Doctorate (PhD)
Candidates for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research and write a thesis on an approved topic or for practice-led research such as Sydney College of the Arts (SCA); a thesis comprising a written component and exhibition of creative work. All research is done under the supervision of a member of our academic staff.
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Sydney is consistently ranked as one of the world's most outstanding academies for research in the humanities and social sciences.
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is offered in disciplines ranging across the visual arts and art history, archaeology and classics, diverse languages and their cultures, economics, English language and literature, ancient, medieval and modern history, philosophy, the global political economy and international governance, sociology and cultural studies, media and communications, education and social work.
From 2021, Higher Degree by Research students will be required to complete some coursework as part of their candidature. Students will have access to a range of specialist units of study relevant for research students.
To be eligible for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy (Arts and Social Sciences), you must have completed the equivalent of one of the following in a subject area related to your proposed research area:
Applicants who do not meet these admission requirements may be issued an offer to consider a place in the Master of Philosophy (Arts and Social Sciences), or Master of Fine Arts (Research), or Master of Philosophy (Education), or Master of Philosophy (Social Work).
Transfer from University of Sydney Master of Philosophy (Arts and Social Sciences), (Education), or (Social Work)
Outstanding candidates who successfully complete up to one year full-time or equivalent part-time of the University of Sydney Master of Philosophy (Arts and Social Sciences), or Master of Fine Arts (SCA) or Master of Philosophy (Education), or Master of Philosophy (Social Work) may apply for transfer into the Doctor of Philosophy (Arts and Social Sciences) and be granted credit for work already completed: with approval from the supervisor and school meeting all higher degree by research progression requirements completing 25 000 words of a thesis to the satisfaction of the department; providing evidence that their research is of a sufficient scope and depth to sustain a doctoral thesis. See the progression and completion requirements of Master of Philosophy (Arts and Social Sciences), (Education), or (Social Work) respectively.
These constitute the minimum requirements for eligibility and do not guarantee admission. This remains at the discretion of the relevant supervisors and departments. The University must certify that there are sufficient supervisory and other resources and facilities available to enable your candidature to be completed successfully.