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Australian Catholic University (ACU)

  • 12% international / 88% domestic

Doctor of Philosophy

  • Doctorate (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded for high-level research, expecting candidates to contribute to knowledge in their chosen field. It offers three pathways: Traditional PhD, PhD by Publication, and PhD by Creative Project. Additionally, ACU collaborates internationally for a specialized PhD in Contemporary Humanism.

Key details

Degree Type
Doctorate (PhD)
Duration
3 - 3.5 years full-time, 6 - 8 years part-time
Study Mode
In person
Intake Months
Feb, Jul

About this course

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded for high-level research and, as such, it is expected that candidates will make a contribution to knowledge in their chosen field. A PhD may be undertaken by three different means:

  • Traditional PhD: A PhD candidate's work is assessed on the basis of a c. 100,000 word thesis.
  • PhD by Publication: A PhD candidate's work is assessed on the basis of the submission of a thesis (c. 50,000 words) containing a number of papers written up as journal articles.
  • PhD by Creative Project: A PhD candidate's work is assessed on the basis of a thesis and a project, including but not limited to: a durable record of performance, exhibition of visual arts, writing, design, film, multimedia, CD, DVD, software program or other creative works.

Further detailed information regarding requirements for the submission of a PhD may be located in the Guidelines on the Preparation and Presentation of a Research or Professional Doctoral Thesis for Examination.

PhD (in Contemporary Humanism)

ACU, in partnership with Lumsa Universit��, Pontificia Universidad Cat��lica de Chile (PUC), Institut Catholique de Paris (ICP), Universidade Cat��lica Portuguesa (UCP) and Lyon Catholic University (UCLy), seeks to appoint one outstanding candidate to the PhD (in Contemporary Humanism). The program aims to develop knowledge and critical skills in reading and interpreting the historical, cultural, literary, philosophical and educational tradition in its making, and in its effects on the present, from the point of view of the category of "humanism".

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for Admission to the course applicants must evidence as per Section 5 of the Higher Degree Research Policy:

  • An Australian undergraduate degree with Honours (Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF level 8) at a minimum level of Second Class Division A (Distinction average) or international equivalent; or
  • A Masters degree by research (Distinction average) successfully completed in a relevant discipline or related field; or
  • A Masters degree by coursework (Distinction average) with appropriate research training including a substantial component of original research, successfully completed in a relevant discipline or related field; or
  • A qualification equivalent to AQF level 8 or 9 completed to at least distinction average with appropriate research training including a substantial component of original research in a relevant discipline or related field; or
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants with professional experience or cultural expertise in Indigenous Knowledges or kinship connections and who demonstrate capacity to undertake an independent research project on Indigenous Knowledges; or
  • Other professional experience demonstrating research training equivalent to AQF level 8 or 9 and capacity to undertake an independent research project.

Meeting the eligibility requirements for admission is not in itself a guarantee of admission. The candidate's potential to undertake research, the quality and feasibility of the research proposal, the availability of appropriate supervision and the referee's reports will all be taken into consideration (refer to section 6 of the Higher Degree Research Policy).

International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as published by the University (refer Appendix C of the Higher Degree Research Policy).

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2026 Admission.

If applicants have an overseas qualification/s from an institution where English is not the standard language of instruction, they will need to meet ACU's English proficiency requirements, e.g Academic IELTS 6.5 (including individual scores of 6.0 for all tests). Refer to Appendix C of the Higher Degree Research Policy.

The eligibility criteria for admission into the Doctor of Philosophy are stipulated in the Higher Degree Research Policy, Eligibility For Admission To A Research Higher Degree.

The progress requirements of the Doctor of Philosophy are stipulated in the Higher Degree Research Policy, Pursuance of Candidature.

What you will learn

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures.

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

Course structure

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded for high-level research and, as such, it is expected that candidates will make a contribution to knowledge in their chosen field. A PhD may be undertaken by three different means:

  1. Traditional PhD: A PhD candidate's work is assessed on the basis of a c. 100,000 word thesis.
  2. PhD by Publication: A PhD candidate's work is assessed on the basis of the submission of a thesis (c. 50,000 words) containing a number of papers written up as journal articles.
  3. PhD by Creative Project: A PhD candidate's work is assessed on the basis of a thesis and a project, including but not limited to: a durable record of performance, exhibition of visual arts, writing, design, film, multimedia, CD, DVD, software program or other creative works.

Further detailed information regarding requirements for the submission of a PhD may be located in the Guidelines on the Preparation and Presentation of a Research or Professional Doctoral Thesis for Examination.

How to apply

Apply now