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Ranked 57th globally for computer science by the 2023 QS University Rankings by Subject
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Our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program involves preparing a thesis that will make a substantial and original contribution to the specific subject area.
The Faculty of Engineering focuses on multidisciplinary research centered on various key themes:
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
The international fee rate for this course is currently not available. The fee rate is usually published by September for the following year. Where a fee is not available after this time check the admission requirements as the course may not be available to international students.
Before you apply Make sure you have read the requirements for a research application and are in possession of all required documentation.
1. Find a supervisor within the University whose academic background aligns with your research. You may visit Research Supervisor Connect to start.
2. Contact a research supervisor either through Research Supervisor Connect or email and provide: - your academic/educational background and research experience with examples such as an academic transcript - your CV/resume - the area of interest for your PhD - why you believe your research topics align with this supervisor
3. In conjunction with your supervisor, develop a preliminary research proposal up to 2000 words that outlines the subject area, objectives and significance of your research.
4. International applicants need to obtain two academic referee reports, each one written by a referee who is familiar with your previous academic achievements. You may upload letters of reference or complete our template .
5. If you intend to study part-time towards a PhD, you will also need to supply: - evidence that shows you will have sufficient time available to plan and carry out the research under the supervision of the University, and complete the course within the maximum period allowed for a part-time PhD enrolment - a declaration from your employer (if relevant) confirming that you will be permitted to take the time required to effectively pursue your studies.
6. Your research proposal should be submitted along with your CV, academic referee reports, academic transcripts and other supporting documents.
7. Submit a direct online application to the University of Sydney through the University course search.
Applications are open all year round. Processing times for research applications depend on many factors and therefore, can vary.
Applicants are advised to apply well in advance to allow for a timely application outcome and scholarship deadlines.
If your application cannot be processed in time for the requested start date, it will be considered for the next possible research period.
Separate scholarship application deadlines apply - refer to the relevant scholarships websites for details.
Research Period 1: Start date 1 Jan
Research Period 2: Start date 1 Mar
Research Period 3: Start date 1 Jul
Research Period 4: Start date 1 Oct
Refer to key research dates on the `How to Apply' website.
Before you apply Make sure you have read the requirements for a research application and are in possession of all required documentation.
1. Find a supervisor within the University whose academic background aligns with your research. You may visit Research Supervisor Connect to start.
2. Contact a research supervisor either through Research Supervisor Connect or email and provide: - your academic/educational background and research experience with examples such as an academic transcript - your CV/resume - the area of interest for your PhD - why you believe your research topics align with this supervisor
3. In conjunction with your supervisor, develop a preliminary research proposal up to 2000 words that outlines the subject area, objectives and significance of your research.
4. International applicants need to obtain two academic referee reports, each one written by a referee who is familiar with your previous academic achievements. You may upload letters of reference or complete our template .
5. If you intend to study part-time towards a PhD, you will also need to supply: - evidence that shows you will have sufficient time available to plan and carry out the research under the supervision of the University, and complete the course within the maximum period allowed for a part-time PhD enrolment - a declaration from your employer (if relevant) confirming that you will be permitted to take the time required to effectively pursue your studies.
6. Your research proposal should be submitted along with your CV, academic referee reports, academic transcripts and other supporting documents.
7. Submit a direct online application to the University of Sydney through the University course search.
Applications are open all year round. Processing times for research applications depend on many factors and therefore, can vary.
Applicants are advised to apply well in advance to allow for a timely application outcome, scholarship deadlines and necessary visa and travel arrangements.
If your application cannot be processed in time for the requested start date, it will be considered for the next possible research period.
Separate scholarship deadlines apply - refer to the relevant scholarships websites for details.
Research Period 1: Start date 1 Jan
Research Period 2: Start date 1 Mar
Research Period 3: Start date 1 Jul
Research Period 4: Start date 1 Oct
Refer to key research dates on the `How to Apply' website.
PhD candidates at the Faculty of Engineering may undertake research in one of the following disciplines:
Required units of study for HDR students
Unit of study code |
Unit of study name |
Course |
Course stage |
Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
INFO5993 |
Research Methods in IT |
All School of Computer Science candidates need to complete this unit in their first semester of candidature |
Year 1 |
May be taken in Semester 1 or Semester 2 |
There is no separate tuition fee cost for the coursework units of study you will undertake, it is part of the tuition fee for the course.
HDR students can take additional coursework units that accelerate their research by providing them with foundational knowledge in an area relevant to their project.
Before you apply Make sure you have read the requirements for a research application and are in possession of all required documentation.
You must have completed the equivalent of one of the following in an area related to your proposed research:
Applicants who do not meet these admission requirements may be issued an offer of a place in the Master of Philosophy (Engineering).
Transfer from Master of Philosophy (Engineering)
Outstanding candidates who successfully complete up to one year full-time or equivalent part-time of the University of Sydney's Master of Philosophy (Engineering) may apply for transfer into the Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) and receive credit for work completed:
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
A PhD thesis will demonstrate that the student has achieved expertise and mastery in the area of research and is able to formulate theories and/or experiments, interpret data, relate the results to the existing body of literature and provide innovative solutions to challenging problems.
PhD graduates may pursue careers in academia and research organisations. They can also be employed in companies to lead the research and development activities.
Through the completion of a PhD, students gain deeper understanding of a subject area and develop analytical, problem solving, communication and project management skills.
These skills are highly valued by prospective employers. PhD graduates may pursue careers in industry, academia and research organisations.
