Why study with us?
We are one of the world’s top research universities and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight network and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities.
We're ranked 24th in the world for Arts and Humanities in the 2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Candidates for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research and write a thesis on an approved topic. It is also possible for candidates to conduct a practice-led PhD with the thesis made up of a written component and substantial creative work. All research is conducted with the support of a supervisory team of academics.
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Sydney is consistently ranked among the world’s outstanding centres for research in the humanities and social sciences.
The PhD is offered in disciplines ranging across the visual arts and art history, archaeology and classics, various modern languages and their cultures, economics, English language and literature, ancient, medieval and modern history, philosophy, the global political economy and international governance, sociology and cultural studies, media and communications, education and social work
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
Applications for a PhD in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are assessed in two rounds annually. There are two closing dates per year for applications: 31 March (for admission in July of the same calendar year) and 30 September (for admission in March the following year). You should apply as early as possible. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered in the current round.
Research Period 2: Start date 1 Mar
Research Period 3: Start date 1 Jul
Refer to key research dates on the `How to Apply website.
Applications for a PhD in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are assessed in two rounds annually. There are two closing dates per year for applications: 31 March (for admission in July of the same calendar year) and 30 September (for admission in March the following year). You should apply as early as possible. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered in the current round.
Research Period 2: Start date 1 Mar
Research Period 3: Start date 1 Jul
Refer to key research dates on the `How to Apply website.
PhD candidates in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences undertake research in over 40 subject areas based in the faculty’s six schools. These are the Schools of Economics; the Languages and Cultures; Art, Communication and English (including Sydney College of the Arts); Humanities; Social and Political Sciences; and the Sydney School of Education and Social Work.
Research may also be undertaken in association with the University of Sydney’s humanities and social sciences research centres or groups.
To apply for admission follow these steps:
When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply Now’ button on the right-hand side of this page.
Please confirm all requirements for scholarship applications and note that separate scholarship application deadlines apply.
To satisfy requirements of the PhD degree candidates must:
complete a probationary year and produce an extended thesis proposal or thesis chapter (10,000 to 12,000 words, or equivalent in a practice-led PhD) at the end of their first year of full-time candidature (or the part-time equivalent) and other required milestones; and,
conduct research on an approved topic; and,
write a thesis of approximately 60,000 to 80,000 words embodying the results of the research, or, in the case of a practice-led PhD submit a substantial piece of creative work and a research component of approximately 40,000 words; for a practice-led PhD in Sydney College of the Arts the creative component will be exhibited.
Examination is by presentation of the thesis, which is set out in the Thesis and Examination of Higher Degree by Research Policy 2015.
To be eligible for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy (Arts and Social Sciences), you must have completed the equivalent of one of the following in a subject area related to your proposed research area:
bachelor’s degree with first class or second-class honours or, master’s degree by research; or
master’s degree by coursework with a substantial independent research component such as a thesis, dissertation or research project, with a minimum overall pass average of 75% or above; or
demonstrated appropriate experience and alternative qualifications at a high level of excellence in the proposed field of research.
Applicants who are close to completing an entry requirement, such as honours or a masters degree, may apply and my receive a conditional offer of admission.
Transfer from Master of Philosophy
Outstanding candidates in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences who successfully complete up to one year full-time or equivalent part-time of the Master of Philosophy (Arts and Social Sciences) or Master of Fine Arts may apply for transfer into the Doctor of Philosophy (Arts and Social Sciences) and be granted credit for work already completed. You must provide evidence that your research is of a sufficient scope and depth for a doctoral thesis. This transfer may be applied for with the support of your supervisor, Progress Evaluation panel, and School Postgraduate Coordinator. You must also have met all higher degree by research progression requirements and have completed at least 20,000 words of a thesis (or practice-led equivalent) to the satisfaction of the School Postgraduate Coordinator.
Meeting these minimum requirements for eligibility does not guarantee admission in the PhD, which is always subject to the approval of the Associate Dean (Research Education). The University must certify that there are sufficient supervisory and other resources and facilities available to enable your candidature to be completed successfully.
The faculty is home to more than 90 research and teaching centres including the Sydney Social Sciences and Humanities Advanced Research Centre (SSSHARC). Along with our world-renowned schools, these provide a great range of PhD research opportunities with academic staff members who are experts and leaders in their fields of research.
While completing a PhD, students gain deep understanding of one or more subject areas, as well as developing analytical, problem solving, communication and project management skills. These skills are highly valued by prospective employers. Our PhD graduates pursue careers in industry, the public sector, education and research organisations.
