Doctor of Philosophy (Arts and Education)

• Admission to Doctor of Philosophy

To be admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy a candidate must have:

• a relevant Bachelor degree at Honours Class 1 or Honours Class 2 Division 1; OR
• a relevant Master by Research; OR
• enrolled in a Charles Sturt University Master by Research program and the candidate has demonstrated exceptional ability in the conduct of a research project which is clearly capable of being extended to a doctoral level; OR
• a relevant coursework Master's degree with evidence of research equivalent to a Charles Sturt University 16 point subject or greater, at a Distinction level or above; OR
• other qualifications acceptable to the Faculty and the University Research Committee
• Admission to Doctor of Philosophy by Prior Publication
• Admission will be subject to external assessment. A candidate is expected to be an experienced researcher with a significant refereed publication record of doctoral standard.

An applicant for admission to Doctor of Philosophy by Prior Publication candidature shall have:

• an appropriate Bachelor degree with class 1 or class 2(i) Honours from an Australian university or an equivalent overseas tertiary institution, taken over a minimum of four years (full-time equivalent); OR
• qualified for the award of a Master degree by research at an acceptable level; OR
• a relevant coursework Master degree with evidence of research equivalent to a Charles Sturt University 16 point subject or greater, at a Distinction level or above; OR
• some other appropriate combination of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications (such as relevant graduate diplomas) and research experience which demonstrates to the University Research Committee that the applicant is capable of undertaking research at a Doctoral level, may be accepted into the program.

The University Research Committee shall base its decision upon the following evidence:

• the publications (which may include books and non-print materials) that will be included in the submission presented for examination - self-published works will not be considered as a basis for entry into the program;
• information on the quality and citations of the publications to be included in the submission;
• statement making clear the applicant contribution to all jointly-authored publications;
• statement from the co-authors of any jointly-authored publications confirming the extent of the applicant's contribution to these publications;
• statement of no more than five pages that:
• indicates the way in which the work has developed;
• demonstrates the contemporary relevance of each publication;
• makes clear the way in which the publications make an original scholarly contribution to knowledge;
• provides a thematic overview which serves to link the individual publications into an integrated whole;
• confirms papers have not previously been submitted as part of a degree;
• statement indicating whether or not additional research activity may be required in order to convert the publications to an integrated whole, and if so, an outline of the necessary work,
• names of two persons who are able to provide academic references relevant to the candidature
• the qualifications and experience of the applicant;
• area of research;
• indication of willingness to supervise the proposed research from a supervisor;
• certification from the Faculty that:
• program of study and research is at a level appropriate to the degree being sought;
• program falls within an approved University field of research for higher degrees;
• adequate supervision and physical resources are available;
• applicant has the appropriate background and ability to undertake the proposed course; AND
• applicant has given the necessary commitment to work regularly on the approved program of study and research and maintain regular contact with a supervisor.

Domestic students:

• Applications are accepted through Direct.

International students:

Non-Standard English language requirements: For entry into a PhD, Master by Research or Professional Doctoral courses an applicant must demonstrate meeting:

• an Academic IELTS of 6.5, with no score below a 6.0, in each of the individual skill areas. OR

one of the following equivalences:

• level 109 of the English Language Services (ELS) examination, with a score of B or higher in the Reading and Writing components, and a score of P or higher in the Speaking and Listening components within the last 12 months
• written evidence of completion of a university degree that was conducted and examined solely in English.
• Applicants may request (in writing) that alternative English language proficiency evidence be accepted.
• These requests will be reviewed and decided by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) for HDR applicants.
• Entry requirements vary by country of qualification. Refer to the Charles Sturt International Admissions Matrix and the international course entry requirements page.

• Obtaining a PhD signals to the world that you are a specialist in your discipline.
• That you have the skills to create new knowledge and bring new ways of thinking to your job.
• That means you could work in high-level research, policy or industry roles in Australia or internationally, finding solutions that will make a real difference - whether for business, government, communities or not-for-profits.
• You could also journey further into scholarly endeavours and pursue a rewarding academic career.