Business & Management Courses

The following are minimum entry requirements and do not guarantee entry:

1. In order to be considered for entry, you must have completed:
   • a four-year bachelor degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study and have achieved a minimum weighted average of 75% (80% for Economics) in the final year subjects or (University of Melbourne) equivalent, or
   • a masters degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study and achieved a minimum weighted average of 75% or (University of Melbourne) equivalent, or
   • a qualification and professional experience considered to be equivalent.

   and

   • a research proposal (except for applicants in the disciplines of Accounting, Economics, Finance, the Melbourne Institute);
   • a personal statement outlining why they wish to be considered for the course;
   • referee reports (except for applicants who have graduated from the University of Melbourne within the last 5 years); and
   • the endorsement of a prospective supervisor (only required for applicants in Actuarial Studies).

   Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In selecting applicants, the selection committee will consider applicants:
   • prior academic performance, and if relevant, professional qualifications;
   • understanding of the research question to be explored;
   • the results of a Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) test or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) completed within the last 5 years;
   • performance at an interview;
   • motivation and capacity to complete the course in a timely manner;
   • relevant prior research and/or professional experience; and
   • the referee reports.
3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.
4. You are required to satisfy the University's English language requirements for graduate courses. The minimum English language requirements for this course are: Band 7

All PhD candidates are required to complete the equivalent of at least 12 months full-time (24 months part-time) advanced study and research in the University unless studying at an outside institution approved by the Research Higher Degrees Committee (RHDC). The RHDC will not approve entirely distance supervision or entirely on-line supervision for research higher degree students.

Throughout your candidature you are expected to attend the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up your research within a University community and environment.

The residency requirement is deemed especially important during the period of probationary candidature. During probationary candidature you are expected to interact on a regular basis with the supervisor, the department (including staff and other research students) and the University, so as:

• to build the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out the proposed research program
• to acquire an understanding of the standards and requirements for a PhD awarded by the University
• to make use of support programs and facilities provided by the University throughout candidature.

The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:

• a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year; or
• a master degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average or a master degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average; or
• evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.

If you are a current master by research candidate, you are able to apply for a transfer to a doctor of philosophy program through the process prescribed in the RMIT Higher Degree by Research policy and processes.

The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:

• a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year; or
• a master degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average or a master degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average; or
• evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.

If you are a current master by research candidate, you are able to apply for a transfer to a doctor of philosophy program through the process prescribed in the RMIT Higher Degree by Research policy and processes.

Entry to this program is based on a competitive selection process, with only a small cohort (of 12 – 15 students) admitted each year.

Applicants are required to complete the online University of Melbourne Application form and attach:

• Evidence of completion of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree with a major in management, marketing or a cognate background with a University of Melbourne equivalent weighted average mark of at least H2A (75%).; and
• A personal statement of no more than 1000 words that addresses the following questions:
  • Why do you want to pursue a doctorate in Management?
  • Why do you want to pursue your doctorate at the Melbourne Business School?
  • What experiences have you had that demonstrate your ability to perform well in a doctoral program?
  • What are your areas of interest in the field of Management? What phenomena would you like to study? What questions do you think are particularly interesting?; and
• A curriculum vitae that lists prior research and professional experience; and
• Two referee reports outlining suitability to undertake research studies.
  • At least one referee report must be from an academic source. The reports should focus on the student’s ability to undertake research studies.
  • Applicants who have graduated from the University of Melbourne within the 5 years prior to the date of application are exempt from submitting referee reports
• A recent Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test score. The minimum GMAT required to be considered competitive is a score of 640. Obtaining this score does not guarantee selection. The average score for successful candidates in the last few years has been 680. The following applicants are exempt from submitting a GMAT or GRE test score:
  • Those who have completed an undergraduate degree in Australia or New Zealand within the 18 months prior to the date of application; or
  • Those who face significant humanitarian issues.

Applicants are not required to contact prospective supervisors at this stage. Supervision arrangements will be confirmed prior to progression to the PhD component of the program.

Selection criteria and process

All applications for graduate research at the Melbourne Business School must foremost comply with the University’s minimum English Language Requirements. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved, the minimum performance band 7 is required.

The number of applications usually significantly exceeds the places available – the selection process is therefore highly competitive. The Selection Committee will rank all eligible applicants and invite shortlisted applicants to interview. Final offers will be made only to those that rank highly. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider all the entry requirements listed above and interview performance.

The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:

• a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year; or
• a master degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average or a master degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average; or
• evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.

If you are a current master by research candidate, you are able to apply for a transfer to a doctor of philosophy program through the process prescribed in the RMIT Higher Degree by Research policy and processes.

The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:

• a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year; or
• a master degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average or a master degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average; or
• evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.

If you are a current master by research candidate, you are able to apply for a transfer to a doctor of philosophy program through the process prescribed in the RMIT Higher Degree by Research policy and processes.

Below are the minimum education requirements for entry into our postgraduate courses. 

Alternative entry pathways may be available to you if you do not meet the minimum education requirements. In addition, other entry requirements, such as English language proficiency, may apply to you depending on your academic background. 

The qualifications listed as minimum education requirements must be from a recognised Higher Education provider (including the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition). 

• An Undergraduate Degree or Graduate Certificate, or
• A related* Advanced Diploma or Diploma, or
• An unrelated Advanced Diploma or Diploma plus 2 years' related industry experience, or
• Academic and/or professional qualifications demonstrating potential to undertake study at this level

Below are the minimum education requirements for entry into our postgraduate courses. 

Alternative entry pathways may be available to you if you do not meet the minimum education requirements. In addition, other entry requirements, such as English language proficiency, may apply to you depending on your academic background. 

The qualifications listed as minimum education requirements must be from a recognised Higher Education provider (including the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition). 

• A related* Undergraduate Degree or Graduate Diploma, or
• An unrelated Undergraduate Degree or Graduate Diploma plus 2 years related industry experience