James Cook University

Doctor of Philosophy

Nationally Recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Designed for high performing university graduates, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a postgraduate research degree with a supervised project of original research at its core. Develop high level independent research skills while making an original contribution of knowledge to a specific discipline or area of practice.

As a JCU PhD candidate, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake focused research in the tropics. You’ll explore and generate new knowledge to meet the social, environmental and sustainability challenges facing tropical communities.

Delivery mode

James Cook University offers this course through the following delivery modes:

Blended

Combine the flexibility of online learning with the support of on campus learning.


Locations
  • City Arcade, 383 Flinders Street, Townsville
  • 36 Shields Street, Cairns

Entry requirements

Domestic Students

  • There are no mandated entry requirements.

To be eligible for entry, applicants must have attained at least one of the following:

  • a Bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class, Division A (Honours) in a degree program that included a total of at least a semester of supervised project work, the results of which contributed to the Honours grade;
  • a postgraduate qualification which included: (a) supervised research component(s) of at least one semester or equivalent and resulted in the production of output(s) graded at the equivalent of Distinction or better, and (b) at least one research methods subject;
  • a Research Masters degree, where at least two thirds of the degree consisted of a supervised research component and resulted in the production of a thesis or equivalent;
  • enrolment at this or another Australian university in a higher degree by research for the equivalent of at least 0.5 EFTSL with demonstrated satisfactory performance in the supervised research component(s);
  • a combination of qualifications, research training and experience, considered equivalent to the above by the Dean of the College to which the Candidate is applying, e.g., senior authorship of at least one peer-reviewed publication plus completion of an appropriate research methods subject.
Additional requirements may apply.

Course fees

Estimated Fee* Unavailable
* Fees are indicative only and vary based on your circumstances and eligibility for government funding.
Study mode Blended
Duration 4 Years
Estimated fee* Unavailable

Career opportunities

The Doctor of Philosophy will prepare you for the following roles.

About James Cook University

As Australia’s only university established to focus on the issues of Northern Australia and the Tropics worldwide, JCU is dedicated to helping the world’s tropical regions to prosper.

Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide we are focused on addressing the critical challenges facing the tropics, in areas as diverse as Medicine, Dentistry, Marine Science, Nursing, Arts and Society.

Inspired by a research-rich environment, the significance of our endeavours is recognised globally by the most credible world university rankings providers. Our strong performance is assessed on quality, relevance and impact.

JCU was awarded 5 Stars for teaching and employability in the QS Stars Rankings for 2021 and 5 Stars for full-time employment, graduate starting salary and student teacher ratio by the Good Universities Guide for 2023.

Career-focused courses provide an exceptional student experience, led by industry professionals who are passionate about sharing their expertise, because experience has no substitute.