Doctor of Philosophy in International Studies

The new school of International Studies helps you to understand social, cultural and environmental futures emerging from transcultural and intercultural interactions and encounters produced by global change.

The research degree is undertaken wholly by thesis. A doctoral thesis is normally a work of 80,000–100,000 words. Candidates are encouraged to attend research activities offered by the Faculty where possible, to develop their knowledge and skills in research.

The Doctor of Philosophy is structured in three phases.

• Phase 1 involves the development of a number of advanced research skills and capabilities. At the beginning of the program, students negotiate a doctoral study plan with their supervisor. This plan makes explicit the kinds of support each student requires. A formal doctoral assessment is undertaken at the end of Phase 1 in which the candidates present a full proposal for assessment, which is a prerequisite for entering Phase 2.
• In Phase 2, students develop their individual program of research, and their readiness to enter Phase 3 is assessed at the end of Phase 2.
• In Phase 3, candidates engage in the preparation and submission of a major thesis, which makes a sustained contribution to knowledge in their field of inquiry.

Research and development activities are provided throughout the three phases to assist students to develop the capabilities of a successful doctoral graduate.

• Applicants must have completed a UTS recognised master's by research or bachelor's degree with first or second class honours (division 1), or an equivalent or higher qualification, or submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate research studies.
• Selection criteria also include the quality of the research proposal, the faculty's ability to offer appropriate supervision in the applicant's chosen field, and, where necessary, demonstration of generic technical skills.
• The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: Academic IELTS: 7.0 overall with a writing score of 7.0; or TOEFL: paper based: 584-609 overall with TWE of 5.0, internet based: 94-101 overall with a writing score of 23; or AE6: Pass; or PTE: 65-72; or CAE: 185-190
• Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.

International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS)

Each year, the Australian Government Department of Industry provides a number of International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) to eligible candidates. These scholarships allow students of exceptional research promise to undertake full-time postgraduate study in Australian universities.

Value:

The IPRS covers the annual tuition fees in a Doctoral or Masters Degree by research, as well as covering the cost of a standard Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the awardee and their dependants. The duration of a full-time scholarship is 3 years for a PhD candidate and 2 years for a Masters candidate.

The IPRS is extremely competitive and only a few are awarded per year.