Key facts
Locations
Course overview
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.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Year
2026 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
World-leading experts
Achieve your research aspirations and be inspired by the best researchers in your field. Connect with a dedicated research supervisor who will guide you through every stage of your degree.
Course structure
A Doctor of Philosophy is awarded for a substantial, original contribution to knowledge achieved in three years of full-time study (or six years of part-time study).
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
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.
Course duration
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.
Workload
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.)
Work experience
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.
Flexible course delivery
Deakin’s blend of online and on-campus learning means you can balance work, study and personal development. Achieve work-life balance – study with Deakin's dedicated support and flexible learning options.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
To be considered for selection into a Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) degree, you are required to have completed either:
- a research project in a related area including a thesis which is equivalent to at least 25% of a year's full-time study at Level 8 or 9 of the Australian Qualifications Framework with achievement of a grade for the project equivalent to a Deakin grade of 70% or equivalent
- a higher degree by research (HDR) in a related area
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 6.5) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Online studies
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.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$44,000 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook. Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Scholarship options
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.
Research information
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.
Career outcomes
Clinical epidemiology, public health, medical ethics, medical professionalism, health service management, quality assurance, risk prevention, medical education.
Professional recognition
Not applicable
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Course Learning Outcomes | Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| 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. | Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities: appropriate to the level of study related to a discipline or profession. Digital literacy: using technologies to find, use and disseminate information. Self-management: working and learning independently, and taking responsibility for personal actions. |
| 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. | Critical thinking: evaluating information using critical and analytical thinking and judgment. Problem solving: creating solutions to authentic (real world and ill-defined) problems. Teamwork: working and learning with others from different disciplines and backgrounds. |
| Demonstrate autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability, leadership, initiative, resilience and responsibility as an expert and leading practitioner or scholar. | Communication: using oral, written and interpersonal communication to inform, motivate and effect change. Global citizenship: engaging ethically and productively in the professional context and with diverse communities and cultures in a global context. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
