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 must meet the University’s English language requirements. 

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

Inherent requirements are the abilities, knowledge and skills needed to complete the course and the proposed research project. They include the ability to: 

• source, comprehend and analyse complex information;
• comprehend and apply principles of research integrity;
• possess behavioural and social attributes necessary to participate in the research;
• generate research data and outputs;
• communicate research knowledge and the application of research principles and practices;
• participate actively and safely in the research project. 

The Doctor of Philosophy – Indigenous Knowledge welcomes applications from candidates with disabilities. The University will take all reasonable steps to enable the participation of students with disabilities.  

Candidates who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this with Student Equity and Disability Support. 

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Learning Outcomes and Assessment sections of this entry. 

Last updated: 27 February 2025