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

University of South Australia, City East Campus, Adelaide, South Australia

180-200 Pulteney Street, Adelaide, SA 5000

Open in Maps ↗

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.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Pharmacy Council (APC)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

APC

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Doctor of Philosophy involve coursework or classes?

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

Are there any scholarships or fee waivers available for this degree?

Yes. 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.

When can I start the Doctor of Philosophy?

Graduate research students can commence this degree at any time of year, noting that students seeking scholarships will need to align with scholarship round offers. Advertised intake dates include January and July.

What if I don't meet the entry requirements for the PhD?

If you didn't meet the entry requirements for the PhD or are looking for a clear pathway towards one, Adelaide University offers research-focused Graduate Certificates that can help you take the next step. These include the Graduate Certificate in Research Skills and the Graduate Certificate in Research Design, which can help you advance your career or work towards a research qualification.

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 $75,000 to $95,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $95,000 to $130,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $130,000 to $175,000 per year

Career Paths

Pharmaceutical Research ScientistPostdoctoral Research FellowDrug Discovery ScientistPharmaceutical Development ScientistRegulatory Affairs Specialist / Manager

Key Skills

Advanced laboratory techniques including chromatography, spectroscopy, and cell-based assaysDrug formulation and pharmaceutical dosage form developmentPharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modelling and analysisIndependent experimental design and scientific hypothesis testingData analysis, statistical modelling, and interpretation of complex research datasets

Full Course Overview

💬

Need guidance?

Free advisor support

Our advisors help international students choose the right course and navigate visa pathways — at no cost.

Promote your Institution with Find the Courses