Doctor of Philosophy

Victoria University offers exceptional opportunities to study in a supportive research community, with well-established connections to businesses, industry, educational institutions, the legal sector and government.

You'll complete an original doctoral thesis at the forefront of its field, and learn to present your findings in a wide variety of contexts appropriate to your study area, such as publications, conferences, and creative works.

You'll receive expert supervision from researchers in our 'Sustainable industries and liveable cities' group, which offers leadership in our focus areas.

Your study will address important contemporary issues such as:

• artificial intelligence and intelligent information systems
• business and financial systems
• climate change, alternative energies and conservation
• cultural diversity, arts and social justice, religious and racial discrimination
• economic modelling
• education systems, policies and practices for diverse communities
• fire engineering and structural mechanics
• Indigenous cultures and communities
• legal systems, governance and regulation
• packaging design and sustainable materials
• policy and interventions for resilient and inclusive communities
• technology for future industries, education and policy
• tourism innovation
• urban planning, transport and water treatment.

Further opportunities exist to complete your PhD in the Institute for Health & Sport.

Following your PhD, you'll be ready for a research or management career in the private or public sectors, or to become an academic. These are usually high-level roles, and paid accordingly.

Visit Labour Market Insights (government website) for more information about potential salaries as:

• policy and planning managers
• university lecturers.

To attain the Doctor of Philosophy students will be required to complete the below mentioned components consisting of:

• Required coursework units to a minimum of an average standard of 70% or have approved advanced standing for the unit(s)
• A Research Thesis unit and have had their thesis classified by a Victoria University Academic Review Panel
• Two elective units (ROP8003, ROP8004) are available to post Confirmation of Candidature students to provide doctoral industry internships.

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.

Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:

• Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
• Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.

Find out more about applying for our courses.