their field. Through this research, students make a significant and original contribution to knowledge through thought leadership. The PhD requires the completion of a thesis of not more than 80k words, which demonstrates original thought, academic rigour, and a sustained program higher order thinking. The thesis may be presented in one of the following formats: Standard Narrative, Thesis by Publication, Exegesis, or Folio.
Common Questions
The first step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to HDR@torrens.edu.au along with supporting documentation including official and certified copies of all academic transcripts and certificates, proof of citizenship, evidence of English Language Proficiency (if applicable), copies of or links to any research publications authored by you (in English), and an up-to-date curriculum vitae. If the EOI is approved, you will then be requested to submit a two-page Research Proposal that advances your research idea and proposed methodology.
The PhD thesis of not more than 80,000 words may be presented in one of the following formats: Standard Narrative, Thesis by Publication, Exegesis, or Folio.
International students are required to demonstrate English Language Proficiency with an IELTS 7.0 (Academic) score with skills band no less than 6.5, or an equivalent score in TOEFL, CAE, or PTE.
Yes, Torrens University Australia offers partial scholarships for both international and domestic students undertaking HDR. Prospective students are encouraged to discuss these options with international and domestic admissions on application, or contact the HDR Office at hdr@torrens.edu.au for more information.
A full-time HDR course requires a 40-hour commitment each week. HDR students are entitled to four weeks of annual leave and can apply for 12 months of additional leave due to exceptional circumstances such as illness or injury. Although the academic year at Torrens is divided into three trimesters, HDR students do not have trimester breaks and are expected to work consistently throughout the year.
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