university of melbourne phd supervision

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Supervisor eligibility and registration policy (mpf1322).

• Category: Research and Research Training
• Document Type: Policy
• Document Status: Published
• Approved On: 04 July, 2022
• Audience: Staff, Students, Research, Academic
• Effective Date: 02 July, 2022
• Review Date: 31 March, 2023
• Policy Approver: Academic Board
• Policy Steward: Academic Secretary
• Supporting Process: Research Training Processes

1. Objective

The objective of this policy is to ensure the maintenance of academic standards and integrity in the eligibility criteria and appointment of supervisors of graduate research candidates.

This policy applies to all:

(a) graduate research courses;

(b) University staff responsible for graduate research courses and candidates; and

(c) people external to the University appointed as external supervisors or examiners.

3. Authority

This policy is made under the University of Melbourne Act 2009 (Vic) and the Academic Board Regulation , and supports compliance with the:

(a)  Higher Education Support Act 2003 ;

(b) Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) 2013;

(c) Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2018; and

(d) Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015.

Eligibility to supervise

4.1. All supervisors must:

(a) meet the eligibility criteria of this policy;

(b) abide by all relevant legislation and University policies, in particular those policies on research conduct and staff conduct; and

(c) perform their role as supervisors in accordance with this policy.

4.2. In addition to the conditions in 4.1 above, all principal and co-supervisors must:

(a) have no more than seven full-time equivalent enrolled higher degree by research candidates under their supervision at any time unless otherwise approved by their dean; and

(b) complete supervisor training before registration and undertake refresher training every five years.

4.3. When approving supervisory load above seven full-time equivalent enrolled graduate research candidates, the dean considers:

(a) University, faculty and department workload models;

(b) workload balance between administrative, teaching and research commitments;

(c) completion rates of the supervisor’s previous students;

(d) consideration for exceptions based on discipline-specific issues; and

(e) evidence that there is a supervisory team with involvement of co-supervisors.

4.4. Principal supervisors must be:

(a) academic staff members of the University in a continuing or fixed-term role who:

i. hold a doctoral degree, or have equivalent research experience; and

ii. are classified at Level B or above; and

iii. have continuing active participation in original research, or are otherwise making original contributions to research and publishing, as determined by the relevant faculty criteria, approved by the dean; or

(b) Professors emeritus or honorary fellows who hold a doctoral degree or have equivalent research experience and have continuing active participation in original research; or

(c) clinical honorary fellows at Level B or above who hold a doctoral degree or have equivalent research experience and have continuing active participation in original research.

4.5. Co-supervisors must be:

(a) any person eligible to be a principal supervisor; or

(b) subject to the approval of the relevant dean, academic staff members in a continuing or fixed-term role at Level A and who have a continuing active participation in original research.

4.6. External supervisors must be:

(a) appropriately qualified with sufficient professional experience to assist in supervision; and

(b) approved by the dean.

4.7. Where a candidate is enrolled in a dual or jointly awarded degree, the supervisors of the partner institution must be eligible to supervise according to their own institution’s policy.

Eligibility to Chair Advisory Committees

4.8. A principal supervisor who, typically, has supervised at least three graduate researchers to completion, either at the University of Melbourne or elsewhere.

5. Procedural principles

Supervisor registration.

5.1. Applications for supervisor registration must be endorsed by the relevant dean. All applicants must complete the supervisor training before they are eligible for registration.

5.2. The dean must maintain the record of registration status of supervisors in their faculty.

5.3. Eligible persons may be registered if:

(a) within the last five years at any University, they have supervised or co-supervised (at a minimum supervisory percentage load of 25% for the duration of the candidature) at least one candidate to successful completion, at the same level or higher to which they will supervise and they have completed an experienced supervisor training refresher at the University within the last 5 years; or

(b) they have completed new supervisor training and accepted the appointment of a mentor and comply with a mentoring plan agreed with the relevant dean.

Revocation or variation of supervisor registration

5.4. The registration of University staff is revoked if one or more of the following conditions applies:

(a) they cease employment with the University; and/or

(b) they are no longer actively participating in original research; and/or

(c) they fail to complete refresher training within six months of being required to do so.

5.5. The registration of professors emeritus, honorary fellows and clinical honorary fellows is revoked if one or more of the following conditions applies:

(a) they cease their honorary appointment with the University; and/or

(c) they fail to complete refresher training within six months of being required to do so.

5.6. A supervisor who ceases their employment or honorary appointment may apply to the dean to continue as an external supervisor for current candidates.

5.7. A supervisor whose registration has been revoked is not permitted to continue supervising current candidates in the capacity of a principal or co-supervisor.

5.8. For University staff members matters related to supervisor registration, load and performance are managed within the Performance Development Framework. Any decision to vary or revoke supervisor registration on a performance basis is managed through the University’s unsatisfactory work performance process.

5.9. For honorary fellows and clinical honorary fellows:

(a) the dean reviews supervisor registration, load and performance at least annually;

(b) the dean must discuss any concerns with the registered supervisor in the first instance;

(c) if the dean determines that skills development is required, they must consult with the registered supervisor and the supervisor’s non-University employer and give the supervisor a reasonable amount of time to rectify any problems; and

(d) if, having given the registered supervisor time to rectify any problems, the dean is not satisfied that the supervisor’s performance or capacity has improved, the dean may vary or revoke the supervisor's registration.

5.10. While a supervisor’s performance is being reviewed under 5.8 or 5.9, the supervisor must not be assigned supervision of additional candidates, and their net supervision load must not be increased.

5.11. For the avoidance of doubt, a significant breach of University policies may result in a supervisor’s registration being revoked.

5.12. While any allegations of supervisor misconduct are under investigation, the supervisor must adhere to any reasonable management direction with regards to supervision of candidates.

5.13. Any supervisor who has been de-registered may not retain supervision of current candidates.

5.14. The dean is responsible for ensuring suitable arrangements for the ongoing supervision of candidates whose supervisors’ registration has been revoked or varied in accordance with the Graduate Research Training Policy .

5.15. If a staff member wishes to raise a grievance in regard to a decision to vary or revoke their registration they can do so under the terms of the University’s Enterprise Agreement.

5.16. A previously de-registered supervisor may apply to be re-registered. The application must:

(a) demonstrate that the conditions leading to the de-registration have been resolved;

(b) include a formal performance management plan and the appointment of a mentor; and

(c) be endorsed by the head of department and the relevant dean;

5.17. Any records created through the implementation of this policy must be managed in accordance with the University’s  Records Management Policy .

6. Roles and responsibilities

7. Definitions

Advisory committee  is a committee appointed by the head of department in which the candidate is enrolled.

Candidate  means any person admitted to and enrolled in a planned course of research leading to a graduate research course at the University of Melbourne. A candidate is a student of the University.

Co-supervisor means an appropriately qualified person designated to assist in the academic supervision of a candidate’s research and candidature.

Department means the academic department, school or research centre that has responsibility for the candidate.

External supervisor  means an appropriately qualified person who is neither employed by the University nor holds an honorary appointment at the University, who assists in the academic supervision of a candidate’s research and candidature.

Principal supervisor means an appropriately qualified person who takes primary responsibility for the academic supervision of a candidate’s research and candidature.

Supervisor  means an appropriately qualified person who is responsible for the academic supervision of a graduate research course candidate.

University  means the University of Melbourne.

POLICY APPROVER

Academic Board

POLICY STEWARD

Academic Secretary

This policy is to be reviewed by 31 March 2023.

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• PhD Research

Eligibility and requirements

Phd research (crea80001) // eligibility and requirements.

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Prerequisites, corequisites, non-allowed subjects, inherent requirements (core participation requirements).

All candidates are required to complete the equivalent of at least one‐third advanced study and research at the University (unless studying at an approved outside institution). The RHDC will not approve entirely distance supervision or entirely on‐line supervision for graduate research students.

Throughout their candidature candidates are expected to attend the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up their research within a University community and environment. The residency requirement is deemed especially important during the period of probationary candidature.

During probationary candidature the student is expected to interact on a regular basis with the supervisor, the department (including staff and other research students) and the University, so as:

• to build the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out the proposed research program
• to acquire an understanding of the standards and requirements for a PhD awarded by the University
• to make use of support programs and facilities provided by the University of Melbourne throughout candidature.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Objectives and Generic Skills sections of this entry. It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Last updated: 30 January 2024

• Faculty of Arts
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• Graduate research

Study Graduate Research

Our programs.

The Faculty of Arts attracts high-achieving graduate students who benefit from working with internationally recognised scholars and their global networks. The University is a premier institution that is ranked 37 in the world (Times Higher Education 2024).

Master of Arts (Advanced Seminar & Shorter Thesis)

The Master of Arts (Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis) provides you the flexibility to pursue an area of humanities and social sciences that interests you.

This program is only available in the Philosophy discipline.

Master of Arts (Thesis only)

If you want to develop specialised knowledge in one or more areas that interest you, the Master of Arts (Thesis Only) provides you with an advanced understanding of the major issues experienced in your chosen field.

This program is not available for students in the School of Social and Political Science.

Doctor of Philosophy – Arts

The Doctor of Philosophy – Arts – also known as a PhD or Doctorate – is the highest Arts degree offered by the University of Melbourne. You will complete a compulsory coursework component and undertake supervised research under the direction of a supervisory team of experts in the field.

Application dates

The Faculty of Arts only accepts applications for Graduate Research study to commence in Semester One. No mid-year intake is offered.

We offer two rounds of applications for our graduate research programs for commencement in the following year. Applications for admission to a graduate research program must be submitted in full before the closing date. We recommend you submit your application at least four weeks before the closing dates. This gives you some extra time in case you are required to provide any additional documents.

You will be automatically considered for the  Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships as part of the graduate research course application.

Application outcomes will be available approximately eight weeks after the application closing date.

*International applicants

• To be considered for the  Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships we strongly recommend you submit a complete course application before 31 August . The majority international Graduate Research Scholarships are awarded in September;
• If you are successful in obtaining a scholarship, you must commence your course by the first day of Semester 1 of the academic year you have been made an offer for;
• Please ensure you have allowed adequate time for your student visa application to be processed between your admittance into the course and the last date you can start your course;
• You must provide evidence that you meet the University of Melbourne English Language requirements by the application closing date.

How to apply

Step 1: check your eligibility.

Please check if you are eligible for consideration by viewing our  entry requirements before you proceed further. The Faculty of Arts offers three research degrees:

• Doctor of Philosophy – Arts (PhD)
• Master of Arts (Thesis Only) – not available to students in the School of Social and Political Sciences
• Master of Arts (Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis) – Philosophy only

Need help? Use the below Checklist to help you determine if you are eligible.

Pre-Application Checklist

Check that you meet the  University’s English Language requirements .

If you do not meet the minimum entry requirements for direct entry into our graduate research degrees, you may wish to consider undertaking the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Advanced) as a pathway into Graduate Research.

For further information about graduate pathways please email Arts Graduate Admissions .

To be considered for entry to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) you must demonstrate that you meet the following criteria:

• Completion of at least a four-year Bachelors (Hons) degree and/or a Master’s degree equivalent to the University of Melbourne’s H2A (75%+) standard; and
• A degree that is in a discipline relevant to your intended PhD; and
• A substantial research component that accounts for at least 25% of one year’s work at 4 th year or masters’ level, with a minimum result of H1 (80%) University of Melbourne equivalent.

To be considered for entry to a Master of Arts (Thesis Only) or Master of Arts (Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis) you must demonstrate that you meet the following criteria:

• Completion of at least a four-year Bachelors (Hons) degree and/or a Master’s degree equivalent to the University of Melbourne’s H2B (70%+) standard; and
• A substantial research component that accounts for at least 25% of one year’s work at 4 th year or masters’ level, with a minimum result of H2A (75%) University of Melbourne equivalent.

Step 2: Finding a supervisor

Before you submit an application online, you must have obtained written support of an academic supervisor in the Faculty of Arts for your proposed research project.

You can look for potential supervisors by:

• Exploring our current research degree opportunities page to discover projects recruiting students

Find current Research Degree opportunities at Arts

• Searching the University’s Find an Expert directory and contact a potential supervisor directly with your research proposal

Search the Find an Expert directory

• Browse the Faculty of Arts School websites to understand their research strengths and contact a potential supervisor from their people page.

Please note: if you do not receive a response from a supervisor within five working days, send a follow up email to the contact email address listed on their Find An Expert profile page. If you do not receive a response within two weeks, consider contacting another supervisor.

When contacting a potential supervisor, you should include:

Guideline for Creative Writing Proposals

The creative PhD at the University of Melbourne is developed and marked as a single thesis, with two major elements: a dissertation and a creative work.

Each part usually contributes 50% to the overall word count. It is possible to increase the dissertation above 50%, but the creative work cannot be more than 50%.

One way to understand the unity of the creative PhD thesis is to consider that there is one overarching research question or hypothesis, which is approached within the thesis in two different manners, a scholarly one and a creative one.

The dissertation is not an exegesis. The dissertation does not offer a commentary on the creative processes or the intentions of the writer. The dissertation is intended to stand independently as a scholarly work making an original contribution to its field or discipline. In creative writing, this field is often interdisciplinary, but it can be characterised as a discipline interested in writerly questions, that is questions that take into account creativity, creative processes, the decision-making that goes into a creative text, cultural and technological influences on writing, questions of genre boundaries (including emerging genres, hybrid genres), and questions that address issues in conceiving of writing as a craft. This is a broad description and it is not exhaustive, but it does indicate that most dissertations are investigating aspects of the act of writing.

In your proposal you should make it clear what your research question is, and how this question fits with or responds to an ongoing critical discourse. You should identify the fields or disciplines you will draw upon, what models of analysis you will adopt, and what critical and creative texts you wish to discuss in your dissertation.

The creative work will need to be articulated in your proposal with some detail, understanding that as with all creative works there will be room for re-considerations and re-drafting. You should show how your creative work addresses or arises from your research question.

Your proposal should include an indicative list of the texts you will consult.

Step 3: Submit an application

Please be aware that m eeting the minimum entry requirements or having strong supervisor support does not guarantee admission to the course. All applications are subject to approval of the Faculty's selection committee.

To submit an application, please visit the online application portal:

• Domestic applications
• International applications

Search for the course code to start an application:

• DR-PHILART for Doctor of Philosophy – Arts
• MR-ARTSTHS for Master of Arts (Thesis Only)
• MR-ARTSAST for Master of Arts (Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis) – Philosophy only

Please also note the following study package mode

• International applicants - select ‘PG Overseas Fee Paying’
• Domestic applicants - select  ‘RTP / RTS / CTS’
• Attendance mode: select 'On Campus'
• Study mode: select 'Standard'.

Once you've submitted your application, you will receive an email stating that your application has been received. If your application is incomplete, you will receive an email requesting additional documents.

Assessment of your application will only commence once you have provided all required documents. To avoid delay in the assessment of your application, ensure you follow the online application instructions carefully and upload all the required documents.

If you have submitted a complete application before the closing dates for any round, you will receive an outcome by the relevant date outlined above.

You will be asked to submit the following documents with your online application:

• A copy of an email or letter indicating that your nominated supervisor's agreement to supervise you should your application be successful;
• A current CV outlining your all complete and incomplete academic qualifications and work experience, and details of any research publications (if relevant)
• If your last qualification completed (overall or thesis component) is marked on a pass/fail basis, provide a copy of the examiner's report and complete the Academic Report of Ungraded Thesis Form.
• If you are still studying, you can apply now before completing your degree by including current transcripts of at least up to the first semester of your final year studies.
• Students apply from a University of Melbourne Honours or Master program do not need to submit transcripts.
• A 2,500-word research proposal
• A 5,000-word writing sample

More information

Ensure both research proposal and writing sample documents are labelled with your name, the School to which you are applying and the date.

To support your application, you will need to nominate two referees who can comment on your academic ability and research potential. We recommend that at least one report from someone who has supervised your thesis/dissertation or research work.

All referee reports must be submitted using the online tool. On submission of your application, your referees will be emailed a link to access the online referee form and they must provide their references using this online form. You will be notified when they submit the reference. Your application may be deemed as incomplete if the referee reports are not submitted before the application closing dates.

Please note: students who have completed honours or a master degree through the University of Melbourne need only to provide two University of Melbourne referee contacts, and are exempt from providing referee reports.

If you have a completed a thesis or research component that is marked on a pass/fail basis, provide a copy of the thesis. The examiner’s report and an Academic Report of Ungraded Thesis Form . Send the form to the most senior academic staff involved in the assessment of your thesis/research component and request them to complete and return the form before the deadline of the round that you are applying for.

You will be automatically considered for the  Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships when you apply for the course. No separate application is required.

Please note: In order to be eligible for consideration for a Graduate Research Scholarship, applicants must have met the University of Melbourne English Language requirements by the application closing date.

Other scholarships

• Domestic students experiencing compassionate or compelling circumstances (including illness, disability, care responsibilities or personal hardship), may be eligible to apply for the Fay Marles Scholarship or the Frederick Blake Shepherd Scholarship . Applications close on 31 October.
• Human Rights Scholarship
• Hansen Scholarship in History
• For all other scholarships please follow the relevant application instructions and complete the scholarship application section in the online form.

If your application is successful, you will receive an offer letter by email. Please read your course offer closely and accept your offer online by following the instructions in your offer letter.  To accept your scholarship offer, follow the instructions in your scholarship offer letter.

If you are successful in obtaining an offer for a place, you must complete your enrolment and commence your course by the first day of Semester 1 .

All commencing graduate researchers are invited to an Orientation Welcome Session before the start of the semester. At this session you’ll be introduced to your Graduate School, learn about our facilities and services, and get a chance to meet coordinators and peers from your program. For more information please visit the Faculty of Arts Orientation and Induction web page.

Graduate Researchers completing a Doctor of Philosophy – Arts degree are required to complete 4 coursework subjects in the first year. For more information about coursework requirements and candidature management please visit the Faculty of Arts Graduate Research web page.

Transferring students apply through the same application process as new applicants. Please note, however, that the ability of students to transfer into the Doctor of Philosophy – Arts has been severely limited because of the requirement to complete the PhD coursework in the first year prior to confirmation. Your application will be assessed based on your ability to meet our degree requirements and complete your course in a timely manner. Please ensure that if you are considering a transfer from your current course that you discuss the following with a nominated supervisor:

• Reasons - what are the reasons for transferring?
• Confirmation - have you met your current university's Confirmation requirements?
• PhD Coursework – If you have not been confirmed in your current candidature, how will you complete the Arts PhD coursework component before Confirmation?
• Completion - do you have a plan for completion of your course within 3 years from the initial enrolment date when you started your current research degree? You will also need to provide evidence of satisfactory progress in your current program.
• Residency requirements - will you be able to meet the University of Melbourne's residency requirement if your transfer is successful?

Domestic students who are admitted in a graduate research degrees will receive a Research Training Program Fee Offset Scholarship to acknowledge the contribution from the Australian Government towards the cost of their tuition. Learn more about the RTP Fee Offset Scholarship and  Graduate Research Scholarships

International students should consult the Study Fees web page for details about calculating your fees, the cost of living in Melbourne, and the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

For more information about fees please visit the Students Fees web page.

All candidates must have a plan that includes spending at least one-third of their candidature on campus. The residency requirement is deemed especially important during the period of probationary candidature and while completing the PhD coursework component.  Please note that the University does not offer entirely distance or online supervision. Throughout your candidature, it is expected that you will attend the University to fully benefit from planning, conducting and writing up your research. This on campus presence is essential for fostering a vibrant research culture and cultivating a sense of belonging within your respective school’s research community.

For more information on residency requirements please see the Melbourne Policy Library Selection and Admission Policy (MPF1295) .

To support you in your studies you should bring your own laptop for University use. Some of our shared workstations are equipped with monitors and power sockets to allow you to connect your own device to the University network for internet access and printing facilities.

Frequently asked questions

Need more information, refer to our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Respectful Graduate Research Supervisor Development

The University of Melbourne is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful community, preventing inappropriate behaviours and better supporting people affected by them. The relationship between graduate researchers and their supervisors is one that is potentially vulnerable to inappropriate conduct, given the personal and individual nature of supervision, and the power imbalance that exists between graduate researchers and supervisors. This course is designed to look at supervisor/graduate researcher relationships, exploring and discussing specific scenarios. These scenarios focus on the need for respect in supervision, highlighting the power imbalance in these relationships and the importance of maintaining personal boundaries. This session will also provide supervisors with the resources needed to deal with an incident if they witness or become aware of inappropriate behaviour.

• Build on Graduate Researcher supervisor training requirements and expand on elements of inappropriate behaviour outlined in the UoM Appropriate Workplace Behaviour Policy and training
• Provide supervisors with a better understanding of the power imbalance in the graduate researcher – supervisory relationship
• Assist supervisors in understanding the limits of, and maintaining, professional boundaries in the graduate researcher – supervisory relationship
• Provide supervisors with the resources needed to deal with an incident if they witness inappropriate behaviour.

If you are interested in the course you can enrol for an upcoming event session via TrainME – Zoom and In-person options available.

For further information please contact Respect Education Program | [email protected]

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Melbourne Social Equity Institute

• PhD Scholarship Opportunities – Melbourne Social Equity Institute

Melbourne Social Equity Institute PhD Scholarships Open Call

Melbourne social equity institute is seeking expressions of interest from candidates interested in undertaking doctoral research on social equity issues. for this open call, up to three australian government research training program (rtp) scholarships will be available for commencement in 2025..

For this open call opportunity, Melbourne Social Equity Institute is inviting interested candidates to develop and submit their own research project proposal on a social equity issue.

Projects which are closely aligned with the Institute’s research priority areas of Inclusive and Distributive Economies, Gender Equity, Health Equity, and Migration and Mobility will be highly regarded.

Reflecting the nature of social inequities, many of the Institute's research initiatives engage at the intersections of these priorities.

Due to funding restrictions, this opportunity is open to domestic students only.

Targeted Scholarship Opportunities In addition to these three scholarships, Melbourne Social Equity Institute is also accepting expressions of interest for a  PhD scholarship on Reproductive Justice offered in partnership with the Reproductive Justice Hallmark Research Initiative. Further, the Institute, in partnership with the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, is seeking expressions of interest for two scholarships to support one domestic and one international student through the Social Equity in Engineering and Information Technology Scholarship Program .  See all scholarships

Critical Dates

• Expressions of Interest Open – Monday 3 June 2024
• Expressions of Interest Close – Monday 2 September 2024
• Shortlisted candidates required for interviews – week commencing Monday 9 September 2024
• Successful candidates submit full applications to the relevant Faculty by Friday 27 September 2024

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship benefits include:

• Full exemption from payment of student fees at the University of Melbourne;
• A stipend of $37,000 per annum (2024 full-time rate, tax-free) for 3.5 years;
• Allowances as per the Graduate Research Scholarship Terms & Conditions .

Melbourne Social Equity Institute will also provide an additional $2000 per annum (a maximum of $6000 during candidature) in research support funds.

The successful candidate will also receive automatic entry into the Institute’s Doctoral Academy and/or interdisciplinary PhD Program in Migration, Statelessness and Refugee Studies .

Supervision

As part of the Expression of Interest process, candidates are asked to identify, and show evidence of in-principle agreement from, a proposed PhD supervisor at the University of Melbourne.

The University's Find an Expert site can assist in identifying suitable potential supervisors. If you are unable to identify a suitable and/or available supervisor, please contact [email protected] and we will do our best to assist you.

Learn more about finding a supervisor

Eligibility

The scholarship is only available to Australian and New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents. The scholarship is conditional upon acceptance into a PhD program at the University of Melbourne. Read more about information on the University's Study site .

Successful applicants must be available to commence their studies in 2025. Applicants should have completed tertiary studies that are at least equivalent to a 4-year honours degree at an Australian university with a minimum result equivalent to a first-class Honours (80%). However, for students from an underrepresented or disadvantaged background seeking access and equity considerations, a minimum result equivalent to a second-class Honours Division A (75%) will be accepted.

Applicants should possess excellent interpersonal skills and cross-cultural community skills, the ability to work independently as well as part of a team and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Applicants should have a strong research idea and agreement from a supervisor or team of supervisors to support the research.

People with lived experience of the area of disadvantage or inequity that they intend to research are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please note that you will be enrolled through the faculty in which your principal supervisor is based and you should also check any specific faculty requirements. These scholarships are intended for new applications. Students currently enrolled in PhD study at the University of Melbourne are not eligible to apply.

Applications

Please complete the Expression of Interest form and include the following:

• Curriculum Vitae (up to 2 pages);
• A brief research proposal (up to 4 pages). Outline preliminary ideas, key research questions, methodologies, relevant conceptual and theoretical approaches;
• Academic transcripts;
• Evidence of in-principle support from a proposed supervisor (e.g. copy of an email); and,
• If applicable, include Masters / Honours thesis examiners’ reports.

Following an initial short-listing, you may be invited to attend an interview during the week commencing Monday 9 September.

Selected candidates will then be invited to submit a full, formal application to the relevant faculty.  Any decisions based on this Expression of Interest and subsequent interviews will be conditional on meeting all of the University’s eligibility requirements.

Melbourne Social Equity Institute reserves the right not to allocate any scholarships where, in its opinion, there are no expressions of interest of sufficient merit.

Download the EOI Form

All Expressions of Interest must be received by 5.00pm AEST on Monday 2 September 2024 . Please send your completed form to [email protected] .

If you have any questions about this PhD scholarship opportunity or the Expression of Interest process please contact us at [email protected] .

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School of BioSciences

• Study with us

Finding a supervisor and project for MSc and Honours

About the msc and bsc (hons).

The primary research-training program offered by the School of BioSciences is a two-year graduate degree – the Master of Science (Biosciences) . This consists of a research component combined with a selection of coursework subjects that include professional development skills. The Master of Science degree provides a pathway to the workforce or to a PhD.

The School also offers a one-year undergraduate Honours degree , which combines a research component with coursework.

• Find out more about the Master of Science (BioSciences)
• Learn more about the Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Masters and Honours course information and research projects

For an overview on our postgraduate research study options, come along to our BioSciences MSc and Honours information and research poster session on Friday 8 September 1-3pm.

Hear from course coordinators about the program structure and available projects within the School of BioSciences in 2024. Refreshments will be provided.

Register now

For an overview on our Masters and Honours study options, tune in to our BioSciences Masters and Honours Information Day on Tuesday 28 September 2021– you'll hear from course coordinators about the program structure and available projects within the School of BioSciences in 2022. This event will be held online.

Finding your area of interest

You should review the supervisors and projects available within either the School of BioSciences or the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences and decide on an area of research that interests you. While supervisors have been placed into broad research themes, all engage in interdisciplinary approaches across multiple themes.

School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences

Approaching supervisors

Before contacting a potential supervisor, look carefully at the type of research they do. Read through:

• the information they've provided about their projects
• their own research website and/or
• their recent publications on Google Scholar .

Approach potential supervisors in research areas that interest you and discuss projects on offer. When you email a potential supervisor, please include your Statement of Results – you can find these in your Results page in my.unimelb. Arrange a time to meet on Zoom or in person when the opportunity is available.

Most supervisors within the School of BioSciences take on only one or two students per year, so our intake is competitive and places are limited.

Take time to discuss the available projects; it is important that you choose an area of research that interests you.

How to apply

Once you have identified supervisors and projects, fill out the MSc and Hons supervision form (DOCX 71.8 KB) and include this in your MSc/Hons application. For the most rapid admission, have the supervisor(s) sign the form.

It may be that some potential supervisors cannot make a commitment at this time point. You may therefore include several potential supervisors.

Successful applicants will be notified in December, and all applicants will be advised of the outcomes of their applications by the end of January.

In some cases, particularly if external partners are involved, negotiations for projects can continue and additional offers will be made until the end of February. Some supervisors may also offer a project that has a mid-year start date, as this better suits the fieldwork requirement for the research.

Apply for Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Apply for Master of Science (BioSciences)

Master of Science (BioSciences) Coordinator

Dr Michael Murray (2024) ( [email protected] )

Prof Michael Kearney (2023) ( [email protected] )

Honours Coordinator

Dr Simon Baxter ( [email protected] )

• Melbourne School of Design

Graduate Research

Melbourne School of Design has an international reputation for excellence in graduate research. Our researchers are experienced scholars, leading debate and engaging with industry, policy-makers and the community towards real-world outcomes.

We carry out creative, fundamental and applied research projects into the past, present and future of our built and natural environments. Our research makes real and lasting impacts and critically informs the teaching of future generations of practitioners, researchers and designers. Our research is led by experts who are internationally recognised leaders in their fields, and through dynamic research units, centres and institutes embedded within the Faculty.

Explore more about Research Degrees at the University of Melbourne and our offerings in Architecture, Building and Planning .

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Master of philosophy, doctor of philosophy, our graduate researchers.

The Melbourne School of Design has over 120 innovative Graduate Researchers who are advancing our knowledge of the built and natural environment.

PhD pathways to success

Our communities of practice support scholars with a creative practice and/or industry focus in their built environment doctoral research.

Creative practice research is actively supported at MSD. Design-led experimentation is complemented by creative and critical design theories and methodologies. A spectrum of interdisciplinary design and creative projects are supported, reflecting the diversity of disciplines that are accommodated in the Faculty. The supervision of doctoral students is grounded in our internationally recognised expertise across design, architecture, and heritage, landscape architecture and urban design, placemaking and indigenous knowledges, digital design and fabrication technologies. Leader: Hélène Frichot

We also support and encourage projects that aim to address urgent challenges observed in society in close collaboration with industry. We welcome and support a variety of projects that can demonstrate formal engagement with key stakeholders from industry, government and/or profession to respond to a diverse range of challenges related to our built environment. These partnerships intend to advance knowledge in academia and practise through ambitious applied research frameworks that focus on the design, performance and experience of the built environment through its various scales and agents. This is suitable for PhD projects that have a formal partnership with a partner through implementation of funded research and/or placement. Leader: Christhina Candido

Meet a few of our graduates

Our current graduate researchers

Supporting your research

Supervision.

Our graduate research supervisors, chairs and advisory committees support candidates through each stage of candidature, providing critical academic guidance to develop a successful thesis. Read more about our academic staff here.

Training and resources

Applicants can apply for scholarship funding to support their candidature.  Read more about scholarship and award opportunities here.

We provide funding opportunities to help candidates to conduct research fieldwork and to share research findings at conferences. Our graduate researchers are part of our academic community and have access to excellent facilities including workspaces, computers and printing, meeting rooms, technical facilities and library infrastructure in our award-winning building.

Our candidates can access additional scholarly training and support in a range of research approaches, writing techniques and professional skills. We offer regular research seminars and reading groups and a renowned public lecture and events series.

Our graduate research support team helps our graduate researchers from day 1 and throughout the whole of candidature. The team offers comprehensive support for graduate researchers throughout their candidature from enrolment and induction, through each milestone, and on to examination and completion. Current students can log-in to access our Graduate Research Community pages. Comprehensive information for all candidates is available on the University's Graduate Research Hub .

Research Students Association

Our thriving Research Students Association (RSA) is an independently run student group that supports and advocates for the needs of our Graduate Research cohort. The RSA hosts events and activities that promote an engaging and enriching experience.

The RSA proudly produces Oculus , a publication featuring work from the MSD's graduate research cohort.

Graduate Research Hub

• Being a candidate

Being a joint PhD candidate

This information is provided for our joint phd candidates who have been admitted to a joint degree across two institutions. being enrolled in a joint phd means that you are in a unique position to benefit from the expertise, supervision and experiences at two separate institutions and often across two continents. it is your and your supervisors’ responsibility to ensure that you are meeting the requirements of both universities in which you are enrolled., expectations.

As a joint PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne, we expect that you will:

• have at least one supervisor from each institution;
• spend a minimum of 12 months at each institution during your degree;
• have a ‘home’ institution and a ‘host’ institution. The definition of home institution depends on the arrangement between Melbourne and the partner University. The home institution is usually where you will commence your studies and where you will be primarily funded;
• be accepted and admitted as a candidate at both institutions before commencing your PhD and have your progress monitored at each institution;
• submit your thesis for examination via the examination process at each institution;
• on successful completion, be awarded with a joint degree, recognised with a testamur from each institution.

Accepting your offer

International joint PhD candidates should follow these instructions to complete your online acceptance agreement once you receive your offer.

Acknowledging joint affiliation

As a joint PhD candidate, it is important that you recognise the University of Melbourne and your partner institution(s) in all your research publications, presentations, campaigns, and other communications that are directly linked to your PhD research. If you are unsure how best to do this then please consult with your supervisors and/or IRTG Coordinator.

Individual Graduate Researcher Agreements (IGRAs) represent the contract which is signed between you, your supervisors and both institutions confirming details of your joint PhD candidature. Your IGRA will clarify:

• funding arrangements
• progress review requirements
• the expected dates that you will be at each institution
• examination requirements specific to your joint degree

Your IGRA should be completed prior to your commencement, and no later than three months after you start. Your IGRA will be administered by your home institution and the relevant IRTG coordinator/s will assist you in obtaining the necessary signatures from both institutions.

Supervisors

As a joint PhD candidate, it is important to ensure that:

• you maintain regular communication and have meetings with your supervisors from both institutions
• the details of your supervisors from both institutions are part of your student record

Details of any supervisors from a partner institution must be provided to the faculty graduate research administrator on the External Supervisor Record (Joint Award) so they can be recorded as currently acting as an external supervisor.

More information about working with supervisors is available here .

Progress Reporting

Your progress must be regularly reviewed by an Advisory Committee. More details about these processes at the University of Melbourne are available on the Graduate Research Hub 'Being a candidate' page .

If the partner institution has a similar progress review process, then you don’t necessarily have to do both. If the timing is similar, you may be able to complete one of the reporting processes and provide the documentation and outcome of that review to the other institution for their record keeping purposes. For example, you can download a pdf copy of a review completed on the University of Melbourne’s Candidature Management System and forward this to the relevant administrator at the partner institution. Instructions for this are Candidature management system FAQs page .

For a partner institution process to be accepted at the University of Melbourne, supervisors from both Institutions must be involved in the discussion of progress to date.  For Confirmation of candidature , there must be a documented assessment that your research project has been clearly defined and can feasibly be completed within the agreed timeframe as well as an assessment of your progress to date. Confirmation should also provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate that you have the written and oral presentation skills appropriate to graduate research study.

You should contact your faculty if you have questions about progress review processes.

Managing difficulties

The Graduate Research Hub offers a number of resources to assist you when you are experiencing difficulties during your candidature.  If your concerns are associated with a partner institution, you should contact your IRTG coordinator who may be able to assist and/or connect you with the relevant person.

Study Away refers to a period of time for which you are approved to undertake research-related activities away from the University of Melbourne. The University of Melbourne has an obligation to ensure all our students are in safe learning environments and so we need to know when you are not expected to be on campus in Melbourne.

As a joint PhD candidate, if you commence at the partner institution, a Study Away request will need to be completed at the time of your enrolment, and then again for subsequent periods at the partner institution. More information on submitting a Study Away request is available here . You can select the Study Away reason of ‘studying at joint PhD partner institution’ in the form.

Leave of Absence

Circumstances may arise that mean you are unable to work on your research for a period of time. In consultation with your supervisors at both institutions, you should submit your Leave of Absence request at the institution where you are currently located. If you are studying in Melbourne and require a Leave of Absence, further information is available here . It is important to ensure that you and/or your supervisors forward any confirmation of Leave of Absence periods to the administrators at your partner institution to ensure that the leave is recorded and accounted for at both institutions, allowing for adjustment of progress review and thesis submission dates.

Ethics applications

All projects requiring the use of human participants, animals, genetically modified organisms, or hazardous biological agents must be approved before  the work begins. In most circumstances, you will need to submit ethics applications to both the University of Melbourne and your partner institution for separate consideration and approval for the research to be included in your thesis, regardless of where the research takes place.

For a joint award, the University of Melbourne process is to submit an application via Infonetica . If you are aware of the process or have already started an application you can log in directly to the Infonetica system . Please note that you will need to reach out to the partner institution for advice on their ethics process.

More information on the University of Melbourne processes can be found via the below links:

• Human ethics
• Animal ethics
• Gene technology and biosafety ethics
• Completing a registration form

Speak to your supervisor/s or administrators at your partner institution for information on how to submit ethics applications there. Every institution has different systems.

If your home institution is another Australian University, and you have approved ethics applications from that institution, these can be registered with the University of Melbourne. We do not notify the other institution.

Examination

Your examination will be carried out in a manner that meets the requirements of both universities as stated in your IGRA. If you have any questions you should consult with your supervisors. When you are ready to submit your thesis to Melbourne, you can find general information about the submission and examination process  here .

• Resources for candidates
• Orientation and induction
• Mapping my degree
• Principles for infrastructure support
• Peer activities
• Change my commencement date
• Meeting expectations
• Working with my supervisors
• Responsible Research & Research Integrity
• Guidelines for external supervisors
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• At risk of unsatisfactory progress
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• Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)
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QS World University Rankings 2024: Top global universities

The 20th edition of the QS World University Rankings features 1,500 institutions across 104 locations and is the only ranking of its kind to emphasise employability and sustainability.

This year, we've implemented our largest-ever methodological enhancement, introducing three new metrics: Sustainability, Employment Outcomes and International Research Network. 

The results draw on the analysis of 17.5m academic papers and the expert opinions of over 240,000 academic faculty and employers. Massachusetts Institute of Technology celebrates twelve years at the top, the University of Cambridge retains 2nd place while the University of Oxford (3rd) climbs one position. 

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MBA students experience innovation on study tour in China

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MBA and EMBA students from RMIT’s Graduate School of Business and Law visited Haining and Hangzhou in collaboration with Zhejiang University International Business School (ZIBS).

The inaugural tour, which focused on innovation, sustainability and cross-cultural intelligence, saw the students visit key leading companies in China such as e-commerce and technology giant, Alibaba; electric vehicle manufacturer, Geely; bio-tech start-up platform, BioClub; eco-manufacturing sports sock producer, Future Stitch; and the start-up incubator of ZIBS, Zheya.

The students were also invited to a joint class with ZIBS international MBA students on corporate responsibility and ethics, and a Youth Dialogue led by Professor Shenglin Ben, ZIBS Dean and former HSBC and JP Morgan chief executive.

During the tour, students were immersed in rich cultural experiences, including tea tastings, calligraphy, visits to cultural towns of Wuzhen, Nanguanxiang, and the Impression Westlake Show.

EMBA student, Nikita Shulin, said the experience stood out as a benchmark for cultural study tours. 

“The cultural experiences, consisting of both historical landmarks and an abundance of exceptional cuisine, allowed us to enhance our understanding of China's rich history, traditions, and way of life,” he said.

“The business part of this visit to China presented us with the opportunity to visit giant global corporations, helping us to expand our professional network, build strong relationships, and discover how businesses in China operate.”

In addition to networking with Australian alumni and business leaders, and executives in key industries, students were given opportunities to network with local MBA students.

Laura Mulherin, an EMBA student, said the trip was a wonderful mix of culture and high-quality business visits.

“It was terrific meeting and spending time with the ZIBS students, as well as all the other generous and friendly people we met,” she said.

This trip was a fabulous learning opportunity, and I feel I have a better understanding of Chinese culture and the business environment from our short visit.

Associate Professor Ling Mei Cong, Deputy Dean of Learning and Teaching in the Graduate School of Business and Law, said it was a privilege for her to lead the tour to China.

“The tour is an excellent opportunity for our students to develop a global mindset and witness firsthand how emerging global brands in China grow, delving deep into their innovation and sustainability strategies,” she said.  

“It enables them to critically analyse how these companies build their ecosystems to embrace global opportunities and address challenges such as those brought by climate change, digital transformation, and cultural barriers.”

This tour was the first activity since RMIT and ZIBS signed an MOU last year, and the College of Business and Law look forward to hosting students from China later this year.

Find out more about our postgraduate business courses here .

More student news

BITS-RMIT Higher Education Academy students explore RMIT and Melbourne

RMIT University has welcomed 90 engineering students from Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani on a two-week immersion tour of the campuses and Melbourne.

Important update – Industrial action at RMIT

Industrial action will be taking place from 12:30pm on Thursday 13 June until 11:59pm on Friday 14 June.

From Vietnam to Australia: Suzee's gained real world experience

Suzee, an international student from Vietnam, recently completed her internship with RMIT Communications, marking a significant milestone in her journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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Graduate Research

Doctor of Philosophy - Law

• Course code: DR-PHILLAW

Course overview

Please note: Applications for 2022 have closed! Applications are currently being considered for commencement in 2023.

Melbourne Law School aims to admit outstanding graduates from a wide variety of countries and to provide them with a world class experience in undertaking a graduate research degree.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree requires you to undertake a substantial piece of independent and original research under academic supervision. The research thesis is examined externally by scholars with international standing in the research field of the thesis topic.

(Course code: DR-PHILLAW)

Related study areas

• Environment
• Environmental law, policy and sustainability
• Research in law