University Postgraduate Research Programs > PhD

• Program Summary
• Program Aims
• Admission Requirements
• Program Structure
• Program Fees
• Enquiries
• Recommended Enrolment Patterns

Key
HECS = Higher Education Loans Scheme
PELS = Postgraduate Education Loans Scheme
RTS = Research Training Scheme
ANZ = Australia and New Zealand Students
INT = International Students

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a University-wide degree coordinated by the Research and Higher Degrees Committee of the Academic Board and supervised by staff from Faculties/Divisions.

The normal requirements for entry to the degree are either a bachelor degree with First Class Honours or Second Class Honours (Division A) or equivalent, or a masters degree (with a research component) or other qualifications equivalent to First Class Honours, together with evidence of professional standing. Normally, all students will be enrolled as provisional candidates, with their status being reviewed within 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time enrolment. Because the degree is based on supervision by a principal and an associate supervisor, it is essential that intending candidates clarify their topic for research and seek an academic staff member able to provide supervision. Application forms and advice on procedures for enrolment may be obtained from the Office of Research and Higher Degrees. Intending students are advised to allow several months for discussion with potential supervisors and for consideration of the application prior to the commencement of candidature.

This is a research degree with a minimum period of three years for full-time candidature and five years for part-time candidature.

International Students

International students pay tuition fees. For details about international student fees, refer to the Fees and Charges section of this Handbook: http://www.usq.edu.au/handbook/2003/feecharge.html

Fee-Paying Postgraduate Domestic Students and Post-graduate Education Loans Scheme (PELS)

For those Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and permanent residents of Australia who pay tuition fees, details about postgraduate fees, are in the Fees and Charges section of this Handbook http://www.usq.edu.au/handbook/2003/feecharge.html . Australian citizens and permanent residents of Australia may be able to defer their postgraduate fees through the tax system. For details about this Postgraduate Education Loan Scheme (PELS) refer to the PELS section of this Handbook: http://www.usq.edu.au/handbook/2003/feecharge.html

Research Traing Scheme (RTS)

Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and permanent residents of Australia may be funded under the Research Training Scheme (RTS). Students so funded do not pay any tuition fees. As there may be limited RTS places available, some students may be required to pay tuition fees. The USQ Office of Research and Higher Degrees will advise students of their eligibility for an RTS place.

If students believe they are eligible to apply for the Doctor of Philosophy, they should contact the Faculty in which their field of specialisation is located and seek out a supervisor for advice.

Mathematics, Arts, Business, Education or Nursing

Full-time candidates undertaking research in Mathematics, Arts, Business, Education or Nursing should enrol in RES9502 PhD Studies - Full-Time for each semester of their candidature. This will normally be for a total of six semesters.

Biology, Engineering, Physics or Psychology

Full-time candidates undertaking research in Biology, Engineering, Physics or Psychology should enrol in RES9503 PhD Studies - Full-Time for each semester of their candidature. This will normally be for a total of six semesters.

Mathematics, Arts, Business, Education or Nursing

Part-time candidates undertaking research in Mathematics, Arts, Business, Education or Nursing should enrol in RES9500 PhD Studies - Part-Time for each semester of their candidature. This will normally be for a total of ten semesters.

Biology, Engineering, Physics or Psychology

Part-time candidates undertaking research in Biology, Engineering, Physics or Psychology should enrol in RES9501 PhD Studies - Part-time for each semester of their candidature. This will normally be for a total of ten semesters.