Application dates

There are two selection rounds each year for entry to the Doctor of Philosophy - Education. All applications must be submitted and complete by the closing dates below to be considered for each round.

First selection round 2021

Applications close 18 April 2021

Second selection round 2021

Applications close 16 October 2021

We recommend you submit your application at least four weeks before the closing dates, just in case any additional documentation is required.

Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission into the course, as entry to candidature is very competitive. Entry to the PhD is particularly competitive; and a grade average in excess of 80% (H1) or equivalent is usually required to be admitted into this degree.

Application process

1. Write your research proposal

You must provide an extended research proposal with your application. Research proposals should be 1,500 words for PhD applications and 1,000 words for all other graduate research degrees.

They must succinctly address the following points under separate headings:

Aims of study: what's the proposed topic of your study and why is it important? What does your study want to achieve? What could your potential research questions be?
Key concepts and theories: briefly discuss key academic concepts and theories informing your study.
Approach and methodology: provide a brief overview of the approach and/or methodology you intend to use in your study.
Rationale for coming to the Melbourne Graduate School of Education (MGSE): why is MGSE the right research environment for your project? Why is your prospective principal supervisor a good fit for your project (see below)?
Bibliography: list up to ten key references for your project.

Once you've identified a principal supervisor, your research proposal should also be updated to reflect who they are and how they may contribute to your research project.

2. Find a supervisor

Find a principal supervisor who will support your research proposal and application. Your supervisor must be a current staff member at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education (MGSE).

We recommend that you search for a supervisor on the University’s Find an Expert page, or visit our current research projects page to find staff members working on research projects. Please attach your research proposal (or a short summary) and CV when contacting your potential supervisors via email.

You'll need to upload evidence of your intended principal supervisor’s support when submitting your application. This can be in email format and must include the intended supervisor’s agreement to supervise you should your application be successful.

Please note that all supervision arrangements are also subject to the approval of the MGSE Selection Committee. Support of a prospective supervisor does not guarantee entry to MGSE’s research higher degree program.

3. Apply online

Read the application information and apply on the Graduate Research website.

Don’t forget to provide your research proposal and evidence of your intended principal supervisors support when submitting your application. You will also need to supply a 100-word summary of your project in addition to your research proposal.

If you have any questions about how to complete or submit your application, please contact Graduate Research Admissions at rhd-admissions@unimelb.edu.au.

Scholarships

Prospective graduate research students will be automatically considered for scholarships as part of the graduate research degree application. Current graduate research students can apply for scholarships via their Student Portal.

Further information:

Application outcome

All correspondence regarding your application will be by email. If your application is successful, you will receive an offer letter via email explaining how you can accept your place.

We endeavour to communicate application outcomes for all applicants within six weeks from the application closing dates.

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Doctor of Philosophy - Education

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Entry requirements

Entry requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy - Education

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