Doctor of Philosophy
Course code L61
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About this Course
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an opportunity to pursue a topic you're passionate about at the highest academic level.
A PhD is an independent, supervised research project that is assessed on the submission of a thesis or creative work and exegesis. This course may be undertaken in any School within ECU, provided there are supervisors available in your proposed research area, and the resources and facilities required to complete your proposed project are accessible. ECU encourages interdisciplinary research that may span two or more disciplines. As a PhD candidate, you will be expected to develop a project that can be completed in three years full-time. You may submit your thesis any time after two years of full-time study, and the maximum course duration for a PhD is four years full-time. A PhD is a significant undertaking, and if enrolled full-time you are expected to commit at least 35 hours per week to your research.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 10 Doctoral Degree Award.
Course code L61
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Admissions
Fees
The Australian Government's Research Training Program provides tuition fee offsets for domestic students who are enrolled in Higher Degree by Research courses.
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup | FT PT | FT PT |
| Mount Lawley | FT PT | FT PT |
| South West | FT PT | FT PT |
| Online | FT PT | FT PT |
About this Course
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an opportunity to pursue a topic you're passionate about at the highest academic level.
A PhD is an independent, supervised research project that is assessed on the submission of a thesis or creative work and exegesis. This course may be undertaken in any School within ECU, provided there are supervisors available in your proposed research area, and the resources and facilities required to complete your proposed project are accessible. ECU encourages interdisciplinary research that may span two or more disciplines. As a PhD candidate, you will be expected to develop a project that can be completed in three years full-time. You may submit your thesis any time after two years of full-time study, and the maximum course duration for a PhD is four years full-time. A PhD is a significant undertaking, and if enrolled full-time you are expected to commit at least 35 hours per week to your research.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 10 Doctoral Degree Award.
Course code L61
CRICOS code 085257E
Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $42,450
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Joondalup | FT | FT |
| Mount Lawley | FT | FT |
| South West | FT | FT |
| Online | FT PT | FT PT |
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
All applicants are required to have the equivalent of 6 months full time research (which must involve a research output which includes the conception and design of the project, and analysis and interpretation of findings) if applying with a Masters qualification other than a Master by Research.
Applicants seeking online study will be required to provide additional information to support their application, as not all projects nor disciplines are suited to online study.
Special entry may be considered for applications to the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) who will be required to attend an audition and/or interview.
For more information, including guidelines for specific disciplines, please see our Interviews, folios and auditions web page.
Academic admission requirements (Band 11) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Masters Degree (Research); or
- Bachelor Honours Degree (First or Upper Second class); or
- Demonstrated capacity to undertake original PhD-level research.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
English Language Requirements for Nursing and Midwifery:
International students (other than those students schooled in a recognised country as defined by APHRA at http://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Standards/English-language-skills.aspx) are required to provide any English language test approved by AHPRA with a score equivalent to an IELTS Academic overall minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 7.0). Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement or we may require additional information to confirm that requirements have been satisfied.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
All applicants are required to have the equivalent of 6 months full time research (which must involve a research output which includes the conception and design of the project, and analysis and interpretation of findings) if applying with a Masters qualification other than a Master by Research.
Applicants seeking online study will be required to provide additional information to support their application, as not all projects nor disciplines are suited to online study.
Special entry may be considered for applications to the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) who will be required to attend an audition and/or interview.
For more information, including guidelines for specific disciplines, please see our Interviews, folios and auditions web page.
Academic admission requirements (Band 11) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Masters Degree (Research); or
- Bachelor Honours Degree (First or Upper Second class); or
- Demonstrated capacity to undertake original PhD-level research.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
English Language Requirements for Nursing and Midwifery:
International students (other than those students schooled in a recognised country as defined by APHRA at http://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Standards/English-language-skills.aspx) are required to provide any English language test approved by AHPRA with a score equivalent to an IELTS Academic overall minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 7.0). Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement or we may require additional information to confirm that requirements have been satisfied.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup, Mount Lawley, South West or Online
Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup, Mount Lawley, South West or Online
Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup, Mount Lawley, South West or Online
Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup, Mount Lawley, South West or Online
Course Structure
Students are required to continue re-enrolling in the relevant discipline-specific thesis unit of their study until the thesis is submitted for examination.
For candidates commencing from 2018 the examination process will consist of both a written and oral component.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| AGR7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies) | |
| ARC7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Architecture and Building) | |
| ART7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Creative Arts) | |
| COM7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Management and Commerce) | |
| ERT7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Engineering and Related Technologies) | |
| ETN7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Education) | |
| HLT7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Health) | |
| INF7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Information Technology) | |
| NAT7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Natural and Physical Sciences) | |
| SCL7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Society and Culture) |
^ Core Option
L61|4
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookPhD Unit Sets you can study in this course
- Biology
- Business Coming to ECU City 2026
- Chemistry
- Communication, Media Studies and Journalism Coming to ECU City 2026
- Computer Science
- Counselling
- Criminology
- Cyber Security
- Design Coming to ECU City 2026
- Education
- Engineering - Chemical
- Engineering - Civil
- Engineering - Computer Systems
- Engineering - Electrical and Electronic
- Engineering - Environmental
- Engineering - Materials
- Engineering - Mechanical and Mechatronics
- Engineering - Petroleum
- Environmental Studies
- Exercise and Sports Science
- Law Coming to ECU City 2026
- Mathematics
- Medical Science
- Nursing and Midwifery
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Occupational Therapy
- Paramedical Science
- Performing Arts Coming to ECU City 2026
- Physics
- Politics and Government
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Security Science
- Social Science
- Speech Pathology
- Visual Arts and Design Coming to ECU City 2026
- Writing Coming to ECU City 2026
Course notes
Course learning outcomes
- Integrate substantial and systemic understanding of complex discipline knowledge with research principles and methods to demonstrate expertise in the field.
- Use expert skills and authoritative judgement to adapt and implement research methodologies and conduct systematic and independent investigation of theory and/or practice at the frontier of a discipline.
- Apply communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions, and cogently present findings of a complex and original investigation to peers and the broader community.
- Take responsibility and show initiative for designing and executing original research, demonstrating capacity to generate new knowledge with intellectual independence.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup, Mount Lawley, South West or Online
Semester 1: Study part-time Online
Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup, Mount Lawley, South West or Online
Semester 2: Study part-time Online
Course Structure
Students are required to continue re-enrolling in the relevant discipline-specific thesis unit of their study until the thesis is submitted for examination.
For candidates commencing from 2018 the examination process will consist of both a written and oral component.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| AGR7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies) | |
| ARC7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Architecture and Building) | |
| ART7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Creative Arts) | |
| COM7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Management and Commerce) | |
| ERT7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Engineering and Related Technologies) | |
| ETN7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Education) | |
| HLT7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Health) | |
| INF7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Information Technology) | |
| NAT7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Natural and Physical Sciences) | |
| SCL7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Society and Culture) |
^ Core Option
L61|4
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookPhD Unit Sets you can study in this course
- Biology
- Business Coming to ECU City 2026
- Chemistry
- Communication, Media Studies and Journalism Coming to ECU City 2026
- Computer Science
- Counselling
- Criminology
- Cyber Security
- Design Coming to ECU City 2026
- Education
- Engineering - Chemical
- Engineering - Civil
- Engineering - Computer Systems
- Engineering - Electrical and Electronic
- Engineering - Environmental
- Engineering - Materials
- Engineering - Mechanical and Mechatronics
- Engineering - Petroleum
- Environmental Studies
- Exercise and Sports Science
- Law Coming to ECU City 2026
- Mathematics
- Medical Science
- Nursing and Midwifery
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Occupational Therapy
- Paramedical Science
- Performing Arts Coming to ECU City 2026
- Physics
- Politics and Government
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Security Science
- Social Science
- Speech Pathology
- Visual Arts and Design Coming to ECU City 2026
- Writing Coming to ECU City 2026
Course notes
Course learning outcomes
- Integrate substantial and systemic understanding of complex discipline knowledge with research principles and methods to demonstrate expertise in the field.
- Use expert skills and authoritative judgement to adapt and implement research methodologies and conduct systematic and independent investigation of theory and/or practice at the frontier of a discipline.
- Apply communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions, and cogently present findings of a complex and original investigation to peers and the broader community.
- Take responsibility and show initiative for designing and executing original research, demonstrating capacity to generate new knowledge with intellectual independence.
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
If you're a domestic student enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research program, you won't be required to pay tuition fees. The Australian Government provides domestic students with tuition fee offsets under the Research Training Program (RTP) for up to 4 years full-time (or equivalent) for Doctoral studies.
Note
The RTP covers your tuition fees only. You will still be required to pay all other non-tuition fees applicable to your course, such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee. Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
Throughout your PhD, you will be supported to develop high level research and professional skills such as project design and execution; problem identification, definition and solving; critical thinking and analysis; data management; utilising research methods and methodologies; teamwork, negotiation and networking; high level technical skills in your field; and communicating to different audiences. With the majority of PhD graduates now pursuing careers outside academia, the skills and research training embedded in the PhD assist you to move into a variety of sectors and roles, including management, consulting, commercial R&D, research management, entrepreneurship, public policy, government, finance, technical services, biotech, education, and project coordination/management.
Similar courses to consider
- Master of Science by Research
- Master of Computing and Security by Research
- Master of Education by Research
Students interested in completing a Masters By Research in Education should consider the Master of Education. - Master of Arts (Performing Arts)
Students interested in completing a Masters By Research in the Performing Arts disciplines should consider the Master of Arts (Performing Arts).
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $42,450 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
Throughout your PhD, you will be supported to develop high level research and professional skills such as project design and execution; problem identification, definition and solving; critical thinking and analysis; data management; utilising research methods and methodologies; teamwork, negotiation and networking; high level technical skills in your field; and communicating to different audiences. With the majority of PhD graduates now pursuing careers outside academia, the skills and research training embedded in the PhD assist you to move into a variety of sectors and roles, including management, consulting, commercial R&D, research management, entrepreneurship, public policy, government, finance, technical services, biotech, education, and project coordination/management.
Similar courses to consider
- Master of Science by Research
- Master of Computing and Security by Research
- Master of Education by Research
Students interested in completing a Masters By Research in Education should consider the Master of Education. - Master of Arts (Performing Arts)
Students interested in completing a Masters By Research in the Performing Arts disciplines should consider the Master of Arts (Performing Arts).
Need some help deciding what to study?
Our future student events include a mix of on-campus and online sessions designed to help you decide what to study at ECU.
Creative thinkers start here
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Explore your options through the following media
Creative thinkers start here
Facilities
View our facilities
Explore your options
Explore your options through the following media
Student stories
-
ECU made my life-long dream come true!
To me, nursing is not just a job or a career; it means becoming a highly influential leader who inspires excellence, positivity and change in society. So I undertook a doctorate course at ECU to gain the skills and knowledge for achieving my aspirations. Studying a PhD while working as a senior critical care nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly been my greatest challenge!
-
Studying classical guitar at WAAPA is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences
I began my studies as a timid girl with much to learn, but found quickly that being surrounded by passionate staff and students every day created an excellent environment for learning and developing my craft. All of the classes helped to further my development as a musician, however for me, the highlight was my individual tuition, workshop classes, and frequent performance opportunities as they really helped me to grow in confidence and gain experience as a performer.
-
The potential to affect real change was all the motivation I needed
I completed my B.Sc. OT (Hons) by research degree at ECU and found a deeply hidden love for research. Against all odds, I was offered a PhD Candidacy and awarded an ECU Postgraduate Research Award and an Inspiring Minds Award. This provided me with the financial means to continue further study.
Knowing I would be supervised by experienced researchers who are experts in the field of OT, and having my family's full support, certainly gave me the courage I needed to take on this challenge. Also, the knowledge that my research has the potential to affect real change was all the motivation I needed to continue studying.
Quick guide to uni-speak
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The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Do you have any questions about the Doctor of Philosophy?
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Course Entry
There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.
Fees & Scholarships
Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.
Applying
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
ECU Experience
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