The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a program of supervised research and study leading to the submission of a thesis which makes a significant original contribution to knowledge. The program is governed by the Program Rules for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy which provide details regarding all aspects of admission, progression, submission and examination of the thesis. 

To complete the program, a candidate will normally study for an expected period of 4 years (full-time) or 8 years (part-time).  New applicants may apply at any time of the year and continuing candidates will be re-enrolled at the beginning of each academic year.  The research courses in which PhD candidates enrol are ungraded. Candidates who may be required to complete prescribed courses will be enrolled in a separate program (CP20).

Discipline-specific course codes are allocated according to the discipline in which the candidate is undertaking their research.  Within each course code, provision is made to identify the mode of attendance as full-time, or part-time.  Mode of attendance shall be determined at admission or re-enrolment.

Areas of study:

• Aerospace Engineering and Technology;
• Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies;
• Behavioural Sciences;
• Biological Sciences; 
• Building;
• Chemical Sciences;
• Civil Engineering;
• Earth Sciences;
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology;
• Engineering Technology;
• Environmental Engineering;
• Fisheries Studies;
• Human Movement;
• Industrial Engineering;
• Manufacturing Engineering;
• Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Technology;
• Medical Studies;
• Nursing; 
• Pharmacology;
• Pharmacy;
• Philosophy and Religious Studies;
• Physics and Astronomy;
• Political Science and Policy Studies;
• Process and Resource Engineering;
• Psychology;
• Public Health;
• Sociology;
• Studies in Human Society; and
• Veterinary Studies.