As a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate, you will undertake supervised research with the aim of making a significant and original contribution to a health-related discipline or profession.

This program is suited to applicants who:

• have some prior research experience
• are interested in a pursuing a career in research
• have a desire to make an original contribution to research in a particular field
• have a naturally inquiring mind and a desire to know more
• wish to gain an internationally recognised qualification
• want to enhance their employment opportunities.

Students completing a PhD in Health Sciences can work with supervisors who are experts in a diverse range of areas.  Our supervisors’ specialities include, but are not limited to:

• Psychology (e.g. social, clinical, forensic, developmental, educational)
• Neuroscience (e.g. cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging, neuromarketing, psychopharmacology, neurodegenerative disease, neurodevelopmental disorders)
• Health Sciences (e.g. digital health, health promotion, disabilities, chronic diseases, cardiovascular risks, physiology, sports and exercise science, sensory systems)
• Data Sciences (e.g. health analytics, biostatistics, epidemiology, statistics)
• Health Professions (e.g. dietetics, nursing)

Course structure

The Doctor of Philosophy degree is generally completed over a period of four years full-time or eight years part-time. Candidates undertake research, which may be pure, exploratory, experimental and/or creative, and are required to submit a written research thesis, a written research thesis including associated papers, or an artefact with an accompanying exegesis. The examinable outcome will normally be equivalent to 70 000 to 100 000 words. Where the examinable outcome takes the form of a thesis, it is acknowledged that thesis length can vary according to the nature of the work and the discipline.

Throughout your candidature you will receive guidance and support from your research supervisors. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a number of research training sessions on topics such as thesis writing, publishing and presenting.