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 $170,560 Fees are based on full-time study.

For more information about this course and payment options please enquire now.

Study mode Blended
Duration 4 Years
Estimated fee* Unavailable $170,560

Career opportunities

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

About James Cook University

JCU is top for undergraduate and postgraduate job outcomes, ranked #1 in QLD for full-time employment in both study areas by the Good Universities Guide 2023.

We’re also ranked #1 in Australia for median graduate salary for international student graduates, in the QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022.

JCU graduates emerge job-ready with the knowledge, confidence and practical experience to transition straight into the workplace.