#3 university in Australia for interdisciplinary science research
#4 university in Victoria for academic reputation
#1 Victorian university for facilities and resources
Why choose Deakin
Undertake research in a health and health services related topic under the supervision of an academic staff member in the School of Medicine.
Research may be supported across broad range of disciplines including rural and regional general practice; chronic disease management, health service evaluation, health and wellbeing, public health, medical education, and optometry.
Deakin currently has around 1600 higher degree by research candidates – intelligent people making the most of our excellent facilities, partnerships, strategic research centres and excellent reputation.
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Top-rated School of Medicine supervisors
Work alongside experienced researchers from Deakin's School of Medicine, undertaking interdisciplinary research across health services, public health, chronic disease management, medical education and rural health.
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Research connected to industry partners
Connect your research with healthcare, government and industry through partnerships including the Western Alliance Academic Health Science Centre and organisations such as Western Health, KidsPlus and Diabetes Australia.
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Research health across the lifespan
Investigate health and wellbeing from early childhood to older adulthood, generating evidence that can inform policy, practice and better health outcomes.
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Researcher Development Academy
Tailored development opportunities throughout your research degree help you strengthen your research practice, grow your networks and build the skills to advance your career while completing your PhD.
Connected to industry
Engaging with industry during your PhD or masters by research ensures your research is relevant, future‑focused and positioned to create impact. Develop the skills your future employers need with industry-embedded projects, co‑supervision arrangements, access to partner facilities and opportunities to translate research into practice.
FAQs
To apply for a research degree at Deakin, you will need a qualification at level 8 or 9 of the Australian Qualifications Framework, completed within the last five years. For a PhD, you need a minimum grade equivalent to 70%, including a research component with a dissertation or equivalent. For a masters by research, the minimum is 65%, including at least 65% for the research component. If your qualifications are older than five years, you can still apply with a portfolio of recent research or professional experience. As an international applicant, you will also need to demonstrate English language proficiency and hold a valid student visa (Subclass 500). Refer to the entry requirements section on the course page for specific requirements.
Both degrees involve producing an original written thesis with the support of a research supervisor, but they differ in scope, duration and depth. A masters by research takes approximately two years full time and can serve as a pathway to PhD study. A PhD takes approximately three years full time and requires original research that makes a new contribution to your field, with higher entry grade requirements.
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for student support. From orientation to graduation, you will benefit from dedicated supervision, a personalised online candidature profile to track milestones and access to the Researcher Development Academy, which offers workshops on research practice, writing and communication. You may also access experiences beyond your thesis, including study trips, research fieldwork, fellowships and industry mentorship. Support continues after graduation through Deakin's researcher development programs and lifetime access to Deakin TALENT.
The two main scholarship options for international graduate researchers are the Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship and Deakin's Postgraduate Research Scholarship (DUPR). These scholarships may include full tuition fee coverage, Overseas Student Health Cover, relocation allowances and a tax-exempt living stipend. To be competitive, you will generally need an H1 grade average or equivalent. Use the find a scholarship tool to explore all available options.
Australia is consistently recognised as one of the world's most liveable countries, and Deakin's campuses in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool offer an immersive experience in vibrant, multicultural communities. As an international graduate researcher at Deakin, you will join a diverse research community, access world-class facilities and benefit from a safe, supportive campus environment. Depending on your visa conditions, you may also be able to work part time while you study.
Finding the right supervisor is an important first step in your research journey. Begin by reviewing Deakin's research strengths and browsing our institutes and research groups to identify a topic that aligns with work happening across the university. Then use the supervisor directory to search by name, faculty, research area or keyword. Check individual profiles to confirm availability, then email your preferred supervisor directly to introduce yourself and discuss your research interests. At Deakin, you will be supported by a team of at least two supervisors throughout your degree.
If you are applying to the Faculty of Business and Law, Deakin will identify a relevant supervisor based on your proposed research area and available expertise. Before applying, explore Deakin's Business and Law research to understand where your proposed research aligns with our areas of expertise.
Your supervisor can make a significant difference to your research journey, so it is important to find the right fit. When searching for a supervisor, look for expertise that aligns with your research interests and take time to understand how they approach supervision and work with their team. You can search Deakin's directory of experts by name, faculty, research area or keyword, then reach out directly to discuss your interests and explore supervision opportunities.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
Course structure
To complete the Doctor of Philosophy, you must pass 24 credit points.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Professional recognition
Not applicable
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
A full-time student is expected to commit 36 hours a week to their PhD program. A student is entitled to 20 working days annual leave from candidature on approval by their Principal Supervisor. (Part-time is half the commitment.)
Career Pathway Placements (internships) with industry partners, are offered as an elective, to all domestic and international HDR students. The timing of a proposed placement should be discussed with the supervisory team, and approved by the School HDR Coordinator.
Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.
However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered online. International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as online study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.
The Faculty of Health provides a range of higher degree by research programs at masters and doctorate level, including professional doctorates in the discipline of psychology.
The Faculty has affiliation with six of the University Strategic Research Centres, which work with national and international partners in health communities, business, industry and government to bring about evidence-based practical, equitable health outcomes globally, nationally and in local communities. The Centres are engaged in research programs related to patient care, patient safety, health services, mental health, psychiatric disorders, molecular medicine, immunology, neurosciences, public health research and evaluation, population health, human nutrition, physical activity and health, and social determinants of health and wellbeing.
Review details of research we are undertaking and the Strategic Research Centre.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
You can apply for a research degree without a scholarship at any time, with commencement not limited to Deakin’s trimester dates.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
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| Demonstrate systematic and critical understanding in one or more specialist fields or discipline areas by planning and generating a substantial and original contribution that advances scholarship or professional practice. |
| Effectively disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences using highly developed communication skills and work productively within a team of experts in the field. Synthesise, apply and analyse existing and new knowledge in one or more discipline areas to develop new concepts or interpretations through engagement in ethical research, critical reflection, continuous evaluation and demonstration of research skills. |
| Demonstrate autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability, leadership, initiative, resilience and responsibility as an expert and leading practitioner or scholar. |
- Award granted
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H961
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 067835C Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Warrnambool
- Level
- Higher Degree Research
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 10
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$45,800
for 1 yr full-time AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarships
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Get all the information you need to successfully apply for a Deakin research degree or PhD, including key dates, entry requirements, supporting documents and finding a research supervisor. We’re here to support you through the process.