Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Working with a CISS supervisor, PhD students research, write and defend a thesis which makes a substantial and original contribution to the field of international security. A PhD takes 3-4 years fulltime (6-8 years part-time) and results in a thesis of about 70,000 to 100,000 words.

Within the first three semesters of candidature, PhD students are required to submit and defend a thesis proposal. This document: outlines the research problem and its conceptual framework, provides a literature review, details the research questions to be pursued, and provides detailed methodology and research plan, including schedule, budget, etc. The thesis proposal must be presented and defended at a seminar for CISS and invited academics.

CISS PhD students also participate the Centre's seminar program. Beginning in their second year, PhD students must make at least one annual presentation.

Entry requirements

Applicants wishing to undertake a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences must demonstrate that they possess the necessary academic background in the field of study they wish to pursue. In order to provide a quality assurance framework for entry, the Faculty offers the following three pathways to admission into the PhD:

1. H1 A student applying on the basis of a period of undergraduate study will be regarded as having demonstrated the required level of research potential if a first class honours degree in a relevant subject area has been achieved.

2. H1E A student applying on the basis of a period of undergraduate study will be regarded as having demonstrated the required level of research potential if an equivalent to a first class honours degree in a relevant subject area has been demonstrably achieved. Equivalents comprise:

i. MASTERS BY RESEARCH An applicant having completed a Masters degree by research in a relevant subject area with a thesis mark of 80% or above is deemed to have demonstrated a capacity for extended research and is eligible to apply for admission to the PhD.

ii. MASTERS BY COURSEWORK An applicant having completed a Masters degree by coursework in a relevant subject area will have demonstrated a capacity for extended research by:
a.Achieving an 80% average or above for the coursework component; and
b.Achieving a mark of 80% or above for an independent research component comprising 25% of the requirements for the award of the degree (where the degree is a 2 semester course)

iii. PUBLICATION Certain major publications (e.g. a reviewed book, a suite of peer reviewed articles) may be deemed by the Associate Dean to constitute Hons 1 equivalence on a case-by-case basis.

Having satisfied the above requirements the applicant is eligible to apply for direct admission the PhD.

3. MPhil UPGRADE Applicants achieving an honours class 2 (division one) or equivalent in a relevant subject area may be admitted to the degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil). The student will have demonstrated a capacity for extended research after completing a minimum of two semesters full-time or equivalent part-time candidature in this degree by:
i. Meeting HDR progression requirements
ii. Completing 35,000 words of a thesis to the satisfaction of the department
iii. Providing evidence that their research is of a sufficient scope and depth to sustain a doctoral thesis

Having satisfied these requirements the student may apply to upgrade to the PhD.