Doctor of Philosophy - Indigenous Knowledge (DR-PHILIK) // Entry and participation requirements

Entry requirements

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

• a four-year bachelor degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study and have achieved a minimum weighted average of 75% in the final year subjects or (University of Melbourne) equivalent;
• or a master degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study and achieved a minimum weighted average of 75% or (University of Melbourne) equivalent;
• or a qualification or professional experience considered to be equivalent.
• or be an Indigenous Australian, who is not otherwise selected, if the Selection Committee decides they are likely to succeed in their proposed course of study.

For this purpose of this PhD course, professional experience is understood to include demonstrable experience of maintaining and/or revitalising Indigenous knowledge practices, such as cultural, language, ceremonial and/or environmental practices.

Applicants for all discipline areas must provide: 

• referee reports (except for applicants who have graduated from the University of Melbourne within the last 5 years);
• and evidence of the endorsement of a prospective supervisor.

In addition, applicants must provide a research proposal, and may optionally provide an example of scholarly writing, folio, recording and/or audition as pertinent to the proposed topic and approach:

• a written research proposal of 1000 to 2500 words (mandatory),
• a recent example of scholarly writing of 2000 to 5000 words (optional),
• a folio of 3–4 representative works pertinent to the proposed approach (optional),
• demonstrate a very high standard of performance ability via a live audition or live recording of at least 20 minutes in length (optional),
• a CV including lists of publications, works, performances, broadcasts, research experience and/or community services (optional)

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection. 
 
2. In selecting applicants, the selection committee will consider applicants’:

• prior academic performance and, if relevant, professional qualifications;
• understanding of the research question to be explored;
• demonstrated ability in Indigenous knowledge practices;
• performance at an interview;
• motivation and capacity to complete the course in a timely manner;
• relevant prior research and/or professional experience;
• and the referee reports.

3. The selection committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Selection and Admission Policy 

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for graduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, the following performance band are required: Band 6.5

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

All candidates are required to complete the equivalent of at least one-third advanced study and research at the University (unless studying at an approved outside institution). The Higher Degrees by Research Committee (HDRC) will not approve entirely distance supervision or entirely on-line supervision for Graduate Researchers.

Throughout their candidature candidates are expected to attend the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up their research within a University community and environment.

The residency requirement is deemed especially important during the period of probationary candidature. During probationary candidature the Graduate Researcher is expected to interact on a regular basis with the supervisor, the department (including staff and other Graduate Researchers) and the University, so as to build the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out the proposed research program to acquire an understanding of the standards and requirements for a PhD awarded by the University to make use of support programs and facilities provided by the University of Melbourne throughout candidature.

The minimum residency requirement may be waived only by the President of the Board if the President is satisfied the following conditions apply:
(a) exceptional circumstances exist that prevent the applicant from complying with the residency requirement in section 4.14;
(b) the applicant has a demonstrated professional background in the area of their proposed research; and
(c) the applicant provides a plan for their regular attendance at the University that has been endorsed by their supervisors.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a minimum residency waiver.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Objectives and Generic Skills sections of this entry. It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a Graduate Researchers's participation in the University's programs. Graduate Researchers who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support.

Last updated: 10 December 2024