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

Course structure

Candidates enrol in a thesis subject for the duration of the course and undertake original research under academic supervision. The research project is designed to be completed in 3 years full-time equivalent with two possible six-month extensions to the maximum candidature duration of 4 years full-time equivalent. 

Course rules 

Candidates must: 

• satisfy any relevant regulatory requirements prior to or following commencement as required;
• complete required mandatory training;
• complete specified academic progress requirements;
• spend a minimum of 12 months full-time equivalent study at the University unless otherwise approved by the Pro Vice-Chancellor for graduate research;
• present the results of their research at a completion seminar prior to thesis submission. 

Assessment 

Award of the degree is based on examination of the thesis and an oral deliberation (viva). 

The thesis usually comprises a dissertation of 80,000 words up to a maximum of 100,000 words, inclusive of footnotes but exclusive of tables, maps, bibliographies and appendices. Publications, or sections of a publication, arising from research undertaken during the course may be incorporated into the thesis, subject to any requirements or limitations set out in University policy. 

The approval of the Pro Vice-Chancellor for graduate research is required to exceed the maximum word limit or write the thesis in a language other than English, unless otherwise specified in a Joint PhD agreement. 

Refer to the Graduate Research Hub for further information. 

Coursework Component

A candidate may be required to supplement their research program by attending or enrolling in additional subjects, if considered necessary by the supervisors. Enrolment in coursework subjects must not exceed one-third of the expected course duration.  

Research internship elective 

Candidates may undertake a research internship elective subject for a minimum of 60 full-time equivalent days, up to a maximum duration of 6 months. The internship must be with a research end-user, as defined by the Department of Education. 

To be eligible to enrol in the internship subject, candidates must: 

• be enrolled (or under examination) in the course and remain enrolled for the entire period of the internship;
• be able to complete the internship before completion of the degree;
• have the approval of their supervisor;
• be making satisfactory progress in the course;
• have completed mandatory research integrity training. 

Subject options

All graduate researchers should discuss coursework subject options with their supervisor and the Course Convenor and note that the approval of the Supervisor, the Head of Department or Faculty nominee, and the Course Convenor is required to undertake one or more coursework subjects.

Last updated: 6 November 2025