Doctor of Philosophy (Non Lab Based Science)

• Basis of Approval for Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy The University Research Committee shall base its decision on admission to a proposed Doctor of Philosophy candidature upon the following evidence, that:

• the proposed program of study and research is at a level appropriate to the degree being sought;

• the proposed area of research falls within an approved University field of research for admission to a higher degree by research;

• the proposed supervisors are sufficiently expert in the area of research, and have the time and commitment to be able to provide appropriate supervision, and that adequate physical resources are available;

• the applicant has the appropriate background and ability to undertake the proposed course (refer also to Entry Qualifications, below);

• the applicant has given the necessary commitment to work regularly on the approved program of study and research and maintain regular contact with the supervisor(s).

• Entry Qualifications for Doctor of Philosophy Degree The entry qualifications required for admission to a Doctor of Philosophy program are:

• qualified for the award of a Master by Research at an acceptable level; OR

• 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 entry into a Charles Sturt University Master by Research program, and completed a minimum of 4 years full-time equivalent study, and duly enrolled and shown exceptional ability in the conduct of a research project which is clearly capable of being extended to a doctoral level; OR

• qualified for the award of a coursework Master’s degree with a research project and thesis/dissertation component. It is normally expected that a grade equivalent to the appropriate class of Honours will have been obtained; OR

• some other appropriate combination of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications (such as relevant graduate diplomas) and research experience that demonstrate capacity to undertake research at a Doctoral level.

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.

• As a specialist in your discipline, you could work in high-level research, policy or industry roles in Australia or internationally.
• Successful completion of your PhD also heralds your admission into a community of scholars and may lay the foundation for a rewarding academic career.