About us
Global leaders in health education
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25th globally
We're ranked 25th in the world for medicine (2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject)
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Overview
The Faculty of Medicine and Health is dedicated to understanding and solving the world's biggest healthcare challenges. We are world leaders in medical and health research.
Undertaking a research degree in medicine and health at the University of Sydney is an opportunity to make a real difference in the health of individuals and communities around the world.
Our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) will allow you to pursue innovative research across a number of areas in which the faculty has expertise.
You can complete the degree in up to four years (or four to eight years part-time) during which time, you will undertake research culminating in the submission of a thesis.
Students will be required to complete some coursework as part of their candidature. Students will have access to a range of specialist units of study relevant for research students.
Subject areas
Shared pool
Your entry requirements
English language proficiency
Find out if you need to prove English language proficiency (depends on your country of origin and educational background).
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
Your fee
How to apply
Applications are open all year round.
Apply well in advance of your start date to allow for a timely response to your application and necessary visa and travel arrangements.
If your application cannot be processed in time, it will be considered for the next possible research period.
Please see our 'How to Apply' website for detailed information.
Separate scholarship application deadlines apply.
Starting date
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.
Applications are open all year round.
Apply well in advance of your start date to allow for a timely response to your application and necessary visa and travel arrangements.
If your application cannot be processed in time, it will be considered for the next possible research period.
Please see our 'How to Apply' website for detailed information.
Separate scholarship application deadlines apply.
Starting date
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.
Research areas
Our research is conducted with an emphasis on improving healthcare and health outcomes through innovative and translatable research in medicine and health.
What you'll study
The University has introduced a new coursework curriculum to support research success. PhD students will complete 12 credit points of coursework and be able to choose from a pool of 270+ units from any faculty. The pool comprises a range of development opportunities that include specialist analytical methods, professional development units and discipline-specific subjects relevant for research students.
Browse all available units here.
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. See the ‘Your Fee’ section for fee information. Additional non-tuition course costs vary depending on the units of study.
You will be able to see and enrol in any of the units available, subject to capacity constraints and your own background. Note that your faculty may elect to make certain units compulsory for a given PhD degree pathway.
Applying for admission
For detailed steps on how to apply, please visit our how to apply for postgraduate research degrees website.
Please note - Except for RTP and UsydIS scholarships for international students, you must complete a separate scholarship application. These criteria constitute the minimum requirements for eligibility and do not guarantee admission.
Admission requirements
To apply for a PhD, you need to demonstrate sufficient prior research experience and capability. In most cases, you will have either:
- a bachelor's degree with first or upper second class honours or
- a master's degree performed at a high academic standard, and which includes a substantial component of research
- an equivalent qualification that demonstrates research experience, excellence and capability.
These are the minimum requirements for eligibility but they do not guarantee admission. That remains at the discretion of the Associate Dean (Research Education) for the faculty.
Please refer to the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 for full policy details.
Transfer from University of Sydney Master of Philosophy
Outstanding candidates who successfully complete one year full-time or equivalent part-time of the University of Sydney Master of Philosophy degree may apply for transfer into the Doctor of Philosophy and be granted credit for work already completed pending:
- approval from the supervisor and school
- meeting all higher degree by research progression requirements
- providing evidence that their research is of a sufficient scope and depth to sustain a doctoral thesis.
Credit for previous study
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
Graduate opportunities
PhD - 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.
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