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Doctor of Philosophy (Science and Agriculture)

I'm a domestic student, commencingstudent, looking to commence studying in 2025.
There are no upcoming offerings for the year 2025.
This course has no domestic offering.
This course has no international offering.

Establish yourself as a leader in your field. The Doctor of Philosophy from Charles Sturt University gives you the opportunity to make an original and significant contribution to knowledge in your chosen discipline within the sciences.

As the highest level of qualification available, a PhD could pave the way for a rewarding career in research or academia anywhere in the world.

Research Fee Offset Scholarships: Domestic research candidates studying a Doctor of Philosophy or Master of Philosophy course may be eligible to receive a tuition fee offset scholarship. Further information at Research Fee Offset Scholarships - Research (csu.edu.au) 

This course is part of an articulated program of study. Articulated programs allow you to build on your study to achieve the right level of qualification for you.

    Make a difference

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    Key information

    Study mode and sessions

    Online
    On Campus
    Next session start: July 14, 2025
    Session 1 : March 3, 2025
    Online, On Campus
    Uni Wide
    Session 2 : July 14, 2025
    Online, On Campus
    Uni Wide
    Session 3 : November 17, 2025
    Online, On Campus
    Uni Wide

    Duration

    Minimum time - 4 year(s)
    Maximum time - 8 year(s)

    Entry score

    TBA
    View entry requirements

    Indicative fees

    Domestic on campus
    Fee paying postgraduate:
    Full-time - $35,648.00 pa
    Part-time - $17,824.00 pa

    Domestic online
    Fee paying postgraduate:
    Full-time - $35,648.00 pa
    Part-time - $17,824.00 pa

    View costs

    Course points and codes

    Credit Points: 192
    AQF: Level 10
    Cricos:

    Additional information

      Applications close February 12

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      Find out more

      Why study with us?

      The Doctor of Philosophy allows you to pursue a detailed research investigation in an area of interest and present your findings in a thesis. You'll create new knowledge and develop a thorough understanding of scholarly debate in your field, and enhance your capacity to critically analyse and constructively contribute to that debate.

      Build your research expertise

      Charles Sturt's Research narrative identifies three interdisciplinary spheres that encapsulate our research goals: resilient people, flourishing communities and sustainable environments. You'll design and implement a high-quality original research project of significance to your discipline and of benefit to your community.

      Join our research community

      You'll complete your science doctorate under the guidance of experienced academics with expertise in your discipline. As a PhD candidate, you will have access to a range of valuable learning experiences, such as research seminars, conferences, industry events and undergraduate teaching opportunities. You will also become part of a vibrant research community.

      Choose a study option to suit you

      The Doctor of Philosophy has been designed with flexibility in mind. You can choose from full-time, part-time, on-campus and online study options, and applications for admission are considered at any time throughout the year.

      Consider applying for a scholarship

      We offer a number of merit-based scholarships to help you realise your study or career goals.

      Career opportunities

      As a specialist in your discipline, you could work in high-level research, policy or industry roles in Australia or internationally. Successful completion of your PhD also heralds your admission into a community of scholars and may lay the foundation for a rewarding academic career.

        What you will study

        For each 8-point subject you are enrolled in, you should expect to spend 10 to 12 hours per week working on assignments and assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, and attending lectures, intensive schools, or examinations. If you are studying four subjects per session, this is equivalent to a full-time job. The workload for some subjects may vary as a result of approved course design.

        Intensive school

        You may need to attend an online or on-campus intensive school for certain subjects in this course. These schools usually involve lectures, tutorials and practicals that will give you a deeper understanding of your subject.

        Students will work with their supervisory team to complete all aspects of their research project. The supervisory team will be comprised of one principal supervisor who is employed on an ongoing basis, and at least one co-supervisor who is employed on an ongoing basis or on a contract that is for at least the length of the students candidature. Supervisory teams may include additional co-supervisors who are adjuncts and/or external to CSU with appropriate qualifications. All supervisors will be required to meet minimum qualification and professional experience standards and have been formally registered on the CSU Supervisor Registry.

        Research areas192 Credit Points

        Legend:
        • Intensive school
        • Workplace learning
        Students will work with their supervisory team to complete all aspects of their research project. The supervisory team will be comprised of one principal supervisor who is employed on an ongoing basis, and at least one co-supervisor who is employed on an ongoing basis or on a contract that is for at least the length of the students candidature. Supervisory teams may include additional co-supervisors who are adjuncts and/or external to CSU with appropriate qualifications. All supervisors will be required to meet minimum qualification and professional experience standards and have been formally registered on the CSU Supervisor Registry.
        AES801Doctoral Research (Agricultural and Environmental Sciences) PT192 credit pts
        AES802Doctoral Research (Agricultural and Environmental Sciences) FT192 credit pts
        BMS801 Doctoral Research (Dentistry and Medical Sciences) PT192 credit pts
        BMS802Doctoral Research (Dentistry and Medical Sciences) FT192 credit pts
        HES801Doctoral Research (Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences) PT192 credit pts
        HES802 Doctoral Research (Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences) FT192 credit pts
        HSC801Doctoral Research (Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences) PT192 credit pts
        HSC802Doctoral Research (Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences) FT192 credit pts
        MED801Doctoral Research (Medicine) P/T192 credit pts
        MED802Doctoral Research (Medicine) F/T192 credit pts
        VSC801Doctoral Research (Animal and Veterinary Sciences) PT192 credit pts
        VSC802Doctoral Research (Animal and Veterinary Sciences) FT192 credit pts

        The allocation of 192 credit points to the course duration (and each shell subject) was initially calculated based on a full-time study load for 2 sessions in each of 3 years (32 points per session), or a part-time study load for 2 study sessions in each of 6 years (16 points per session). As in all Higher Degrees by Research, candidature time may vary. However, variations to candidature time do not alter the total number of credit points allocated or required for graduation. Students will re-enrol in the same research shell subject for each enrolment session until they demonstrate through the examination process that they have met the requirements of the subject and course.

        View handbook to learn more

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        Graduation requirements

        As a Charles Sturt University student, throughout your course you have a responsibility to continue to develop skills in English language, literacy and numeracy as appropriate to your discipline. This ongoing development will enable you to effectively participate in your course and graduate prepared to enter the workforce.

        To graduate, students must have completed a thesis that complies in full with the relevant regulations (Higher Degree by Research Policy), and through the formal University examination process, is deemed to have met the requirements of a doctoral level degree.

        To graduate students must demonstrate that they have

        1. a relevant depth and breadth of knowledge in the discipline,
        2. made an original and significant contribution to the discipline,
        3. applied adequate research process and methodology,
          and
        4. produced work that is worthy of formal publication.

        Costs

        Calculate my fee

        The section below is designed to allow you to select the option specific to your circumstances to discover the course fee and course offering information appropriate for you.

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        How is this calculated?

        This is an estimate

        • Fees calculated based on 1 year of full-time study (ETSL).
        • Fees dependant on chosen subjects.
        • Subject to annual increase each year.

        Not included

        Additional costs, fees and incidentals

        Scholarships

        We have scholarships and grants, totalling over $11 million annually!

        They cover various areas such as academic performance, volunteering, sports achievements, community service, specific courses, on-campus living and individuals in unique circumstances.

        Explore scholarships

        Entry requirements

        Selection rank:

        TBA

        Learn about how our selection ranks are calculated (including ATARs and adjustment factors).

        View the course profile for this course.

        Basis of Approval for Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy
        The University Research Committee shall base its decision on admission to a proposed Doctor of Philosophy candidature upon the following evidence, that:

        • the proposed program of study and research is at a level appropriate to the degree being sought;
        • the  proposed  area of research  falls  within  an  approved University  field  of  research  for  admission  to  a higher degree by research;
        • the proposed supervisors are sufficiently expert in the area of research, and have the time and commitment to be able to provide appropriate supervision, and that adequate physical resources are available;
        • the applicant has the appropriate background and ability to undertake the proposed course (refer also to Entry Qualifications, below);
        • the applicant has given the necessary commitment to work regularly on the approved program of study and research and maintain regular contact with the supervisor(s).

        Entry Qualifications for Doctor of Philosophy Degree
        The entry qualifications required for admission to a Doctor of Philosophy program are:

        • qualified for the award of a Master by Research at an acceptable level;
          or
        • an appropriate Bachelor degree with class 1 or class 2(i) honours from an Australian university or an equivalent overseas tertiary institution, taken over a minimum of four years (full-time equivalent);
          or
        • qualified for entry into a Charles Sturt University Master by Research program, and completed a minimum of 4 years full-time equivalent study, and duly enrolled and shown exceptional ability in the conduct of a research project which is clearly capable of being extended to a doctoral level;
          or
        • qualified for the award of a coursework Master’s degree with a research project and thesis/dissertation component. It is normally expected that a grade equivalent to the appropriate class of Honours will have been obtained;
          or
        • some other appropriate combination of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications (such as relevant graduate diplomas) and research experience that demonstrate capacity  to   undertake  research  at a Doctoral level.

        For entry into a PhD, Master by Research or Professional Doctoral courses an applicant must demonstrate meeting:

        • an Academic IELTS of 6.5, with no score below a 6.0, in each of the individual skill areas.

        OR

        one of the following equivalences:

        1. level 109 of the English Language Services (ELS) examination, with a score of B or higher in the Reading and Writing components, and a score of P or higher in the Speaking and Listening components within the last 12 months
        2. written evidence of completion of a university degree that was conducted and examined solely in English.
        3. Applicants may request (in writing) that alternative English language proficiency evidence be accepted.
          These requests will be reviewed and decided by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) for HDR applicants.

        Credit and pathways

        If you’ve completed relevant tertiary study, or work experience related to your course, you could receive credit towards your degree. Which would mean completing your qualification quicker. Find out how to apply for credit and see our credit policy.

        Check your eligibility for credit

        We also have several admission pathways to help you take the step into your preferred course, even if you don't quite meet the entry requirements at first. Find out what admission pathways are available to you.

        How to apply

        Applying to Charles Sturt University is easy. Choose how you want to apply below, or get in touch with Charles Sturt University and we can help you with your application.

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