Doctor of Philosophy - Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (DR-PHILMDH)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an internationally recognised qualification in which candidates undertake research on a specific topic. Candidates develop expert specialised research and analytical skills and communicate the outcomes of their research in a thesis and through oral presentation. To be awarded the degree, candidates must demonstrate systemic and critical understanding of a substantial and complex body of knowledge at the forefront of their discipline and make an original and significant contribution to knowledge. 

The PhD prepares candidates for a range of careers where they can apply their research, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The Doctor of Philosophy – Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences is offered in the following schools/disciplines.  

• Melbourne Medical School
• School of Biomedical Sciences
• School of Health Sciences
• Melbourne Dental School
• Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences
• Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
• Medical Biology (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute)
• Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology
• Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health
• Centre for Youth Mental Health
• Medical Bionics Department

Commencement periods

• Students may commence a PhD at any time during the year between 1st March and 31 October. Commencement between 1st and 28th February or between 1st and 30th November may be approved subject to approval of the proposed principal supervisor. Commencement in January or December is not permitted.
• Commencement in the degree is subject to prior arrangement with their nominated supervisor and the Learning and Teaching Unit. (Scholarships have separate rules and students should seek approval from Melbourne Scholarships to vary their scholarship commencement).
• Please check with the relevant academic unit prior to making any arrangements for enrolment or travel.