Doctor of Philosophy
Health Sciences
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)
Students interested in interdisciplinary PhDs are also welcome to apply.
Applicants may also be interested in an alternate Doctor of Philosophy (Health Sciences) program, which is part of a new integrated suite of programs offering a pathway to a higher degree by research for students who hold a three-year bachelor degree.
Duration
3-4 years full time (6-8 years part time)
Intakes
Hawthorn (January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December)
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time
Course information in detail
- Course detail and course structure.
Course description
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)
Students interested in interdisciplinary PhDs are also welcome to apply.
Course structure
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.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Aims and objectives

Graduate skills
- conduct independent research at a high level of originality and quality
- independently conceive of, design, conduct and complete a research project or program
- understand their given substantive area as well as the given methodological approach(es)
- communicate an argument convincingly, with clarity and relevance to appropriate audiences.
Other key skills obtained by research graduates include:
- Independent thinking
- Decision-making skills
- Good judgement
- Logical thought, rationality
- Communication skills
- Project management skills
- Data analysis
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
Pathways and scholarships
- Scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
If you are not granted a government subsidised place, the full course fee will apply. Check your eligibility now.
Entry requirements
A high level of achievement is defined as the equivalent of a four year Swinburne Honours degree that includes a significant research component in the fourth year, leading to an Honours degree class 1 (average grade between 80-100) or class 2A (average grade between 70-79) level.
Four years of tertiary studies can be demonstrated by the completion of any of the combinations of qualifications below, at the required standard of achievement:
- a bachelor degree (three or four years) and a Masters by Research; or
- a bachelor degree (three or four years) and an Honours year; or
- a bachelor degree (three or four years) and a Masters by Coursework; or
- a bachelor degree (three or four years) and a postgraduate diploma in Psychology; or
- a bachelor degree (four years) in an approved discipline.
Find out more about entry requirements.
How to apply
Students applying to the domestic Doctor of Philosophy (DR-HTHSCI) course will automatically be considered for a place in the Graduate Certificate of Research and Innovation Management (GC-RESIM) and do not need to apply separately for this course. The Graduate Certificate of Research and Innovation Management (GC-RESIM) is not available for direct entry.