Course Overview

About This Course

Transform ideas into real-world impact with our flagship research degree. Every breakthrough discovery begins with curiosity – a question, challenge or unique problem that sparks a drive to explore and solve. Often, these innovations begin with people like you – those who push the boundaries of knowledge to create meaningful change. New knowledge drives progress in society, the economy and industry. The researchers behind these discoveries are essential across all disciplines – from the creative arts and healthcare to education, social work and beyond. Their work fuels innovation, inspires social change and establishes best practices across all aspects of our lives. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a distinguished academic qualification and Adelaide University's flagship research degree. Whether you aspire towards a research-focused career in academia or a role in industry underpinned by research expertise, this degree empowers you to deepen your knowledge, break new ground, and contribute something unique to our world. Become a thought leader and change maker by studying a PhD at Adelaide University. Your degree will allow for a thriving career, where your research experience is respected and rewarded by industry and academia alike. A PhD is an investment in yourself as an innovator and a leader – and it's the essential qualification for those aspiring towards a research-focused career in the private or public sector, or academia. Adelaide University attracts world-leading researchers who will mentor and supervise you throughout your PhD journey. With their support, you'll undertake an independent project on a topic that's both meaningful to you and significant to your field. A PhD is a self-directed degree that does not involve classes or coursework. Instead, you'll complete progress milestones. Your studies will culminate in a substantial thesis or creative project and exegesis that offers an original contribution to your discipline, and an oral examination of your thesis or creative work and exegesis before a panel of examiners.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Adelaide City CampusMagill CampusMawson Lakes CampusMount Gambier CampusRoseworthy CampusWaite CampusWhyalla CampusADELAIDE

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

A Master degree by research (AQF level 9); or
A Master degree by coursework (AQF level 9) or Master degree extended (AQF level 9) with weighted average mark (WAM) of ≥ 65 or a seven-point GPA of 5.0 or higher, incorporating at least 0.5 years full time (or part time equivalent) of research training with a WAM of ≥ 75 or a seven-point GPA of 6.0 or higher; or
A 4-year Bachelor (Honours) (AQF level 8) or Graduate Diploma (AQF level 8) (following a bachelor or honours degree) with an overall WAM of ≥ 65 or a seven-point GPA of 5.0 or higher, incorporating at least 0.5 years full time (or part time equivalent) of research training with a WAM of ≥ 75 or a seven-point GPA of 6.0 or higher; or
A Graduate Certificate (Research Skills) (AQF level 8) with an overall WAM of ≥ 75 or a seven-point GPA of 6.0 or higher, with approved professional experience; or
An equivalent combination of qualifications and experience.
The 0.5 EFTSL of research training must have included at least 50% of research on a focused topic.
You will need to demonstrate that your prior qualifications used as the basis for admission are in a discipline relevant to the proposed area of research – unless an exemption is approved by the Pro Vice Chancellor, Graduate Research Training (or delegate).
Admission to a research degree at Adelaide University is conditional on the availability of a suitable supervisory panel and resources to support the proposed project.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

A PhD unlocks a world of opportunities – whether you aim to become a recognised authority in your field, pursue specialised or high-paying roles in your current industry or make a meaningful impact by translating research into actionable policies and practices. Whether you aspire towards a research-focused career in academia or a role in industry underpinned by research expertise, this degree empowers you to deepen your knowledge, break new ground, and contribute something unique to our world. It's the essential qualification for those aspiring towards a research-focused career in the private or public sector, or academia.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Doctor of Philosophy involve any classes or coursework?

No. A PhD is a self-directed degree that does not involve classes or coursework. Instead, you'll complete progress milestones, and your studies will culminate in a substantial thesis or creative project and exegesis that offers an original contribution to your discipline, and an oral examination of your thesis or creative work and exegesis before a panel of examiners.

Can I study the PhD part-time?

Yes. Where possible, you can choose to study full-time or part-time, helping you pursue your study goals without forgoing your current commitments. Part-time study options may be available for Australian students, depending on the specific project areas.

Are there any fees or scholarships available for this degree?

Domestic students can complete this PhD program with no tuition fees and scholarships are available. Scholarships and fee waivers are also available for eligible international students. Fees differ across study areas for research programs, and tuition fee waivers are available for eligible students.

What skills will I develop during the PhD?

Throughout the program you'll build transferable skills in resilience, communication, independence, discovery, critical thinking, innovation, and self-discipline. You will also gain expertise in independent research, apply creative thinking to tackle complex challenges, refine your ability to communicate intricate ideas to diverse audiences, and expand your professional network by attending events such as conferences and forums.

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!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $60,000 to $75,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $75,000 to $95,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $95,000 to $125,000 per year

Career Paths

University Lecturer in Exercise Science or Human MovementSenior Lecturer / Associate Professor in Sports SciencePostdoctoral Research Fellow (Biomechanics / Exercise Physiology / Motor Control)Research Scientist at a national health or sports research instituteHigh Performance Scientist for a national or state sporting organisation

Key Skills

Design and execution of independent research projects in human movement scienceAdvanced biomechanical analysis using motion capture, force platforms, and inertial sensorsExercise physiology testing and physiological data interpretationMotor control and motor learning experimental designStatistical analysis and data modelling using tools such as SPSS, R, and MATLAB

Full Course Overview

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