Overview

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is awarded for high-level research and, as such, it is expected that candidates will make a contribution to knowledge in their chosen field.

A PhD may be undertaken by three different means:

Traditional PhD: A PhD candidate’s work is assessed on the basis of a c. 100,000 word thesis.
PhD by Publication: A PhD candidate’s work is assessed on the basis of the submission of a thesis (c. 50,000 words) containing a number of papers written up as journal articles.
PhD by Creative Project: A PhD candidate’s work is assessed on the basis of a thesis and a project, including but not limited to: a durable record of performance, exhibition of visual arts, writing, design, film, multimedia, CD, DVD, software program or other creative works.

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Programme Structure

A PhD may be undertaken by three different means:

Traditional PhD: A PhD candidate’s work is assessed on the basis of a c. 100,000 word thesis.

PhD by Publication: A PhD candidate’s work is assessed on the basis of the submission of a thesis (c. 50,000 words) containing a number of papers written up as journal articles.

PhD by Creative Project: A PhD candidate’s work is assessed on the basis of a thesis and a project, including but not limited to: a durable record of performance, exhibition of visual arts, writing, design, film, multimedia, CD, DVD, software program or other creative works.

Check out the full curriculum

Visit programme website

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months
Part-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-01-01 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.
Starting 2026-07-01 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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PTE Academic

58

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TOEFL^® IBT

79

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Credits

240 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Melbourne, Australia
Ballarat, Australia
Brisbane, Australia
Canberra, Australia
Sydney, Australia
Sydney, Australia

Disciplines

Philosophy Theology and Religious Studies Creative Writing

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

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PTE Academic

58

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TOEFL^® IBT

79

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Other requirements

General requirements

CRICOS: 097176G
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.
If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Australian Catholic University (ACU) and/or in Australia, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

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Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

28940 AUD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 28940 AUD per year during 36 months.

Living costs for Melbourne

1501 - 2659 AUD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Philosophy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

A PhD may be undertaken by three different means:

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Other requirements

General requirements

Student insurance

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fee

International

Living costs for Melbourne

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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