What is a PhD?

A PhD (short for Doctor of Philosophy) is the highest level of degree you can earn and develops your ability to conduct independent, rigorous and original academic research.

Under academic supervision, you’ll propose, test and defend a significant and original piece of research with a thesis or dissertation of up to 100,000 words.

Some PhDs are structured as practice-based programs that integrate research with industry work to advance professional practice.

A PhD generally requires an honours or master degree for entry.

What's the difference between traditional PhD programs and practice-based PhD programs?

While both are high-level, research-focused programs with similar time commitments, they differ in their output and processes.

  • Nature of research: While a traditional PhD primarily focuses on generating new theoretical knowledge for academia, a practice-based PhD integrates practical work for applied innovation within an industry.
  • Career outcomes: A traditional PhD primarily prepares you for a career in academia, research and specialist roles, while a practice-based PhD supports advancement in professional practice and leadership positions. 
     

What is a clinical doctorate?

At Swinburne, clinical doctorate degrees include the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) and Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology). Both programs combine high-level research training with professional psychology skills built through clinical placements.

Browse our PhD and doctorate degree courses

Why study with Swinburne?

Trailblazing research 

Seven Swinburne researchers among Stanford University’s Most-Cited Scientists .

Cutting-edge facilities 

Four dedicated research institutes, two research platforms, nine research centres.

Global impact 

Ranked in the top 300 worldwide for sustainability research impact .

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Full-time, PhDs and doctorate degrees generally take 3 to 4 years to complete. Domestic students may convert to part-time enrolment, which means their programs can take 6 to 8 years to complete. Typically, international students must study their PhD or doctorate degree full-time. 

In most cases, successful candidates have obtained an honours or master degree, but equivalent academic or professional backgrounds may be accepted for entry into research programs.

For more information, visit our page on entry requirements.  

If you have met the entry requirements of the PhD or professional doctorate program you’re interested in, you can apply by following our step-by-step guide for research degrees. 

The cost of a research program can vary depending on your student status (domestic or international) and whether you receive a scholarship.

  • For many doctoral candidates (especially domestic students who receive scholarships), tuition fees may be covered by their scholarships.
  • If you are an international student and do not secure a full scholarship or tuition-fee scholarship, you may be responsible for tuition fees (and you’ll likely need to pay up front). 

Here are some of the main scholarships/funding options we have available for doctoral candidates: 

  • Swinburne University Postgraduate Research Award (SUPRA) includes a stipend for three years (with a possible 6-month extension) and a tuition-fee scholarship for up to four years for PhD or doctorate degree students. 
  • Research Training Program Stipend Scholarship (RTPS) also provides a stipend (same rate as the SUPRA) to support living costs and is available to domestic and international students.
  • Research Training Program (RTP) Fees-Offset (Domestic) is an Australian Government scholarship that covers tuition fees for up to 4 years (full-time equivalent) for eligible domestic doctoral students or up to 2 years for master by research students. 
  • Tuition Fee Scholarship for international students can cover tuition fees (for up to four years for doctoral students). Students must apply for these with the support of their supervisor. 
  • Indigenous Postgraduate Research Scholarship is available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students applying for a research master, PhD or doctorate degree. This scholarship offers a stipend, covers tuition fees in full, and includes additional support such as cultural leave. 
     

Note: scholarships and funding are typically awarded competitively, based on academic merit, research potential, quality of proposal, and fit with Swinburne’s research strengths. 

For more information, visit our scholarships page. 

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