Doctor of Philosophy (Pharmacy)

A higher degree by research (HDR) programs at the University of Newcastle are either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree. All HDR programs involve a supervised research project that demonstrates the candidate’s ability to make a contribution to knowledge in a particular field of study. The University has over 150 HDR programs to choose from. The Australian Qualifications Framework sets out the qualification types and learning outcomes descriptors for Doctoral Degrees and Masters Degrees (Research).

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is typically of four years full-time (or part-time equivalent) duration. A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree is typically of two years full-time (or part-time equivalent) duration. These durations are specified in the Doctoral Degree (Research) Awards and Programs Schedule and the Masters Degree (Research) Awards and Programs Schedule and are consistent with the Commonwealth Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) conditions for HDR candidate support.

Full-time students should aim to spend on average 40 hours per week on their research studies. Effective time management is an important attribute of research students and your research plan will include a consideration of how you will manage your workload.

The University assesses all applications on a case-by-case basis. Please check the eligibility requirements for your degree program before you apply.

The English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy sets out the requirements for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programs including Higher Doctorate Awards. The standard requirement for an IELTS qualification is an overall score of 6.5, with section minimums of 6.0. For HDR programs offered by the School of Health Sciences, the School of Nursing and Midwifery or the School of Medicine and Public Health the minimum overall score is 7.0 and the section minimums are 6.5. There are exemptions in place if you have studied for one year in a country where the medium of instruction is English. Please refer to the English Language Proficiency Requirements Table 2 for a list of exempt countries. If you do not meet the English Language Proficiency standard you may be offered a conditional offer, dependent upon your enrolment in the University’s English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS).

UON will not accept applications without the support of a nominated supervisor. It is important that there is potential supervision available before applicants take the time to submit their application. Support from a potential supervisor is needed before your application can be considered but does not guarantee that you will be offered admission or awarded a scholarship. All Commonwealth Government and scholarship applicants must complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form and have it signed by a potential UON supervisor to be considered for scholarship. You should upload the EOI form with your online application. The potential supervisor will also provide you with a code to be included in your application. You can find potential supervisors using the Find a Supervisor search function.

Applicants can submit an application at any time of the year. Applicants interested in applying for a scholarship will need to apply before the round closes. The dates are listed on the Scholarships page.

You can elect to start your degree at anytime. However, if you are awarded a scholarship there will be time limits placed on your commencement date. Please visit Scholarships for more information or refer to your offer letter.

The principal requirement for the award of a higher degree by research is the submission and examination of a thesis. The thesis requirements at the University of Newcastle are outlined in Section 10 of the Higher Degree by Research Policy. All HDR candidates are also required to complete milestones along the way. These include the confirmation process and submission of progress reports. More information can be found on the Major Milestones page.

An applicant should nominate either full-time or part-time enrolment at the time of their application. Where the viability of the research project could be impeded by part-time enrolment the candidate may be directed to enrol on a full-time basis. International candidates studying in Australia on a student visa must enrol on a full-time basis in accordance with the requirements of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act (ESOS Act). Scholarship recipients are required to enrol on a full-time basis unless approval is granted to undertake part-time study due to extenuating circumstances. Current candidates should see the Enrolment status page for more information on applying for part-time enrolment

Applicants may apply for off-campus enrolment at the time of their application using the Off Campus Enrolment Application (Prospective Candidate) form. Candidates applying for off campus status must reside and/or work outside a 50km radius of the University of Newcastle campus responsible for the candidate’s program of enrolment and be able to demonstrate that the arrangements will not impede their progress in any way. Where the viability of the research project could be impeded by off-campus enrolment the request may be declined or conditions imposed. Please note HDR programs are based on-campus and off-campus enrolment requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis and are subject to approval in exceptional circumstances. Current candidates should see the Enrolment status page for more information on applying for off-campus enrolment.