PhD & MPhil Study Options

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Full-time Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students normally spend a minimum of three years at ANU, while part-time students spend up to six years. Candidates are normally required to submit a thesis of no more than 100,000 words and must meet the internationally recognised standard for the degree in the relevant discipline.

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Degrees of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) are designed for students who require an advanced research qualification, but who want a shorter degree program than the PhD. The MPhil program is offered on a full-time and part-time basis. It usually takes students between one and two years full-time, or between two and four years part-time, to complete.  Candidates are normally required to submit a thesis of no more than 60,000 words and must meet the internationally recognised standard for the degree in the relevant discipline.

Coursework

CASS requires research students to complete coursework as part of their degree. This will include training on research methods, ethics and other topics as deemed appropriate by your supervisory panel.

Finding a supervisor

Identifying a potential primary supervisor is an important part of your graduate research application. Browse the ANU Researchers database to find and contact a potential supervisor to support your application. In most cases the School or Centre location of your potential supervisor will determine which School or Centre within CASS you will reside in. Please note, that once you have found a potential supervisor, any offer of supervision will be subject to you being formally offered admission to the program and meeting any conditions (if applicable).