C02039v3 Doctor of Philosophy

Note(s)

Research degrees are offered on a sponsored, scholarship, faculty part-sponsored or full-fee-paying basis. Contact UTS: International Studies or the University Graduate School for further details.

Overview

The PhD is a University-wide degree which involves an intense period of supervised study and research, culminating in the submission of a thesis. The degree is awarded to candidates who, through original investigation, make a distinct and significant contribution to knowledge in their field of specialisation.

UTS: International Studies has strong expertise in China studies. Candidates may choose to write their thesis in English or in languages other than English, such as Chinese, where UTS: International Studies has sufficient supervisory capacity.

Career options

The research degrees offered by UTS: International Studies are especially valuable for those wishing to pursue an academic career or a career in research.

Academic requirements

Applicants must have completed a recognised Australian 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.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

Each applicant should, prior to application, discuss their proposed thesis topic with UTS: International Studies' research coordinator to determine whether supervision is possible.

In addition to completing the University's application form, PhD applicants must provide the following:

• evidence of their ability to undertake advanced original research, appropriate to the proposed doctoral program. This may include previous research at honours and/or master's level, experience as a research team member, or professional practice involving systematic inquiry or advanced scholarship. Applicants should include a list of their published work, if appropriate
• project proposal: the proposal is to be 1500–2000 words and should include a statement of the problem, research question or area of investigation; a discussion of the relevant literature; an outline of the methodological approach; and a justification of the importance of the research.

Information and application forms are available in English and Chinese.

The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; TOEFL: paper based: 575 overall with TWE of 4.5, internet based: 90 overall with a writing score of 21; DEEP: C

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.

Course duration and attendance

The maximum course duration is four years of full-time, or eight years of part-time study.

Students can complete in less than the maximum time. Students, in general, are not required to attend classes. However, regular contact is maintained with the supervisor(s) throughout the candidate's enrolment.

Candidates who are resident in China and who have difficulty travelling to Sydney can receive supervision in China through periodic visits by their supervisor, email contact and cooperation with a local university.

Course structure

The research degree is undertaken wholly by thesis. A doctoral thesis is normally a work of 80,000–100,000 words and is examined by three appropriate examiners, at least two of whom are external to UTS.

UTS: International Studies has the capacity to supervise theses in the fields of cultural diversity, social change, contemporary culture, politics and modern history in China, Japan, Europe and the Americas.

Course completion requirements

Other information

Further information is available from UTS: International Studies on: