What is a PhD?
A PhD – also known as a Doctor of Philosophy, doctorate or doctoral degree – develops independent researchers who make an original contribution to knowledge.
During a PhD you have the flexibility to solve a problem and develop advanced research skills with the support of UTS’s researchers and facilities.
Your research might be based on a research question you’ve developed yourself, or with your future supervisor. Or you might join an existing project or research team.
Your PhD will be guided by academic and industry supervisors - experts in their field working alongside you to explore a unique research question. Unlike a Research Masters, your PhD supervisors may not be as closely involved, giving you the space to think independently and develop expert knowledge on your topic under their mentorship.
Doing a PhD gives you time and space to explore alternate ways of thinking, and knowing, and ultimately being in the world.
Degree structure
Standard duration: 4 years (full-time) or 8 years (part-time)
After graduation: You’ll hold an internationally-recognised Doctorate in Philosophy and can use the title Doctor.
Outputs: Your project deliverables will be agreed with your supervisors and faculties. It doesn’t need to be a thesis, it could include a variety of tangible deliverables like a patent, algorithm, policy proposal or enterprise.
Open to: Domestic and international students who meet eligibility requirements.
About you
You may be interested in a PhD if you want to:
deepen your expertise
Strengthen your speciality and contribute original knowledge to your chosen field.
create solutions to global issues
Address a wicked problem with an international research team.
make the world better
Deliver original research for a not-for-profit, government or community organisation.
build a new venture
Build commercialisation into your high-impact research idea from the very start.
innovate for industry
Build competitive advantage in real time.
Customise your training
Depending on your research interests, you'll have a home faculty, but you'll also have access to subjects, experts and facilities from across UTS to support your research topic.
You'll also be able to choose from a wide range of courses, workshops and other learning opportunities to develop yourself as a researcher and a professional.
Other research degrees
If the PhD isn’t for you but you want to conduct academic rigorous research, consider a Research Masters.