#3 Victorian university for biological science
#3 university in Victoria for scientific impact
#1 Victorian university for facilities and resources
Why choose Deakin
A full-time member of the academic staff in the Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM), experienced in research, will be appointed as supervisor for each student in the Doctor of Philosophy - Biological and Chemical Sciences. Associate supervisors, internal or external, will be appointed to assist the principal supervisor. Students may be required to meet certain attendance requirements and will be required to complete a thesis embodying the results of research carried out in the field of study specified at the time of enrolment. Students will be referred to prospective supervisors in order to establish a possible research project. The Doctor of Philosophy is normally completed over two to four years of full-time or part-time equivalent and can be taken in either Campus or online mode.
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Frontier materials expert co-supervision
Every candidate is co-supervised by experts from Deakin's Institute for Frontier Materials, connecting your research to one of Australia's leading advanced materials research institutes.
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Pilot-scale research facilities
Research at Victoria's #1 university for facilities and resources, with access to Carbon Nexus, the Battery Research and Innovation Hub and the Future Fibres Facility.
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Science for a circular economy
Contribute to Deakin Institute for Frontier Material’s mission to redesign materials for the circular economy, exploring new ways to create materials with greater functionality, durability and sustainability.
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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
Deakin is ranked #1 in Victoria for student support, with resources designed to take you from orientation through to thesis submission. You'll have a personalised online candidature profile to track milestones and manage your progress, backed by dedicated supervision. The Researcher Development Academy runs workshops covering research practice, writing, milestones and research communication. You can also build experience beyond your thesis through study trips, research fieldwork, fellowships, industry mentorship and programs like the National Industry PhD Program. Deakin's Three Minute Thesis (3MT) and Reel Research program gives you the chance to develop your research communication skills throughout your degree.
As a Deakin graduate researcher, you'll have access to world-class facilities across our campuses. Deakin is ranked #1 among Victorian universities for facilities, with advanced labs, specialised equipment and collaborative spaces available to researchers. Highlights include the Genesis Simulator, the only university-based system of its kind worldwide, Australia's first high-G CYCLONE Centrifuge, the AquaFI Lab and the Deakin Volume Screen. Our research precincts, including the Geelong Future Economy Precinct with its Hydrogen Hub and ManuFutures facility and the ITSH Precinct, put you alongside industry partners and cutting-edge infrastructure.
Applying for a research degree at Deakin involves a few key steps. First, review the entry requirements section on the course page. Next, find a supervisor in your field and review key dates and scholarship deadlines. You'll then need to prepare your supporting documents, including a research proposal. When you're ready, create a ResearchPoint profile and apply online through the Deakin Application Portal.
Finding the right supervisor is one of the most important steps in starting a research degree. Deakin's Find a Research Supervisor tool lets you search by research area, faculty or keyword to identify academics whose expertise aligns with your proposed project. Browse their profiles to learn about current projects and research interests, then reach out to introduce yourself and discuss your ideas. You'll need to confirm a supervisor's availability and willingness to support you before submitting your application.
If you're an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent visa holder, you won't pay tuition fees for a research degree at Deakin. Domestic candidates are automatically covered by the RTP Fee Offset scholarship, which covers your tuition in full. You may also be eligible for an RTP or DUPR scholarship, which can include a tax-exempt stipend, relocation allowances and other support.
A research proposal is a required part of your application for a research degree at Deakin. It helps us assess whether we have the supervisory expertise to support your project. Your proposal should cover your research direction, aims and objectives, your approach and scope, and how your work will contribute to knowledge in the field. The expected length varies from 300 to 2,000 words depending on the faculty. Find out how to prepare a compelling research proposal.
Yes, part-time study is available for many research degrees at Deakin, making it possible to balance your candidacy with work or other commitments. For example, a masters by research that takes two years full-time can be completed part-time over four years. Check the duration details on the course page to confirm.
*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
How your research degree is structured
Your PhD is built around your own independent research project and the contribution you want to make. Over approximately three years full-time (part-time available), you'll work closely with an expert supervisory team to investigate a problem, question or opportunity, hone your specialisation and make an original contribution to your field. Your research program will be shaped by your project, discipline and research goals.
Your research
Lead an independent research project that makes an original contribution to knowledge in your field, culminating in a doctoral thesis of up to 100,000 words. Thesis formats can vary depending on your discipline and research.
Your supervision
Work closely with an expert supervisory team who will guide your research and support your progress throughout your degree.
Your development
Build capabilities beyond your thesis through Deakin's Researcher Development Academy, with tailored opportunities to strengthen your research practice, grow your networks and develop your engagement and career skills.
Your industry opportunities
Depending on your project, you may have opportunities to connect your research with industry, build professional networks and gain experience translating research into practice.
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
What to expect while studying
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 |
|---|
| 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. |
| Demonstrate autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability, leadership, initiative, resilience and responsibility as an expert and leading practitioner or scholar. |
| 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. |
| 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 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. |
| Demonstrate autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability, leadership, initiative, resilience and responsibility as an expert and leading practitioner or scholar. |
Approved by Faculty Board 7 June 2018
- Award granted
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- F902
- 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
Please refer to Research Scholarships and Fees for more information.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
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.