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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in History, Archaeology, Geography and Indigenous Studies

Undertake a phd in history, archaeology, geography and indigenous studies.

Gain expertise in a specialised area

Pursue an advanced research project in history, archaeology, geography or Indigenous studies and expand our understanding of the cultural, social and political forces that shape and steer the world today.

Research supervisors 

How to apply 

Enquire 

Master of Arts (Research)

Duration: 2 years

Delivery mode: In person

Location: Bedford Park

CRICOS code:  106282D

Annual fees: 2024: $36,300

Further information on fees listed

Doctor of Philosophy (Humanities)

Duration: 4 years

Delivery mode: In Person

CRICOS code:  106266D

Why undertake a PhD in History, Archaeology, Geography and Indigenous Studies

• Gain expertise in a specialised area of history, archaeology, geography or Indigenous studies. You will become an international expert in your topic
• Make a difference to the world. Your research has the potential to improve people’s lives by understanding the near or distant past
• Explore a fascinating research question that no one has answered before. You will have the opportunity to expand current knowledge or answer a previously unresolved issue in the field

Your career

A PhD gained in History, Archaeology, Geography and Indigenous Studies at Flinders provides a wide range of skills valued in all types of organisations and careers. It will enhance your analytical and communication skills, provide you with skills to quickly learn new concepts and adapt to change, and enhance your time management, organisation and resilience skills.

A PhD is a stepping stone to a career as a professional researcher in the public sector, think tanks, charities, universities, and private corporations. Individuals with PhDs in history, archaeology, geography and Indigenous studies are highly sought after for various professions in public and private organisations and have found roles in writing, the law, public service, consulting, advising, teaching and publishing.

Potential occupations include:

• consultant or advisor
• professional researcher.

Potential employers include:

• universities
• think tanks
• public sector
• private corporations.

Potential research supervisors

Flinders History, Archaeology, Geography and Indigenous studies academic staff are recognised as leaders in their fields both in Australia and globally. Our academic supervisors draw on their extensive knowledge and exciting research covering topics related to periods from the pre-historic through to the present, and from the local to international spaces and into outer space.

Associate Professor Wendy Van Duivenvoorde

Learn what to prepare before approaching a potential research supervisor.

Ready to find the perfect supervisor for your research journey?

Explore Research @ Flinders.

Archaeology

Indigenous Studies

Get inspired

Family ties.

When Flinders PhD researcher Yianni Cartledge set out on a journey to discover Greek migration stories, he didn't expect the results to hit so close to home.

Studying in Australia on an international PhD scholarship

After securing an international PhD scholarship, Flinders researcher Meghan McAllister-Hayward moved all the way from Ireland to start her PhD in Geoarchaeology.

How to apply

Review the course rule

Check your eligibility

Find a research supervisor

Find out about scholarships and fees

Prepare your application

Enquire now

If you have a question about how to apply, please review our Frequently Asked Questions before submitting an enquiry.

For all other course enquiries complete the enquiry form.

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Doctor of Philosophy

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an internationally recognised graduate research program that will enable you to become an independent researcher. 

With the guidance of an advisory team, you'll undertake a research project, produce an 80,000-word thesis and complete an oral examination.

A PhD takes 3 to 4 years full-time. Under guidance, you'll develop advanced research skills and knowledge in your chosen field.

The thesis is a substantial document that makes an original contribution to your field of research. Your thesis may involve an alternate format .

You'll need a strong academic background and you may need to submit a research proposal and other documents to support your application. About 1,000 PhD candidates join UQ each year researching a wide range of topics.

Research at UQ

UQ is one of Australia’s top research-intensive universities. Our research makes an impact on the world's cultural, environmental, economic and social challenges.

Learn more about UQ's research

Program highlights

• Be inspired and challenged to explore new ideas and develop greater understanding of complex questions with leading researchers.
• Access premier resources including one of Australia’s largest libraries, with more than 2 million physical resources and 116,800+ journal subscriptions.
• Foster and improve your skills through the Career Development Framework, created with industry.
• Learn from researchers whose work addresses national and global cultural, environmental, economic and social challenges.

35 in the world

CWTS Leiden Ranking 2023

51 in the world

Academic Ranking of World Universities 2023

Supervision

You have to find and contact a thesis supervisor before you apply

This supervisor will support, guide and mentor you through your research, and can introduce you to professional networks that will start your career.

Find a supervisor

3-Minute Thesis

The showcase event for research candidates is the 3-Minute Thesis (3MT). 

3MT is held each spring.

Learn more about the 3MT

Career development

UQ offers a range of development opportunities via the Career Development Framework (CDF) to help you develop portable skills for any career or industry.

Learn more about the CDF

Studying at UQ gave me the flexibility to expand my knowledge across different areas of science outside of my chosen specialty. Keeping my scientific and translational skills broad has allowed me to adapt to different environments and opportunities throughout my career.

Discover Postgraduate Urban and Regional Planning

UQ Career Pulse

Discover Postgraduate Agribusiness

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Entry requirements, gpa equivalent.

Select where you studied and your qualification to see the GPA you need to be considered for this program.

Meeting the GPA requirement doesn’t guarantee admission.

Academic entry requirements

You have to prove you are prepared for PhD study. You do this by showing you:

• have completed some research experience
• have completed an approved university degree  and
• can meet the English language requirements.

Approved degrees

An approved degree needs to be:

• in an area relevant to your proposed PhD project and
• completed no more than 10 years ago.

You need one of the following approved degrees to apply for a PhD:

• Master of Philosophy (or another research master’s degree); or
• Bachelor’s degree from an approved university with at least honours class IIA or equivalent; or
• Coursework master’s degree with an overall grade point average of 5.65 on the 7-point UQ scale which includes relevant research experience, approved by the dean; or
• Postgraduate degree (at least one year full-time or equivalent) with an overall grade point average of 5 on the 7-point UQ scale, together with demonstrated research experience equivalent to honours class IIA will be considered on a case-by-case basis; or
• Bachelor’s degree plus at least 2 years of relevant research experience , including research publications.

Research experience

You'll meet the requirements for admission into a PhD in terms of 'research preparedness' if you can provide evidence that you've planned and executed project work and/or a body of research with some independence.

To demonstrate this, we'll ask you to provide one of the following:

• with completed courses that aim to develop research skills (minimum value of #1 unit e.g. 50 per cent of a #2 unit course), and/or
• the completion of a supervised research project that includes an individually graded written report with a combined minimum course volume equal to #4 units at UQ.
• Scholarly papers involving a substantial contribution as an author, appearing in recognised academic journals or in volumes published by recognised academic publishers.
• Research or technical reports prepared for industry, government or business, which adhere to the broad conventions of academic publishing (i.e. contain an up-to-date review of relevant literature, a description of relevant research methods and an evaluation of results, etc.) and which identify you as a significant contributor.
• A portfolio of published creative work together with published critical discussion of some or all of that work, or of a comparable body of work by others, and which demonstrates your development of a scholarly approach to creative work as research investigation.
• Demonstrable industry or work experience where you can demonstrate that you have planned and executed a project, working with a high level of independence.

Student visas

International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Doctor of Philosophy are eligible to apply for an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).

This program has two CRICOS codes:

• 0100213 – Architecture, creative arts, education, health, information technology, management and commerce, mathematical sciences, social and cultural studies
• 0100214 – Agriculture and environmental studies, dentistry, engineering, human movement, medical studies, natural and physical sciences, pharmacy, psychology, veterinary science

Discuss your proposed project with us to determine which CRICOS code is most relevant for your visa application.

There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement.

Learn more about student visas

Additional entry requirements

Many departments will have additional entry requirements and may request documents to support your application, such as a research proposal. You should discuss these additional requirements with your potential thesis supervisor.

Additional application information

Minimum English language proficiency requirements apply, please refer to the English proficiency policy .

English language requirements

There are a few ways you can meet our English language requirements. If you sit a test, the following scores are needed for PhD admission:

Read our English language requirements

Scholarships

There are several types of PhD scholarship:

• tuition fee scholarship : this covers the fees charged by UQ for PhD study
• living stipend scholarship: this is a   fortnightly payment (or stipend) to support your daily expenses
• top-up scholarship: may be provided by external organisations, supervisors, or philanthropic donations. When awarded, they provide an additional payment on top of a living stipend scholarship. They cannot be held without a living stipend scholarship.

Each year, we award more than 600 scholarships to attract and support the highest quality higher degree by research applicants.

View all postgraduate research scholarships

University scholarships

UQ scholarships include:

• Graduate School Scholarships
• Graduate School Tuition Fees Scholarship
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarships
• Earmarked Scholarships
• The Graduate School Scholarship

Other scholarships

Throughout the year we advertise a range of other research scholarships, including top-up scholarships, travel grants and external scholarships, including:

• Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship

How to apply for a scholarship

You can apply for many scholarships using the same form as your PhD application. External scholarships might have different ways to apply. 

Our Scholarships website explains how to apply for each scholarship. If you are applying for a non-UQ scholarship, outcome dates may vary.

Fees and costs

Tuition fees.

Your fees will vary according to your academic field, study load and whether you study internally or remotely.

Learn more about postgraduate research fees

Research costs

The department you enrol with will meet all necessary costs for your project, including:

• resource and facility costs: at UQ, which may include other organisations in Australia or overseas
• travel costs: to complete fieldwork, collect data, or to visit libraries or other repositories
• coursework costs: for courses studied outside the department
• relevant training: in particular methodologies or techniques.

How to apply

Before you apply, 1. check your eligibility.

Check your eligibility by reviewing the entry requirements for UQ's Higher Degrees by Research. If applying for a scholarship, check the scholarship's eligibility and important dates.

2. Approach a potential supervisor or find a project

You'll either need to find:

• a supervisor in your field who will support your proposed project.  Identify a researcher .
• a project you can join that suits your interests.  See available projects .

If you're choosing a researcher, you'll need to find one with relevant expertise and get agreement to support your PhD and project.

Many departments will require additional information to make a decision around your motivation, understanding, commitment, and financial support required.

They may request documents to support your application, such as a research proposal. You should discuss these additional requirements with your potential thesis supervisor.

3. Gather your documents

You will need to compile the necessary documents. We will accept scanned copies of original documents, but you will have to keep all original documents for the duration of your studies.

Upload all documents as PDFs and name your files like this: LASTNAME_firstname_document-name.pdf

If any of your documents is in a language other than English, you will need to send both the original document and an official translation.

Send the following documents with your application:

An academic CV assists us to determine your readiness to commence a higher degree by research. For the purposes of this application, your academic CV should be current (i.e. no more than 6 months old) and include information under the following headings:

Personal details

• your full name
• your contact details (phone number, email address, city and country of residence)
• nationality
• languages spoken and proficiency level for each
• your ORCID ID or other research output identifier (such as Google Scholar) if you have one (see the ORCID ID and research identifiers information provided by UQ Library).

As the purpose of this academic CV is to determine your academic suitability for a higher degree by research program at UQ and your competitiveness against other applicants, we only require information that is of direct relevance to our decision-making processes. With this in mind, please do not include the following in your academic CV:

• photographs/head shot
• marital status
• driver’s license
• date of birth/age
• hobbies and interests.

Educational qualifications and academic awards

List each of your formal educational qualifications in reverse chronological order (i.e. with the most recent formal educational qualification listed first). For each qualification, include:

• the commencing and end dates (month and year) for the qualification
• the full title of the qualification (e.g. Bachelor of Arts instead of B.A.)
• the institution attended and the enrolling school/administrative unit
• the city and country where the institution is located
• your Grade Point Average (GPA) for the overall qualification
• any academic achievement awards (e.g. Dean’s awards, subject prizes, University medals, thesis prizes etc.) received for the qualification
• if a research thesis was part of the qualification, include the title and word length of your dissertation.

As part of your application, please submit academic transcripts and degree certificates for each educational qualification you list.

Please do not include:

• high school qualifications
• the individual subjects/courses undertaken throughout your qualifications or the grades awarded for these
• training courses/professional development activities not resulting in a formal qualification.

Professional affiliations and memberships

List any professional/disciplinary associations or committees that you a member of and include:

• the commencing and end date (in years) for the affiliation/membership
• the name of the professional association or committee
• your membership type (e.g. student member, affiliate member, full member etc.) or role (e.g. committee member, secretary, president etc.).

Employment history

List each of your previous employment roles in reverse chronological order (i.e. with the most recent/current employment listed first) and include:

• the commencing and end dates (month and year) for the employment
• the title of each position
• the name of the employing organisation, the city, and country where you were based
• your main duties or accountabilities in that role, providing detailed information on any research-related activities
• any achievements during that role that are relevant to your proposed field of research .

Other research experience

List any voluntary, unpaid, or extra-curricular research-related projects or experiences you have undertaken (e.g. summer research projects, internships etc.) and include:

• the commencing and end dates (month and year) of the experience
• the name of the organisation, the city, and country where you were based

Research outputs

In reverse chronological order (i.e. the most recent output first) list your research outputs,  including for example research published or accepted for publication, research reports, and research by creative practice.

If needed, use sub-headings to separate refereed journal articles, published conference proceedings, edited book chapters, books, creative works, industry reports, invited papers, patents, media commentary, conference presentations and posters, invited talks etc. If applicable, use additional sub-headings to indicate if outputs are published , accepted for publication (but not yet in print), or (submitted but) under review .

Do not include any outputs/publications that are ‘in preparation’ .

For all research outputs, include:

• the output/publication reference using an official bibliographical style (such as Turabian/Chicago, APA, Harvard), including listing all authors in the order that they appear in the work with your name in bold
• the Digital Object Identifier (DOI), PubMed Identifier (PMID), International Standard Book Number (ISBN) or URL where applicable
• the standing of the journal or conference and the impact of the work (e.g. impact factors, citations and other metrics indicators)
• relevant indicators of national or international significance
• rejection rates for the outlet etc.
• how much of the original research you were responsible for (i.e. what was your role in the conception and design of the project and how involved were you in the analysis and interpretation of the research data on which the publication is based?)
• the extent to which you authored the paper.

Research grants and relevant awards

Include only those research grants and relevant awards that you have received at the time of making your application (i.e. do not list grants or awards that you applied for and did not receive or are awaiting a decision on). For each research grant/award, include:

• the name of the granting/awarding body and the country in which they are based
• the name of the grant/award
• the year(s) in which the grant was active or the year in which the award was made
• the amount of the research grant/award
• if relevant (e.g. for research grants), the title of your application.

Applicants from creative and professional-based disciplines may also include non-research grants and awards related to their creative or professional practice.

Research achievements relative to opportunity (optional)

In recognition of the diverse personal and professional pathways that applicants have experienced, you are invited to provide information ( maximum 200 words ) to contextualise your research outputs and achievements, relative to the opportunities that you have had to participate in research-related activities.

This section of the CV is optional and should only be included if you believe there are factors relevant to your research achievements that you would like the selection panels to know. Examples of factors include (but are not limited to):

• study/career disruptions due to illness, caregiving, natural disasters etc.
• non-linear academic or career progression, or a change in career direction
• reduced ability to take up research-related opportunities (e.g. attend conferences) due to caregiving responsibilities.

Academic referees

Please provide us with two referees who can comment on your academic work. For each referee, include their:

• honorific and name
• employing organisation and the city and country where they are located
• contact details, including office address, telephone, fax and email (preferably an institutional, rather than private, email address)
• an indication of the capacity in which you know this person (e.g. were they a lecturer or thesis supervisor, an employer, how long you’ve known them etc.). 

If possible, please include at least one:

• senior person (preferably your supervisor or the head of your organisational unit) closely associated with your current work, and
• person who is not a member of your proposed advisory panel/supervisory team.

Formatting and document specifications

We recommend that you use the below formatting settings to improve the readability of your CV:

• margins of at least 1.5 centimetres
• single line spacing
• no smaller than 12 point Times New Roman font (or equivalent)
• left justify text (not full justify)
• include your name and page number on each page
• be consistent in your formatting and spelling throughout
• limit the use of bold, underline, italics, and multiple font types.

Please proofread your CV carefully before uploading it to your application.

Save as a PDF and name your file: LASTNAME_firstname_CV.pdf

There is no page limit to your academic CV – it can be as long as required to include the information requested here.

Please include in your CV all the headings listed above – if you do not have any content to add for a particular heading please list ‘None to date’ under that heading .

An academic CV for employment purposes within Australia would not include the information requested here outlining your three most significant publications or your research achievements relative to opportunity. It would, however, include information about professional and service activities undertaken and may include a summary of your relevant research/teaching interest areas and skill sets – this information is not required in the CV you submit here for application to an HDR program.

This should show all study you have undertaken since secondary school, whether complete or incomplete, including the institution grading scale. The grading scale is often found on the final page or the reverse page; be sure to include all pages.

An academic transcript can also be called an:

• academic record
• diploma supplement
• statement of learning
• record of achievement.

A degree certificate is a legal document, imprinted with a university seal. It should state the name of your qualification and areas of study.

Include all degree certificates (testamurs) for post-secondary study with your application. If you studied in China, you must provide a:

• award certificate and
• graduate statement/certificate.

All applicants have to prove they can meet English language requirements . Any test scores have to be valid at your proposed commencement date.

Include a copy of the information page (with your photo) in your passport. This will verify your identity and ensure we can make offers correctly.

Include the contact details of two referees who will support your application. These referees will need to provide insight into your research experience.

We will contact your referees for a report, but you will need to enter their details into the application form.

Other documentation, originals or certified copies, may be required depending on your individual circumstances, for example:

• evidence of change of name
• proof of citizenship, if you are not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand by birth
• evidence of your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status
• previous research program information .

If you don't provide us with all documents it will take us longer to process your application. Your start date might then be delayed, or you might miss an admission or scholarship deadline. 

4. Apply online

Once you have prepared your application and contacted a potential supervisor, use the online application form to apply. Your application can only be assessed once your referees have responded to us, and all outstanding documents and school/institute endorsements have been received.

Important dates

The academic year for research students is divided into four research quarters (RQ).

Candidates applying for a Student Visa or UQ scholarship may need to apply earlier. Make sure you check  scholarship round application deadlines  and outcome dates before applying.

The agreed start date will be included on your Confirmation of Enrolment.

Find out more about research quarter dates

The academic year for research students is divided into four research quarters (RQ). You can start a PhD in any quarter, as long as the Census Date hasn't passed.

Candidates applying for a UQ scholarship may need to apply earlier. Make sure you check scholarship round application deadlines and outcome dates before applying.

The agreed start date will be included on your offer of admission.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants

For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.

Contact the ATSIS Unit

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• Faculty of Arts
• School of Historical and Philosophical Studies
• Discipline areas

Established in 1854, the History program at the University of Melbourne is one of the most distinguished and longest running in Australia.

History has been taught at the University since it opened in 1854. Under Sir Ernest Scott, Professor of History from 1913 to 1936, the History Department pioneered teaching and research in Australian history.

Successor Professor Max Crawford made the Melbourne department the most influential in the country. Melbourne historians helped pioneer the teaching and research of Australian history in particular and staff members, such as Manning Clark, Hugh Stretton, Geoffrey Blainey, Margaret Kiddle, Lloyd Robson and Geoffrey Serle, left a lasting impact on our understanding of the Australian past.

The program has also historically had great strengths in European, Asian, Middle Eastern, Soviet and American history, and in new approaches to the past, such as gender history, memory studies and the history of emotions. We place a particular emphasis on teaching undergraduates through the use of primary sources.

Learn more about the history of the program

View our staff

Explore our research

Our research examines the histories and transformations of society, religion, politics and culture in Australia, Asia, North America, North Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

Soviet War Experiences, 1937-1950

This project charts the varieties of wartime experiences on Soviet-held territories between 1937 and 1950. Refusing to extract one, allegedly 'typical' experience, this project focuses on the range, variety, and complexity of wartime experiences of ordinary (and some extraordinary) people.

Confronting Historical Injustice in Indonesia: Memory and Transnational Human Rights Activism

Using an innovative framework of the concept of ‘regions of memory’, this project examines how human rights activists located within and outside Indonesia use memory for the purposes of achieving human rights outcomes.

Mass Politics in the Nineteenth Century

The nineteenth century was marked by great changes in the formal boundaries of the polity, forms of political activity and the meanings of ‘democracy’. This research considers some of the changes in Australia, the United States and Great Britain.

Explore more of our research

Study with us

Explore our range of courses:

• Bachelor of Arts History major (see curriculum )
• Bachelor or Arts (Degree with Honours)
• Master of Arts (Thesis Only)
• Master of Arts (Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis)
• Doctor of Philosophy – Arts

See student resources:

• Information for schools
• Careers in history
• History essay writing guide
• The Hansen Trust (including PhD scholarships)
• Scholarships and prizes

Explore our stories

Delve into our student profiles, research articles, academic interviews, podcasts, news, events and more.

Meet our History staff

Our academics are leading teachers, researchers and industry professionals.

Prof Catherine Kovesi

Prof Andrew May

Prof Mark Edele

Prof Kate McGregor

Prof David Goodman

Prof Sean Scalmer

Prof Zoe Laidlaw

Prof Joy Damousi

A/Prof Julie Fedor

A/Prof Jenny Spinks

Dr Angel Alcalde Fernandez

Dr Julia Hurst

Dr Matthew Champion

Dr Andonis Piperoglou

Dr Julia Bowes

Dr Pete Millwood

Dr Sarah Walsh

Dr Oleg Beyda

Dr Charlotte Millar

Dr Bronwyn Beech Jones

Dr James Keating

Dr Nat Cutter

Dr Natasha Wilson

Dr Patrick McGrath

Dr Kathryn Ticehurst

Dr Shannon Gilmore-Kuziow

Dr Iryna Skubii

History honorary staff

• Programs and Courses

Doctor of Philosophy, Culture History and Languages

A single four year research award offered by the School of Culture History and Language

• Length 4 year full-time
• Minimum 192 Units
• Academic plan 9050XPHD
• CRICOS code 048359F
• Student Centre, ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
• Admission & Fees
• Introduction

Employment Opportunities

Further information.

• Additional Information

Admission Requirements

Scholarships.

• Indicative Fees

Program Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy requires the submission and successful examination of a thesis of up to 100,000 words.

The PhD for Culture, History and Language consists of three to four years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) and the completion and successful examination of a thesis.

Your PhD at ANU will equip you with the skills and methodological framework you will need to excel in your research and beyond. Your supervisory panel will discuss required training with you, which will include topics such as research methods, concepts, ethics and other topics as appropriate to your skills and research topic. You will receive at least 12 units (equivalent to two courses) worth of targeting training for PhD candidates to support you during your time with us.

To be admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy program in Culture, History and Languages you will be required to have completed at least a four-year Australian undergraduate degree or equivalent with a result of at least H2A.

You may be granted admission if you can demonstrate that you have research experience equivalent to these qualifications, including factors such as competence in a relevant language, cultural knowledge and work experience in Asia or the Pacific..

All applicants must meet the University’s English Language Admission Requirements for Students .

If you think you qualify, check out our guidance on how to apply .

Indicative fees

All students are required to pay the Services and amenities fee  (SA Fee)

Domestic students

Domestic research students are not required to pay tuition fees as they are enrolled under the Research Training Scheme which funds the fees. For further information see students.anu.edu.au/fees/domestic/research.php

International students

Indicative fees for international students are:

International student fees (ISF)

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees

For further information on International Tuition Fees see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/international-tuition-fees

Fee Information

All students are required to pay the  Services and amenities fee  (SA Fee)

The annual indicative fee provides an estimate of the program tuition fees for international students and domestic students (where applicable). The annual indicative fee for a program is based on the standard full-time enrolment load of 48 units per year (unless the program duration is less than 48 units). Fees for courses vary by discipline meaning that the fees for a program can vary depending on the courses selected. Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis and typically will increase from year to year. The tuition fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and the courses selected and are subject to increase during the period of study.

For further information on Fees and Payment please see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments

ANU offers a wide range of  scholarships  to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the  Scholarships  website.

Exceptional research degrees at ANU

The Australian National University provides PhD students with a vibrant research community and outstanding program support . When selecting a research program, an institution's reputation is everything. ANU is one of the world's leading universities, and the smart choice for your research program.

As a PhD student you will work with increased independence, under the direction of a supervisory panel of experts in the field. Your research will make an original and important contribution to human knowledge, research and development .

Career Options

ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.

We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.

Our graduates enjoy successful careers in fields including academic research and teaching; journalism; foreign aid and development; foreign affairs; global governance; consulting; the arts and culture.

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HISTSTP01 - Historical studies PhD program

ANU College of Science

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Australian National University provides PhD students with a vibrant research community and outstanding program support .  When selecting a research program, an institution's reputation is everything. ANU is one of the world's leading universities, and the smart choice for your research program.

As a PhD student you will work with increased independence, under the direction of a supervisory panel of experts in the field. Your research will make an original and important contribution to human knowledge, research and development.

Program details

The major component of a research program is a substantial written work known as a thesis, which investigates a particular subject or issue. As a research student, you will work with increased independence, under the direction of an academic supervisor or a supervisory panel of academic staff.

A PhD will normally take you between 2-4 years to complete.

• 2 - 4 years full time
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities

The Doctor of Philosophy is your gateway to an academic or research career in science. In addition to academia, PhD graduates work in diverse fields within government, education, industry and media.

World class facilities

Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and support, including labs, computational services and recreation and relaxation rooms.

Learning experience

Industry engagement

Industry engagement is one of the best ways for a PhD student to test their capabilities as a researcher, and to obtain transferable and professional skills.

Get out of the classroom

PhD student Kate Holland takes us on a field trip to One Tree Island to explain her research.

PhD student unearths the Holy Grail of paleontology

Ilya Bobrovskiy had a crazy idea for his PhD. And then he made one of the biggest scientific breakthroughs of the year.

Fees & scholarships

Scholarships.

Whether you are looking for financial support to start your studies at ANU or help to move away from home for the first time, we have scholarship opportunities for you and your situation.

• How to apply
• International

Understand the how to apply steps

Visit the domestic postgraduate research applications page to prepare for your application to ANU.

Finding an academic supervisor

Prospective research students first need to identify a research project and find an academic supervisor.

Review the  fields of research  we offer and contact the academic convenor for advice about potential projects, supervisors, and the pre-application process. The  ANU Researchers  website is also a good place to start looking for a supervisor.

Email your academic supervisor directly to enquire about projects and supervision. Your email should outline the reason(s) why you are attracted to their field of research, the type of research you would like to pursue and a summary of your academic qualifications and research experience. You may also submit a short research proposal, however, this is not mandatory at this point.

The academic supervisor may contact you to discuss your research proposal and possibly other projects, or they may forward your email to other staff in the research school / centre.

Once an academic supervisor has been confirmed to support your application you may proceed to step three.

If you are not sure which area of research or supervisor matches your interest please complete an  expression of interest  and we will get in contact with you. Do not proceed to next step until advised.

Finding available scholarships

ANU Colleges and individual research schools offer a number of  scholarships  that are awarded on a merit basis. You can also talk to your academic supervisor about other sources of funding you might access to assist with living expenses and tuition fees.

Visit the international postgraduate research applications page to prepare for your application to ANU.

Need more information?

Send us an enquiry and we'll get back to you within 48 hours

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in History and Archaeology

Adelaide , Australia

THE world university rank:  301

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Doctor of Philosophy - Forensic Anthropology [048381G]

Bruce , Australia

THE world university rank:  67

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Doctor of Philosophy - History [048381G]

Doctor of Philosophy - History

Doctor of Philosophy (History)

Sydney , Australia

THE world university rank:  201

AUD 138,600 ? AUD  138,600 Program fees are indicative only. Speak to your IDP study counsellor to get up-to-date course prices.

Doctor of Philosophy in History

THE world university rank:  84

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Doctor of Philosophy - Archaeology [048381G]

Doctor of Philosophy - Archaeology

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ANU Postgraduate research

Research is at the core of everything we do. It informs the content of our degrees, influences public policy and solves some of our region’s greatest challenges.

ANU postgraduate research

Find a supervisor

Scholarships & Fees

How to apply

Change the conversation

Studying an advanced, research-focused Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree at The Australian National University (ANU) is an opportunity to make a substantial and original contribution to your discipline or area of professional practice.

We’ll automatically consider you for a scholarship when we receive your application.

Research areas

Our research priorities reflect the challenges facing the world today.

ANU researchers are currently exploring a range of disciplines and study areas .

university in the world

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in Australia in 13 disciplines

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for student-teacher ratio and staff qualifications

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Before you apply

Find a potential supervisor and explore our colleges’ research opportunities. Some colleges have different application requirements – so make sure you’re aware of and follow these before you apply.

1. Find a supervisor

Discover potential supervisors. Explore their research and published works and find their contact details.

Search supervisors

2. ANU college research opportunities

Our colleges can provide you with information about research areas, supervisors and groups, as well as who to contact.

NOTE: More than one college can offer supervision in a particular study area.

• ANU College of Arts & Social Sciences
• ANU College of Asia & the Pacific
• ANU College of Business & Economics
• ANU College of Engineering, Computing & Cybernetics
• ANU College of Health & Medicine
• ANU College of Law
• ANU College of Science

3. Explore college application requirements

If you have found a supervisor you would like to work with and the college that offers this supervision, you will need to find out if there are any pre-application steps that your college would like you to take.

Most colleges would like you to find and secure the support of a potential supervisor before you complete your application. For example, the ANU College of Business & Economics has different arrangements for setting up supervision, so please check in with them before applying.

Some colleges will ask you to send a short description of your proposed area of research as an expression of interest and a summary of your academic qualifications, including grades, to them first.

Visit the ANU college research pages for pre-application advice (see the links under 'ANU colleges’ content above).

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Applying to ANU

You can apply at any time of the year – but if you would like to be considered for a scholarship, you will need to send your application within the scholarship’s application deadline.

Scholarship applicants

Your referees should send their reports before your scholarship’s deadline. Give them as much time as possible by completing your ANU application 2–3 weeks earlier than the scholarship’s deadline. We’ll contact your referees when we get your application.

Application requirements

Your application to study at ANU must meet the following requirements.

1. Minimum admission requirements

Explore our minimum admission requirements.

Requirements for admission to a Doctor of Philosophy degree

• An Australian bachelor’s degree with at least second-class honours (Upper first-class honours may be required by some programs) or the international equivalent, or
• Another degree with a significant research/thesis component, or
• A combination of qualifications, research publications and/or professional experience related to your field of study

Requirements for admission to a Master of Philosophy degree

• An Australian bachelor’s degree or higher, with an overall grade of distinction or higher, or the international equivalent, or
• Another equivalent degree, or
• A combination of qualifications, research publications and/or professional experience that are related to your field of study

2. English language requirements

You must meet our English language requirements to be eligible for admission to ANU. While you can apply without having met them, you will need to show that you do when you get a study offer from us.

Unsure whether you can meet the English language requirements? Contact your research school or the Graduate Research Office before you send your application.

Learn more about ANU English language requirements

3. Research proposal

Your draft research proposal only needs to be short. Check in with your potential supervisor to clarify their expectations for this proposal before you send it in with your application.

Your proposal should present your idea or question in your discipline area clearly. Consider it a statement about the basis of the research you’d like to do.

Your research proposal should:

• establish the relevance of your idea
• show gaps in your field – and how your research would address these
• include how you would go about your research project – your approach, methodologies and resources.

You will be able to change the proposal once you have enrolled in your program.

Learn about research proposals

4. Referees

Referee reports are mandatory when applying for admission to a HDR Program. At least 2 referees reports are required to commence assessment of the application. Academic referees, who are able to comment on the applicant’s ability to undertake the program, are preferred, however, professional references can also be used. The University may request additional referee reports during the assessment of the application.

Ensure their contact details are correct; we will email them a report to complete from within the application portal as soon as we have received your application.

If your referee is unable to access our system-generated referee report, they can contact the Admissions team and ask for another version of the form.

Your referees must send their completed reports confidentially and directly to the University rather than to you.

Reference documents:

• Research Application Referee Report (DOCX, 85.97 KB)

5. Supporting documentation

Upload clear, colour copies of your academic transcripts and graduation certificates with your application. You do not need to certify these documents, but they must be original copies. We will verify their authenticity.

If your academic documents were originally given to you in a language other than English, we will need official copies of the document in that language and original translations for verification purposes.

6. Incomplete qualifications

You can apply to ANU before you complete your current degree if you are in your final year. Advise the Graduate Research office your expected completion date via your application and supply a copy of the qualification when we make you an offer.

For more information, refer to ‘Supporting documentation’.

If you have the approval of a college and a potential supervisor, you can apply for admission to ANU. Without this endorsement, though, we might not be able to assess your application.

Choose the program you want to study from the Program & Courses catalogue

On the program’s page, click 'apply’ to open the application portal

Complete your application

Receiving an offer from ANU

After we assess your application, we will contact you via email about the outcome within 6–8 weeks (about 2 months). This could take longer if we're also considering you for a scholarship.

If you do not hear from ANU within two months, contact your research school or email the Graduate Research Office.

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Doctor of Philosophy

As a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate, you’ll complete a substantial program of independent and original research in your chosen field of study. A PhD prepares you for a range of careers - from academic to industry and is the highest degree qualification available. 

• 3–4 years (full time) minimum commitment of 35 – 40 hours per week or
• 6–8 years (part time) minimum commitment of 15 hours per week.
• Offered in all Faculties
• A thesis of no more than 100,000 words.

Entry requirements

Future careers.

• Fees & costs

UNSW undertakes world-class research that tackles some of the greatest challenges facing society today. When you join the UNSW research community, you join a passionate collective of people who are using research to transform minds, transform lives, and transform the world.

UNSW will support you to develop the skills and expertise you need to make a difference in your field. We are committed to providing you with an unmatched PhD experience that includes outstanding research training and mentorship, world-class supervision, and access to research environments defined by excellence and collaboration.

You will receive advanced specialist research training and produce a thesis that provides evidence for independent thought, critical analysis, and expert knowledge of the discipline in an international context. In some disciplines, creative work may form part of the thesis.

Find information about individual PhD programs and codes on the UNSW Handbook .

Learn about the graduate attributes and learning outcomes for UNSW higher degree research programs here . 

The minimum requirement for admission to a PhD is:

• A UNSW Bachelor degree with first or upper second class Honours from UNSW; or
• a completed Master by Research from UNSW with a substantial research component and demonstrated capacity for timely completion of a high quality research thesis; or
• an equivalent qualification from a tertiary institution as determined by the Faculty Higher Degree Committee (HDC)

The minimum requirement for UNSW Scholarship with admission to a PhD is:

• a four year Bachelor degree with first or upper second class Honours from an Australian institution or equivalent research qualification as above.

You may think of yourself as a student, but we think of you as a professional researcher in the early stages of a long and vibrant career.

UNSW will provide you with the skills and expertise to pursue a range of career pathways after you graduate, from academia to industry.

As a PhD candidate, you’ll have access to a wealth of opportunities to work with and alongside industry through industry PhD programs to internships and mentorships .

You’ll also have access to the most comprehensive student entrepreneurship program in Australia, that can help you develop your ideas, raise capital and launch a startup.

Fees and costs

The costs associated with enrolment in a research higher degree program vary depending on whether you are a domestic or international candidate. Learn more about the fees and costs here .

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Doctor of Philosophy

Entry is based on a master's qualification with a 25% research component or equivalent, a bachelor qualification with second-class honours or an AQF Level 8 or AQF Level 9 qualification with relevant research preparation.

• 4 years full-time
• 8 years part-time
• International ? Open/close tooltip International Tuition fees for international students, i.e. those not Australian or New Zealand citizens or residents.
• Research Training Program ? Open/close tooltip Research Training Program (RTP) Australian Government Research Training Program Fee Offset – a pool of funding provided to universities to support the delivery of research training to Higher Degree Research students undertaking research doctorate and research master’s degrees.

Course information

A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.

When you complete your PhD at UNE, you will be recognised as an expert in your area of study. Your original discoveries and innovations will be applied to benefit society and industry in Australia and worldwide.

Why study the Doctor of Philosophy with UNE?

Cement your place as an expert and leading practitioner or scholar in your field with UNE's Doctor of Philosophy. You will contribute to solving problems and challenges that will benefit society and industry.

You will undertake sophisticated original research in the discipline or professional area you choose. Integrating your knowledge across a range of disciplines, you will critically evaluate your findings to generate original knowledge and make a substantial contribution to understanding complex issues in your specialist niche. Your studies will culminate in a comprehensive thesis in which you present your insights.

At UNE, we are committed to maintaining our strong research culture, underpinned by high research training standards. Our diversity of research strength makes UNE an outstanding place to complete your PhD.

We have been awarded 5 stars – well above world standard – in 18 separate fields of research by the Australian Research Council's Excellence for Research in Australia (ERA) research evaluation program. We have been rated world standard and above (3 and 4 stars) in a further 23 fields of research.

Our research is underpinned by 5 thematic priorities:

• securing Australia's future food and water through smart science and smart technology
• climate change and environmental sustainability, protecting biodiversity and developing effective policies
• health and wellbeing in rural communities, focusing on areas such as social exclusion, health inequity, mental health and social policy
• regional and rural development, sustainability, prosperity and peace
• our past, present and future: documenting, protecting and promoting cultural heritage, history, memory and identity in Australia and internationally.

Year after year, students award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.

What makes our course different?

At UNE you will work with supervisors who are acknowledged experts in their fields of research, as well as receive the flexibility to target the specific area of interest to you. In the Doctor of Philosophy you will have opportunities to:

• Earn your place as an expert in your niche.
• Draw on and extend your extensive academic and professional experience.
• Develop solutions to real-world problems or further society's understanding of topics of interest in your area of focus.
• Pursue a career as an academic or highly skilled specialist in industry, government or non-profit organisations.
• Perfect your research and analysis skills.
• Hone your transferrable skills in areas such as project management, collaboration, problem solving, public speaking and written communication.
• Interact with supervisors online or on campus, giving you the flexibility to balance your studies with your other commitments and constraints.
• Become a member of UNE's highly regarded research community.
• Build relationships with fellow researchers in academia and industry who have expertise and interests in similar specialist areas to your own.

If you are an Australian or New Zealand student and meet the criteria for entry to the Master of Philosophy, you may be funded under the Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP) and may not incur tuition fees for the normal duration of the course. If you are an international student, you will incur tuition fees.

Internal funding is available to support research projects and UNE offers a range of scholarships for Higher Degree Research students.

• Study online

Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

• Study on campus

Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.

Entry requirements

To be eligible to apply for this course you must meet one of the following entry requirements:

• You have completed a Master qualification (AQF Level 9 or overseas equivalent) with a minimum research component of 25%.
• You have completed a Bachelor Honours qualification (AQF Level 8) with a minimum result of upper second class honours or equivalent.
• You have completed an AQF Level 8 or 9 qualification (or overseas equivalent) and you have had adequate research preparation since graduation.*
• You have previously undertaken work of sufficiently high standard towards a higher degree by research (AQF Level 9 or 10, or overseas equivalent) at UNE which you have not submitted for any qualification, and you can produce documented evidence of capacity to undertake work at the Doctor of Philosophy level.

Eligibility for admission is reviewed by the Associate Dean Research or delegate. The Director Graduate Research has final authority for approved admission to HDR courses. 

All admissions are subject to the HDR Admission and Enrolment Policy .

Please note: The version of the HDR or research-related policy at the time of admission will continue to apply for duration of your candidature. When following a link to a specific policy please ensure you confirm whether the current or a historical version of the policy applies to you.

* Adequate relevant preparation may be gained through an approved academic course, professional training, work experience or peer reviewed publications.

See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

• Previous qualifications documentation. You must provide a certified/notarised copy of your official transcript(s) and certificate(s) for all previous secondary and tertiary study. You do not need to provide transcripts for any previous study completed at UNE. For information on getting your documents certified/notarised, please refer to our Document Certification Guidelines .
• Evidence of supervision. You must provide evidence that at least one UNE academic staff member has agreed to support your application/supervise your research. For example, email communication with your proposed supervisor.
• Research proposal. You must submit a research proposal which you will complete in consultation with your potential supervisor. Your proposal must not be longer than three A4 pages. Please refer to the HDR Application Guidelines for the suggested format.
• Referee reports. You must nominate two people (preferably external to UNE) who can testify to your academic achievements. You will need to contact your referees prior to lodging your application and request that they complete the online HDR Referee Report form . UNE cannot request these reports on your behalf.
• Proof of identity and citizenship.  All documents provided must be a certified/notarised copy. Australian citizens must provide a birth certificate, passport or citizenship certificate. New Zealand citizens must provide a passport and visa. Australian Permanent Residents must provide a passport and visa, and the date you became a permanent resident. International applicants must provide a passport, and evidence of the country you hold citizenship in; for example, a foreign government identity card.
• Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved English test within the past two years, please provide a copy of the test results with your application.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

You can apply for Advanced Standing for coursework already completed as part of other qualifications. The relevant Associate Dean Research or delegate will assess and approve Advanced Standing.

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost.

Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:

• Scholarships

Scholarships are available for both Domestic and International Higher Degree Research (HDR) Students. HDR scholarships can include funding for many things including tuition fees, living allowance stipends, relocation, travel and research specific projects. There are also targeted scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

HDR Scholarships are confidential and the application process is free. Please visit the HDR scholarships webpage for current scholarship opportunities.

Your career

By completing your Doctor of Philosophy with UNE, you are demonstrating your autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a leading practitioner and scholar in your area of speciality. You will graduate as a recognised expert in your field with a highly developed set of transferrable skills such as project management, public speaking, teamwork and leadership.

Your PhD will open doors to top level careers in industry, the public service, government and non-profit organisations, as well as in academia.

To complete a Doctor of Philosophy is a great accomplishment. You will need commitment, perseverance and initiative, in addition to highly developed skills and knowledge. Only 1.1 per cent of Australians aged over 25 hold a PhD, according to The World Bank’s World Development Indicators. That compares with the 7.8 per cent who hold a master’s degree or higher, and the 31.7 per cent who hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Course outcomes

• exhibit an expert understanding of an academic field of knowledge by: (a) having systematically acquired a substantial body of intellectual skill and experience that is grounded in contemporary developments in an academic field; (b) creating and communicating original scholarship of a quality to satisfy peer review, extending the frontier of the field of knowledge and potentially meriting publication; (c) demonstrating thorough knowledge of research principles and methods applicable in advanced academic inquiry;
• conduct research independently and systematically by: (a) conceptualising, designing and implementing a project which will increase knowledge that is applicable or contributes new insights to an academic field; (b) evaluating ideas and making informed judgements on complex issues or challenges in the field of specialisation; (c) communicating ideas, methodologies and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences; and
• be accountable for their own learning and professional training by: (a) demonstrating the capacity to undertake further learning and/or a further career in or around research at an advanced level, and contributing substantially to the development or dissemination of new techniques, ideas, or approaches; (b) displaying the qualities and attributes necessary to exercise personal responsibility and autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations, whether in professional environments or in the public domain.

A five-star experience

Five Stars, 18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

No.1 in NSW for Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

Five Stars for Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

* The Good Universities Guide

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Why study with us?

The access you have to academics is a major benefit to studying at UNE.

• How to apply

Applying to UNE is quick and easy. You can apply for this course at any time — there are no closing dates for applications.

If you would like to apply for a scholarship, closing dates do apply and are specific to each individual scholarship. Please see the HDR Scholarships webpage for further information.

Preparing to apply

The documents you will need to include in your application depend on:

• Your chosen HDR program
• Your personal circumstances

Please review the course rules and entry requirements above before you apply. If you have any questions or need help with your application please contact the Graduate Research School team .

• Check our entry requirements
• Read our How to Apply webpage
• Get your supporting documents ready
• Review the HDR Scholarships we have on offer

Important Notice for Prospective Students

For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.

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The University of New England respects and acknowledges that its people, courses and facilities are built on land, and surrounded by a sense of belonging, both ancient and contemporary, of the world's oldest living culture. In doing so, UNE values and respects Indigenous knowledge systems as a vital part of the knowledge capital of Australia. We recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of the Aboriginal community and pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future.

• Higher Degree by Research
• Future Students

Why choose a Higher Degree by Research?

The School is actively involved in research and scholarship of international significance. Our staff and students are published in leading national and international journals and by major scholarly presses and continue to attract millions of dollars in external grants and fellowships.

As a Higher Degree by Research student in the School, you make a vital contribution to the research culture, playing an important role in creating dynamic learning and discovery environments. The School maintains a strong research profile with a number of affiliated research centres, as well as close links with Faculty research activities . Students are regularly involved in the organisation of conferences, seminars and workshops.

View the School's current HDR projects

What programs are on offer?

• Master of Philosophy
• Doctor of Philosophy

How to apply

Becoming a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) student in the School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry (HPI) requires you to meet UQ’s entry requirements for the MPhil or PhD program and also to gain the School’s support.

The School supports applications from candidates who clearly demonstrate the ability to complete high-quality HDR theses, and whose proposed research aligns with the School’s expertise and capacity to supervise. 

Gaining the support of The School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry is a multi-step process, outlined below. At various stages your application may be reviewed and considered by your nominated advisory team, the Research and Research Training (RRT) Advisor in the relevant discipline, the HPI Director of Research Training, the School’s scholarship ranking committee, the HASS Faculty Associate Dean (Research), the Graduate School’s scholarship committee, the Graduate School’s team of Admissions specialists, and the Dean of the Graduate School. Therefore, if you wish to be considered for UQ merit-based scholarships , we recommend that you start the application process at least one month before UQ’s scholarship deadlines and apply online as close to the start of the round as possible . This will allow you time to gather documents and to prepare a research proposal, and the School sufficient time to review your application. If your application is unable to be completed and processed by the deadlines, you will have to apply again in a future scholarship round or for a later commencing research quarter .

You are encouraged to contact the School’s Higher Degree by Research Liaison Officer (HLO) at [email protected] for guidance with the application process or questions about HDR scholarships, enrolling, or other queries related to HDR study.

Step 1: Find a Potential Advisory Team

The first step is to identify a researcher or researchers within the School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry with relevant expertise and get their preliminary agreement to support your project. You can browse the profiles of researchers in each of the School’s disciplines: History , Philosophy , Studies in Religion , and Classics and Ancient History . You can also search for researchers and potential advisors by keyword related to your area of research interest on the UQ Researchers database . Refine your search to academic staff that have strong overlapping interests and experience with your proposed field of research.

You are encouraged to contact potential advisors directly to initiate a conversation about research topics and student-advisor match. Advisors may ask you to provide them with some of the materials and documents for the steps below to help them understand your background and your project. You will still be required to upload these documents to your online application as you progress through each step of the application process.

An HDR advisory team must consist of a Principal Advisor and at least one Associate Advisor. A project may have more than one Associate Advisor. If you identify a potential Principal Advisor, they may be able to guide you in putting a whole team together. If you find a Principal Advisor that suits your intended project outside of the School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, then you would consult the HDR application procedures of the school or institute of that researcher.

Step 2: Online Application with Expression of Interest (EOI)

The next step is to submit an  online application .

The online application will ask you to upload your academic CV, official transcripts of all previous degrees, award certificates of all previous degrees, evidence of English Language Proficiency (if required), and contact details of your referees.

In addition, please upload to your online application an ‘ Expression of Interest ’ (EOI) which includes a provisional title/topic for your HDR thesis, a short description of the project and its significance, and names your proposed principal and associate supervisors. Please also upload an academic writing sample of at least 2000 words . The writing sample can be a published academic work or a paper you previously submitted in a course. These documents are required by HPI for your application to progress.

You should make your application on submission as complete as possible so as to not create delays, however you will be able to upload additional documents to your online application after you submit it.

The School’s HLO will send your details and documents to the Research and Research Training (RRT) Advisor in the relevant discipline. If he or she judges that you meet UQ’s entry requirements, that the School has the capacity and the expertise to supervise you, and that the proposed supervisory arrangements are appropriate, your application will progress to the next steps.

Step 3: Interview

The RRT Advisor in the relevant discipline and your prospective advisory team will consider your application materials and referee reports. If they are satisfied with the application, you may be invited to an interview (in person or online). Based on the outcome of this interview, you may be invited to submit a detailed research proposal.

Step 4: Writing the Research Proposal

Your detailed research proposal (minimum 1500 words + bibliography) must cover the following points:

• Research question : What is the major problem or issue that your thesis will attempt to solve? What major question will it try to answer? What hypothesis will it test? In essence, what will your thesis be about?
• Significance/Innovation : Why will your thesis be significant? What makes it important, original, or innovative?
• Relevant scholarship : What does current scholarship say about your major question? How does your thesis relate to what has already been written on your topic? What will make it important or original? In essence, why will it matter?
• Method and evidence : What methods will you use to conduct your research? Will you use particular theories and/or schools of thought? What evidence or texts will you be using? In essence, how will you do your thesis?
• Preliminary bibliography : This needs to include relevant items and to demonstrate some familiarity with the major scholarly works in your proposed area of research.

Once prepared, upload your research proposal to your existing online application.

Step 5: Gaining the support of the supervisors and the RRT Advisor

Your prospective supervisors and the RRT advisor will review your research proposal. If they are satisfied with the proposal and judge that you have the ability to complete a high-quality HDR thesis, they will inform the School’s Director of Research Training that you have their support.

Step 6: Gaining the support of the DRT

If the Director of Research Training judges that the case has been made for the School to support your application, it will be progressed to the Graduate School for final assessment and possible scholarship consideration.

Further information

More information about entry requirements for HDR admission and HDR scholarships can be found on the UQ research degrees page. You can find the names of the School's Director of Research Training and RRT Advisors in the 4 disciplines on the Key roles page.

You are welcome to contact the School’s Higher Degree by Research Liaison Officer (HLO) at [email protected] for guidance with the application process or questions about HDR scholarships, enrolling, or other queries related to HDR study.

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The Australian National University (ANU) is unlike any other university in Australia. Founded in 1946, in a spirit of post-war optimism, our role was to help realise Australia's potential as the world recovered from a global crisis.

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It can be difficult work, but it's work we proudly do-because connecting talented people with diverse perspectives, equipping and encouraging them to address the most complex of tomorrow's problems, and ensuring Australia's future is not just our approach-it's also our national role and international responsibility as Australia's national university, and it's a responsibility from which we'll never waver.

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Former hdr students win book prizes.

Two former HDR students who revised their PhD theses into books have received prizes for their work:

Dr. Alexandra Roginski was awarded the 2023 Donna Coates Book Prize by the Australian, Canadian and New Zealand Studies Network for her book, Science and Power in the Nineteenth-Century Tasman World: Popular Phrenology in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand (Cambridge University Press, 2023).

Dr. Shannyn Palmer has added another prize to her collection for Unmaking Angas Downs: Myth and History on a Central Australian Pastoral Station (MUP, 2022), which has already received the Prime Minister's award. Out of a pool of 54 nominated books, hers received the Ernest Scott Prize, which recognises the year's 'most distinguished contribution to the history of Australia or New Zealand or to the history of colonisation.'

A fabulous result and well-deserved recognition.

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Updated:   21 May 2024 / Responsible Officer:   Head of School / Page Contact:   CASS Marketing & Communications

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