anu phd oral presentation

Research School of Physics

• College of Science
• School structure
• Equity and diversity
• Annual reports
• ANU MakerSpace
• Physics outreach
• Research facilities
• Electronics Workshop
• Mechanical Workshop
• Physics endowments
• Undergraduate
• PhD and MPhil
• Intensive courses
• Find a research project
• Scholarships
• Our student profiles
• Physics Education Centre
• Education outreach
• Summer Research Scholarships
• Project market day
• Publications
• Physics data portal
• Explore Physics
• Find a project
• Do your PhD here
• Physics news
• Public events
• Meet our people

HDR milestones

All HDR students are required to submit regular reporting milestones.

Completion of all of the above milestones is compulsory.

Progress milestones are scheduled for each year of enrolment including the period of program extensions.

• ANU HDR Candidate Supervisor Agreement (PDF, 213.62 KB)
• HDR Candidate Supervisor Agreement matrix (PDF, 511.08 KB)
• HDR Supervisory Panel Details Form (PDF, 645kB)

Other resources

• HDR Candidature Details form (DOC, 250kB)
• Candidate-Supervisor Agreement (PDF, 308kB)

Resposible officer

• Directories

Presentations

During the course of your research program, you will be required to deliver departmental presentations. You may attend and present at a range of conferences throughout your program. These presentations take a number of different forms, such as 20 minute conference presentations, conference round tables where you may only speak for 5-10 minutes, or 30-45 minute seminars outlining your research to your supervisors and colleagues. This page identifies the importance of a key message for any presentation. The subsequent pages take you through how to structure your presentation, prepare aids and finally deliver.

Know your audience

If you're doing a conference or departmental presentation, your audience will probably have vastly different levels of familiarity with your field. Some may already know the theories and concepts your research examines, whereas others may not. When developing a presentation, keep this in mind. How can you explain your research to a diverse audience?

Some tips include:

• explain theories, concepts, and other complex data in simple terms
• give clear, concise and accessible examples to illustrate your points
• avoid over-using theoretical jargon, and
• outline your key message and the structure of your talk at the beginning, so that your audience can more easily understand your key points.

Your key message

In the same way that your thesis or journal article should have a clear argument, a good presentation needs a clear message. This key message provides the focus of your presentation and gives it structure. Having a clear message helps you to communicate effectively and takes the focus away from merely delivering information.

What will be the scope of your talk?

The scope of your talk will be largely determined by the amount of time you have for the presentation. Don't be trapped into thinking about the amount of information you wish to convey. Rather consider how many points and how much detail you can deliver in the allocated time. In a presentation of twenty minutes, for instance, given that you need to introduce and conclude, and explain your ideas clearly to a diverse audience, you will usually be able to cover between two and four points, depending on the level of detail.

To determine the scope, first identify the key message of the talk. The sophistication and depth of the message is likely to be influenced by the presentation time.

Then identify the main points that best support this message. The number and depth of points will definitely be determined by your time.

You can also check out the Thesis Whisperer's advice on presentations, such as tips on how to plan the presentation and how to prepare for your first conference . The following pages examine how to structure, design and deliver your presentation.

Structure >>

Visual aids

• ANU Library Academic Skills
• +61 2 6125 2972

PhD in Accounting

The PhD program in Accounting is offered by the Research School of Accounting (RSA). The program draws upon the supervision expertise of researchers within RSA, and offers various opportunities for higher degree by research (HDR) candidates to immerse themselves in the School’s vibrant research community.

While the program focuses on preparing candidates for an academic career, many of the skills it provides are readily transferable to senior industry positions in professional services, business analysis, accounting, finance, auditing, tax, commercial law, and quantitative analysis.

CRICOS #: 048345A

Duration: 2 to 4 years full time (4 to 8 years part time)

Before you submit an application for entry to the program, you should:

• ensure you meet the admission requirements outlined below
• identify potential supervisors – that is, one or two accounting academics at ANU who conduct research in your area of interest.

You can find information on researchers and their research areas in the  ANU researchers database ,  RSA staff directory  or at  RSA Research .

While other ANU schools may recommend contacting potential supervisors before submitting an application,  this is not required or encouraged  for entry into RSA’s PhD program. Instead, you only need to list the name(s) of potential supervisors in your online application form.

Potential supervisors cannot guarantee entry into the PhD program. Admission will depend on the strength of your application relative to others in the pool.

After you’ve completed the steps above, you can proceed with an  online application .

Application deadlines

The first semester of the ANU academic year starts in February, and the second semester starts in July. While all applications for first semester entry must be submitted  before 31 October,  international applicants wishing to be considered for an  ANU scholarship  should submit their applications  before   31 August .

To be considered for a scholarship, your application must be accompanied by all the supporting documents listed below, including the referee reports. Request for referee reports are triggered and sent to your nominated referees at the time of submission of program application. It is thus important that you submit your application in advance (2-3 weeks) to allow time for your referees to provide their reports prior to the scholarship deadline.

If you’re currently completing an academic degree and haven’t yet received your final results and transcript, you should still submit all available documents before the deadline, and forward remaining results once you receive them. We won’t make a final decision on your application until we’ve received all the required documents.

The admission requirements for the PhD program in Accounting reflect the advanced knowledge that candidates will need to undertake the coursework component of the degree, and the research experience and skills needed to successfully undertake and complete the research thesis.

The minimum qualification requirement for admission to the PhD program in Accounting is:

• a Bachelor degree with First Class Honours or Second Class Honours Division A in accounting (or a closely related discipline) from an Australian university, or
• another qualification (e.g. a Master degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification) that the Delegated Authority is satisfied is equivalent or superior to a degree mentioned in (a), or
• a combination of qualifications and professional experience that the Delegated Authority is satisfied is equivalent or superior to a degree mentioned in (a).

Admission to the PhD program in Accounting is competitive and we can only admit a limited number of applicants each year. Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee you a place in the program.

If you don’t have the minimum qualification for entry into the PhD program, you might consider applying to the MPhil program or the  Master of Commerce (Advanced) program . If you’d like to consider these pathways, contact the RSA HDR convenor or Master of Commerce program convenor for more information.

English language requirements

All applicants must satisfy the University’s  English language admission requirements . An international applicant who is not a native English speaker may satisfy these requirements by submitting evidence of an  IELTS  overall score of at least 6.5, and with no component less than 6.0, or a paper-based  TOEFL  score of at least 570, with at least 4.5 in the essay component.

Application and supporting documentation

You must submit your application online via the  ANU Application Manager .

In addition to the standard information required in the online application, you must submit the following supporting documents as part of your application:

• a research proposal – see guidelines on how to  prepare a persuasive research proposal
• example(s) of your written work, e.g. thesis abstract and chapter, research project, or published work
• transcripts from all university degrees (colour scans including grade explanations)
• completion or graduate certificates from all university degrees (colour scans)
• a one-page personal statement or statement of purpose
• official  TOEFL  or  IELTS  results (where applicable) to demonstrate that you satisfy the University’s  English language requirements
• a current resume listing research experience and all previously awarded scholarships
• nomination of three referees. A referee report form will be sent automatically to the referees you list in your online application. Your application will be complete and ready for assessment once we receive all documents, including referee reports.

Offers of admission

The HDR convenor will review all complete applications submitted by the relevant deadline.

If your application is short-listed, you may be required to attend an interview (face to face or online).

We may send you an offer of admission if you satisfy the eligibility criteria and your area of interest matches those of RSA academics with supervisory capacity. However, since admission is competitive and supervisory capacity is limited, we won’t send any offers of admission until  after the relevant application deadline , irrespective of the date when you submit your application.

The PhD program in Accounting consists of two components –  coursework  and  research .

Candidates undertake the research component concurrently with the required coursework.

PhD coursework component

PhD candidates are typically required to undertake up to eight semester-length courses over the first 12 months of the candidature when studying on a full-time basis. These eight courses include five core courses and up to three elective courses. The minimum coursework requirement for candidates who have completed equivalent courses includes four core courses and two elective courses.

The coursework provides training on research in accounting, research methodology and statistics. It also equips candidates with knowledge and skills specific to their PhD topic area, as well as broader research training to foster high-quality research. The required courses are listed below.

Core courses

Candidates must complete the following core courses:

• BUSN8007  Analysis of Financial Reporting
• BUSN8013  Seminar in Research Methods in Commerce
• BUSN8200  Judgement and Decision Making Research in Accounting
• STAT6038  Regression Modelling, or  EMET6007  Econometric Methods, or  EMET8005  Economic Models and Introductory Econometrics; or a higher-level statistics or econometrics course
• BUSN8100  Empirical Research in Financial Accounting

Candidates can select up to three more specialised elective courses – from advanced RSA units when offered – including:

• BUSN8145  Corporate Governance: Research Preparation
• BUSN8056  Advanced Auditing and Assurance Services
• BUSN8111  Seminal Research in Accounting (studying financial accounting, management accounting, public sector accounting, or taxation)
• advanced courses from other disciplines deemed to be at an appropriate level (e.g. finance, econometrics, management, psychology, statistics or sociology).

Electives are determined in consultation with the candidate’s supervisory panel.

Candidates must complete the coursework with at least a 70 per cent average in each semester before they can progress to the thesis stage.

PhD research component

PhD candidates proceed to the thesis component following completion of the coursework at the required standard and the successful defence of their proposals. Candidates are expected to consult widely with their supervisory panel in completing their research thesis.

Research supervisory panel

When a candidate is admitted to the program, a primary supervisor is appointed. The primary supervisor has the responsibility of overseeing the candidate’s progress until a supervisory panel is chosen. During the first year of the program, it is important that candidates start developing their research topic ideas by consulting with their primary supervisor and other academic staff within RSA.

Either in a candidate’s first year of study, or soon after completion of their coursework, a supervisory panel will be chosen. The role of the panel is to assist, advise, and provide support and encouragement to the candidate for a timely and successful completion of the research thesis. The HDR convenor will determine the composition of the supervisory panel in consultation with the candidate.

RSA research seminar program

The RSA research seminar program consists of weekly seminars presented by national and international researchers. PhD candidates are expected to attend and participate in the seminars throughout their candidature.

Research integrity training

Within three to six months of enrolment, all PhD candidates must complete the  Research Integrity Training  and pass the exam. Completion of this course and exam is a compulsory milestone for all PhD candidates.

Thesis proposal review

In addition to the coursework component, each PhD candidate must develop and defend a detailed thesis proposal in consultation with their supervisory panel. The purpose of the review is to assess the originality, significance, adequacy and achievability of the candidate’s thesis plan.

To proceed with the thesis, the candidate must successfully defend the proposal. The candidate defends their proposal 12 or 18 months after commencement (or 24 months if part-time), and a review panel formally assesses the proposal.

Annual progress review

It is University policy that each candidate’s progress be reviewed periodically. In each year of their program, PhD candidates are required to submit an  annual plan and report  as a basis for periodic progress review. This document provides details on work completed by the candidate since the previous review, current progress, and any problems that may impact their research. It also outlines the coursework and research the candidate intends to undertake in the following 12 months.

Oral presentation

In their final year, candidates are required to give a final  oral presentation  on their research, usually three months before submitting their thesis.

Read more about  research candidate milestones .

Thesis submission and examination

The culmination of the PhD in Accounting is a written thesis which, upon completion, is submitted for examination. The thesis is examined by experts in the relevant field.

For more information on the process, visit our page on  submitting a thesis .

For information about scholarships available to HDR candidates, visit our page on  scholarships and fees .

Read details of some of our alumni’s recent  job placements .

A list of current PhD candidates in Accounting is available on the  RSA staff directory .

ANU College of Science

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Australian National University provides PhD students with a vibrant research community and outstanding program support .  When selecting a research program, an institution's reputation is everything. ANU is one of the world's leading universities, and the smart choice for your research program.

As a PhD student you will work with increased independence, under the direction of a supervisory panel of experts in the field. Your research will make an original and important contribution to human knowledge, research and development.

Program details

The major component of a research program is a substantial written work known as a thesis, which investigates a particular subject or issue. As a research student, you will work with increased independence, under the direction of an academic supervisor or a supervisory panel of academic staff.

A PhD will normally take you between 2-4 years to complete.

• 2 - 4 years full time
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities

The Doctor of Philosophy is your gateway to an academic or research career in science. In addition to academia, PhD graduates work in diverse fields within government, education, industry and media.

World class facilities

Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and support, including labs, computational services and recreation and relaxation rooms.

Learning experience

Industry engagement

Industry engagement is one of the best ways for a PhD student to test their capabilities as a researcher, and to obtain transferable and professional skills.

Get out of the classroom

PhD student Kate Holland takes us on a field trip to One Tree Island to explain her research.

PhD student unearths the Holy Grail of paleontology

Ilya Bobrovskiy had a crazy idea for his PhD. And then he made one of the biggest scientific breakthroughs of the year.

Fees & scholarships

Please visit the Programs and Courses website for information about fees.

Scholarships

Whether you are looking for financial support to start your studies at ANU or help to move away from home for the first time, we have scholarship opportunities for you and your situation.

• How to apply
• International

Understand the how to apply steps

Visit the domestic postgraduate research applications page to prepare for your application to ANU.

Finding an academic supervisor

Prospective research students first need to identify a research project and find an academic supervisor.

Review the  fields of research  we offer and contact the academic convenor for advice about potential projects, supervisors, and the pre-application process. The  ANU Researchers  website is also a good place to start looking for a supervisor.

Email your academic supervisor directly to enquire about projects and supervision. Your email should outline the reason(s) why you are attracted to their field of research, the type of research you would like to pursue and a summary of your academic qualifications and research experience. You may also submit a short research proposal, however, this is not mandatory at this point.

The academic supervisor may contact you to discuss your research proposal and possibly other projects, or they may forward your email to other staff in the research school / centre.

Once an academic supervisor has been confirmed to support your application you may proceed to step three.

If you are not sure which area of research or supervisor matches your interest please complete an  expression of interest  and we will get in contact with you. Do not proceed to next step until advised.

Finding available scholarships

ANU Colleges and individual research schools offer a number of  scholarships  that are awarded on a merit basis. You can also talk to your academic supervisor about other sources of funding you might access to assist with living expenses and tuition fees.

Visit the international postgraduate research applications page to prepare for your application to ANU.

Need more information?

Send us an enquiry and we'll get back to you within 48 hours

• Dean's welcome
• Our history & achievements
• Reconciliation Action Plan
• ANU Joint Colleges Partnerships with Indigenous Organisations & Communities Fund
• Indigenous Professional Staff Traineeship Program
• Research & innovation
• Advancement office
• Business Development
• Human Resources
• International Relations and Partnerships
• Marketing and Communications
• Research Management
• Student Services
• International Relations & Partnerships
• Award winners
• Grants & fellowships
• I.D.E.A events
• I.D.E.A. resources
• Academic career support
• Staff guide on moving to Australia
• Pathway to secondary teaching with University of Canberra
• Vertical Double Degree Pathways
• Master degrees
• Graduate certificates
• Joint & Dual Award PhD programs
• Summer Research program
• Commonwealth Supported Places
• Future Research Talent Travel Awards (India)
• Future Research Talent Awards (Indonesia)
• Sustainable agriculture top-up scholarship
• The Biosocial Shaping of Conservation and Biodiversity in Australia's Capital
• Dean’s Science Education Commendation Award
• Dean's International Science Excellence Scholarship
• Australian Research Council discovery project scholarship
• Director’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence
• ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship
• External scholarships & sponsorships
• International students
• Careers & opportunities
• Course guides
• Interview Your Future Self
• Field trips
• Global learning
• Student stories
• 360 Virtual tours
• Our research
• Field sites
• Research stories
• Academic profiles
• Research projects
• Research schools
• Institutes & centres
• ANU Science on Location
• Hosting an intern
• Schools outreach
• 2024 STEM Challenges
• STEM Boxes 2023 (Domestic)
• STEM Boxes (International)
• The National STEM Communicators Challenge: Hidden Mathematics at Work
• Indigenous engagement
• Science Lab: Experiments for home & school
• Science Case Study Competition 2024
• Australian Bee Observation Network
• Student blog
• STEM Guest Lecture Series
• Current student enquiries
• Book an appointment
• Ask a question
• Online drop-in sessions
• Future student enquiries
• Current students
• Alumni events
• Alumni news
• Mentoring & volunteering
• As You See It! Public voting
• As You See It! winners

• Programs and Courses

Doctor of Philosophy, Science

A single four year research award offered by the Mathematical Sciences Institute

• Length 4 year full-time
• Minimum 192 Units
• Academic plan 9060XPHD
• Post Nominal PhD Sci
• CRICOS code 048349G
• Natural and Physical Sciences
• AsPr Bai-Ling Wang
• Admission & Fees
• Introduction

Employment Opportunities

Career options, learning outcomes, inherent requirements, further information.

• Additional Information

Admission Requirements

Scholarships.

• Indicative Fees

Program Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy requires completion of a research project that demonstrates a significant and original contribution to knowledge in the field of study. This includes the submission and successful examination of a thesis of up to 100,000 words.

Completion of a standard program for a Doctor of Philosophy requires a minimum of 96 units and a maximum of 192 units of enrolment in the research component.

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry.

Admission to a Doctor of Philosophy is also subject to supervisory capacity, availability of appropriate infrastructure and resources, and approval from the relevant Delegated Authority within the Academic College.

Applicants must:

1.      Present a relevant Bachelor Honours degree or international equivalent

• With a minimum grade of Second Class Honours – Upper (H2A); 
• or an equivalent combination of qualifications, research publications and/or professional experience related to the field of study.

2.       Have the written approval of an identified supervisor for the research project/thesis.

3.       Provide:

•  A research proposal outlining your intended research, (applicants should seek guidance from the potential supervisor regarding length and content);
•  Original evidence of all relevant academic qualifications and graduation documentation (with English translation as appropriate);
•  An up-to-date CV including academic qualifications, work experience and research publications;
•  At least two academic referee reports.

4.      All applicants must meet the University’s English Language Admission Requirements for Students .

Indicative fees

For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees

For further information on International Tuition Fees see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/international-tuition-fees

Fee Information

All students are required to pay the  Services and amenities fee  (SA Fee)

The annual indicative fee provides an estimate of the program tuition fees for international students and domestic students (where applicable). The annual indicative fee for a program is based on the standard full-time enrolment load of 48 units per year (unless the program duration is less than 48 units). Fees for courses vary by discipline meaning that the fees for a program can vary depending on the courses selected. Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis and typically will increase from year to year. The tuition fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and the courses selected and are subject to increase during the period of study.

For further information on Fees and Payment please see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments

ANU offers a wide range of  scholarships  to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the  Scholarships  website.

The Australian National University provides PhD candidates with a vibrant research community and outstanding program support. When selecting a research program, an institution's reputation is everything. ANU is one of the world's leading universities, and the smart choice for your research program.

As a PhD candidate you will work with increased independence, under the direction of a supervisory panel of experts in the field. Your research will make an original and important contribution to human knowledge, research and development.

PhD graduates in the Mathematical Sciences are valued by a range of employers for their demonstrated creativity, innovation, independence, research and problem-solving abilities, and organisational skills. An PhD in Mathematical Sciences can lead to a whole new world of opportunities. For example, you may:

• become a researcher in a university, industry or government research organisation such as CSIRO, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Geoscience Australia, Australian Signal Directorate, Defence Science and Technology Group;
• work in areas requiring quantitative skills such as finance, environmental modelling, quantitative biology, data science or computation
• gain access to a wide range of careers, not just in academic research. 

ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.

We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.

Career options following the Doctor of Philosophy include many opportunities in addition to an academic path.  Alumni of the Doctor of Philosophy from the Mathematical Sciences Institute may go on to careers such as data mining, meteorology, quantitative analysis, actuary, defence, fusion science and industrial research.

critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate complex information in a specific area of the discipline relevant to their research;

formulate a research plan and undertake independent research to address specific research questions that make a substantial contribution to knowledge;

ensure that research is carried out with integrity and actively promote responsible conduct of research;

develop, adapt and implement research methodologies relevant to their research questions;

demonstrate expert technical and/or specialist skills relevant to their research focus;

communicate effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences in both written and oral form;

demonstrate appropriate collegial and professional behaviour, and safe working practices as required by their specific research focus.

No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this program.

The completion of a Doctor of Philosophy normally takes between three and four years of full-time study or part-time equivalent and is conducted in English. The award is made on the basis of independent research resulting in a detailed thesis comprising original written work, normally of up to 100,000 words, that is independently assessed by no fewer than two external examiners of international standing. 

All candidates are required to complete Research Integrity Training. In addition, candidates will also be able to participate in the College of Science Career Development Framework and demonstrate broader skills in research training, teaching and learning, industry and innovation, policy and governance; and opportunities to develop other transferable skills.

More information on how to apply can be found at https://www.anu.edu.au/study/apply/anu-postgraduate-research-domestic-and-international-applications .

There are a number of scholarships available to ANU HDR candidates to assist with the cost of their studies; however, in general first class honours might be required for consideration for a scholarship. Scholarships are highly competitive and not all applicants that receive an offer of admission to a HDR program will be successful in receiving a scholarship.

Responsible Officer: Registrar, Student Administration / Page Contact: Website Administrator / Frequently Asked Questions

• Contact ANU
• Freedom of Information

+61 2 6125 5111 The Australian National University, Canberra CRICOS Provider : 00120C ABN : 52 234 063 906

ANU Postgraduate research

Research is at the core of everything we do. It informs the content of our degrees, influences public policy and solves some of our region’s greatest challenges.

ANU postgraduate research

Find a supervisor

Scholarships & Fees

How to apply

Change the conversation

Studying an advanced, research-focused Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree at The Australian National University (ANU) is an opportunity to make a substantial and original contribution to your discipline or area of professional practice.

We’ll automatically consider you for a scholarship when we receive your application.

Research areas

Our research priorities reflect the challenges facing the world today.

ANU researchers are currently exploring a range of disciplines and study areas .

university in the world

QS World University Rankings 2024

Nobel laureates among ANU staff & alumni

in Australia in 13 disciplines

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

for student-teacher ratio and staff qualifications

Good Universities Guide 2023

Before you apply

Find a potential supervisor and explore our colleges’ research opportunities. Some colleges have different application requirements – so make sure you’re aware of and follow these before you apply.

1. Find a supervisor

Discover potential supervisors. Explore their research and published works and find their contact details.

Search supervisors

2. ANU college research opportunities

Our colleges can provide you with information about research areas, supervisors and groups, as well as who to contact.

NOTE: More than one college can offer supervision in a particular study area.

• ANU College of Arts & Social Sciences
• ANU College of Asia & the Pacific
• ANU College of Business & Economics
• ANU College of Engineering, Computing & Cybernetics
• ANU College of Health & Medicine
• ANU College of Law
• ANU College of Science

3. Explore college application requirements

If you have found a supervisor you would like to work with and the college that offers this supervision, you will need to find out if there are any pre-application steps that your college would like you to take.

Most colleges would like you to find and secure the support of a potential supervisor before you complete your application. For example, the ANU College of Business & Economics has different arrangements for setting up supervision, so please check in with them before applying.

Some colleges will ask you to send a short description of your proposed area of research as an expression of interest and a summary of your academic qualifications, including grades, to them first.

Visit the ANU college research pages for pre-application advice (see the links under 'ANU colleges’ content above).

  Previous   Next

Applying to ANU

You can apply at any time of the year – but if you would like to be considered for a scholarship, you will need to send your application within the scholarship’s application deadline.

Scholarship applicants

Your referees should send their reports before your scholarship’s deadline. Give them as much time as possible by completing your ANU application 2–3 weeks earlier than the scholarship’s deadline. We’ll contact your referees when we get your application.

Application requirements

Your application to study at ANU must meet the following requirements.

1. Minimum admission requirements

Explore our minimum admission requirements.

Requirements for admission to a Doctor of Philosophy degree

• An Australian bachelor’s degree with at least second-class honours (Upper first-class honours may be required by some programs) or the international equivalent, or
• Another degree with a significant research/thesis component, or
• A combination of qualifications, research publications and/or professional experience related to your field of study

Requirements for admission to a Master of Philosophy degree

• An Australian bachelor’s degree or higher, with an overall grade of distinction or higher, or the international equivalent, or
• Another equivalent degree, or
• A combination of qualifications, research publications and/or professional experience that are related to your field of study

2. English language requirements

You must meet our English language requirements to be eligible for admission to ANU. While you can apply without having met them, you will need to show that you do when you get a study offer from us.

Unsure whether you can meet the English language requirements? Contact your research school or the Graduate Research Office before you send your application.

Learn more about ANU English language requirements

3. Research proposal

Your draft research proposal only needs to be short. Check in with your potential supervisor to clarify their expectations for this proposal before you send it in with your application.

Your proposal should present your idea or question in your discipline area clearly. Consider it a statement about the basis of the research you’d like to do.

Your research proposal should:

• establish the relevance of your idea
• show gaps in your field – and how your research would address these
• include how you would go about your research project – your approach, methodologies and resources.

You will be able to change the proposal once you have enrolled in your program.

Learn about research proposals

4. Referees

Referee reports are mandatory when applying for admission to a HDR Program. At least 2 referees reports are required to commence assessment of the application. Academic referees, who are able to comment on the applicant’s ability to undertake the program, are preferred, however, professional references can also be used. The University may request additional referee reports during the assessment of the application.

Ensure their contact details are correct; we will email them a report to complete from within the application portal as soon as we have received your application.

If your referee is unable to access our system-generated referee report, they can contact the Admissions team and ask for another version of the form.

Your referees must send their completed reports confidentially and directly to the University rather than to you.

Reference documents:

• Research Application Referee Report (DOCX, 82.99 KB)

5. Supporting documentation

Upload clear, colour copies of your academic transcripts and graduation certificates with your application. You do not need to certify these documents, but they must be original copies. We will verify their authenticity.

If your academic documents were originally given to you in a language other than English, we will need official copies of the document in that language and original translations for verification purposes.

6. Incomplete qualifications

You can apply to ANU before you complete your current degree if you are in your final year. Advise the Graduate Research office your expected completion date via your application and supply a copy of the qualification when we make you an offer.

For more information, refer to ‘Supporting documentation’.

If you have the approval of a college and a potential supervisor, you can apply for admission to ANU. Without this endorsement, though, we might not be able to assess your application.

Choose the program you want to study from the Program & Courses catalogue

On the program’s page, click 'apply’ to open the application portal

Complete your application

Receiving an offer from ANU

After we assess your application, we will contact you via email about the outcome within 6–8 weeks (about 2 months). This could take longer if we're also considering you for a scholarship.

If you do not hear from ANU within two months, contact your research school or email the Graduate Research Office.

• Contact Graduate Research Office

Related links

The PhD in Law is an opportunity for you to engage in high-quality independent research as part of an extended research project. 

Program description

The PhD in Law is an opportunity for you to engage in high-quality independent research as part of an extended research project. The PhD degree requires submission of a thesis of not more than 100,000 words that makes a substantial contribution to learning in the field of law. Each candidate has a supervisory panel of academics. Students are encouraged to participate in the activities of the ANU College of Law, and would most often be based on campus and study full-time.

Mode of delivery

The research outcome of a PhD degree is a thesis of not more than 100,000 words. During their study, candidates are assessed against milestones which include: annual plans (completed 3 months after commencement and then annually); annual reports; a thesis proposal review; and an oral presentation.

Research students at ANU must fulfil the minimum residency requirements specified in the Australian Government’s  Research Award Rules 2017  unless approval has been obtained for a reduced period of attendance, or the student is externally based. Applicants should make a detailed case for any reduced period of attendance, preferably at the time of application. ANU also has a  PhD Attendance Requirements Policy  which describes these requirements.

If you are approved to study externally (via distance), the minimum attendance on campus is 4 weeks each year. For further information, please refer to the Guidelines For Externally Based Students on the ANU Law  Apply online  page. Approval to study externally cannot be guaranteed.

ANU Law will provide a suitable work space and computer on the ANU campus in Canberra. All students will have access to Wattle (Web Access to Teaching & Learning Environments), the University’s online learning platform.

One of the world's top 20 law schools Times Higher Education Rankings (2024)

Five-star maximum rating for student demand, teaching quality, student–teacher ratio and staff qualifications Good Universities Guide 2022

Graduating from ANU Law will see you join a prestigious and highly recognised alumni network .

4 years full-time (note that some scholarships are for a maximum of 3.5 years at present with a possible extension). If part-time study is approved, the maximum duration is 8 years.

Make an enquiry

Call and chat to a member of our Future Student Experience team.

Apply for Doctor of Philosophy in Law as a domestic or international student.

Course guide

View the Doctor of Philosophy in Law course guide for more information.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirements are: English language proficiency, and at a minimum, a bachelor's degree with first or upper second class honours, usually in law. Admission into this program is highly competitive and we therefore prioritise applicants with a first class honours degree. We favour applicants who also have a masters degree with a high grade point average.

The level of English language required for Law is high, see How to Apply . If you are an international student, you must provide a current IELTS or TOEFL certificate as proof of your competency. The tests can be arranged through the British Council or the Australian Embassy in your country.

ANU has the highest level of graduate employability of any Australian university.

In addition, graduating from ANU Law will see you join a prestigious and highly recognised alumni network of over 20,000 professionals in Australia and around the globe.

Academic experts

Each candidate has a supervisory panel of academics, usually drawn from the ANU College of Law’s experts .

With particular expertise in constitutional and administrative law , international law , environmental law , migration law, governance and national security , our academic staff are frequently called on by parliamentary committees, peak bodies, professional associations and the media for analysis, advice and guidance on the law, and what might be done to improve it.

Many of our expert research staff are also award winning teachers who are are always accessible and work closely with you to ensure you successfully complete your studies. We have created a supportive and nurturing environment in which you can thrive.

Admission to practice

A PhD in Law will not provide a basis for admission to practice.

ANU currently enrols domestic research students under the Research Training Scheme (RTS) which is funded by the Commonwealth Government. RTS funded students are not required to contribute to the cost of their tuition for the duration of their program.

International students are required to pay the cost of their tuition for the duration of their program. The annual fee for international students (2018) is $40,416.00.

Fees for the PhD program are also available on the Programs and Courses website.

Scholarships

ANU funds and administers a range of scholarships for graduate research degree programs, especially for domestic students. See our HDR scholarships page for information on these scholarships and their deadlines.

More information on ANU costs and fees , and scholarships and support is available on the central ANU website.

For more information on the Australian education system please go to the government websites MyUniversity and StudyAssist .

We have prepared detailed information on how to apply to do Higher Degree Research at ANU Law , including information on scholarships, putting your application together, applying online and commencement. Please read through these instructions thoroughly.

Programs and courses

For information on admission requirements, fees, courses, electives, suggested study patterns and more see Programs and Courses.

Useful links

• Study at ANU Law
• Contact ANU Law
• ANU Study with us
• ANU Information for you
• ANU Scholarships
• ANU Student experience

• Current students
• Content manager

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.

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).

Macroeconomics Seminar- Haidi Hong, PhD oral presentation, RSE ANU

The Causal Effect of Price Regulation on Economic Growth: Evidence from China

Motivated by nationwide and regional oil shortages repetitively occurring in China during the 2000s and early 2010s, this paper studies the oil products pricing mechanism. I show that the provincial and city’s geography and the highly centralized pricing mechanism jointly establish the exogeneity of regulatory price, which enables me to identify its causal effect on gross regional product (GRP). By constructing a unique panel dataset for 289 prefecture cities from 1998 to 2018, I am the first to document the existence and prevalence of overcharging behaviors-petrol stations setting sales price higher than regulatory price. Using fixed effect model, I find that 1% increase in regulatory price causes 2.69% increase in GRP. I also find that GRP responses more to the binding regulatory price than to the non-binding, which is consistent with microeconomic theory. By performing panel VAR analysis, I show the dynamic and permanent effects of regulatory price on regional economic growth. Finally, my paper contributes to solve the long-standing China’s price puzzle–the confusing positive relationship between international crude oil price and GDP.

Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science ANU College of Science

PhD Oral Presentation

Thursday 11 May, PhD Researcher Matt Nurse will be presenting about misinformation.

Event series

Free, just bring your lunch. 

Content navigation

Description, ph.d. oral presentation.

About the talk --    Who shares COVID-19 misinformation in Australia: A science communication approach

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Australians encountered false information about the disease and the virus that caused it. This misinformation was often spread by other Australians without knowing, or perhaps caring, whether these claims were true or not. Many of these messages contained suggestions that would be harmful if adopted. Within the academic community and across public health agencies, there is now heightened urgency to understand why some people engage in sharing this potentially harmful information. Previous research has found that personal factors, like attitudes, worldviews or a tendency to avoid analytic thinking, are associated with individual differences in misinformation-sharing behaviour. However, there is an intense academic debate about which of these factors are the most powerful predictors and for whom. Much of this debate has focused on social media, on topics of politics, rather than topics of science, and has focused on other national contexts. This means that the predictors for sharing misinformation about COVID-19 in Australia through any communication channel are currently unknown. This thesis contributes to this debate in the context of COVID-19 in Australia. It finds the first evidence for the integrative account for misinformation-sharing behaviour, building on previous findings that established this account for the forming of misinformation beliefs. This integrative account suggests that an individual’s tendency to engage in analytic thinking predicts their willingness to share misinformation, but this tendency is secondary to sharing information that is congruent with personal attitudes. While political orientation traditionally forms this preference component of the integrative model for political topics, this thesis finds that conspiratorial ideation about COVID-19 is instead the most useful predictor for this topic of science. This was found both at an individual level and through an audience segmentation analysis of a quota-matched national sample. Science communication professionals may be able to use these findings to develop effective and well-targeted communication strategies and other responses aimed at discouraging the spread of false and harmful information during future infectious disease emergencies.

Research profile:  https://cpas.anu.edu.au/people/matt-nurse   Twitter: @matt_nurse

1.30 Green couch room, Peter Baume Building 42a, Acton ACT 2601

To join virtually, please reach out to Abigail Hils ([email protected]) or use this information below to join:

Zoom Link:  https://anu.zoom.us/j/85475374932?pwd=aUNNdmFkK2pnK01UaGRzcEJDSjU3Zz09 Passcode: CPASsem23

• Bachelor degrees
• Master & Graduate Certificate
• PhD & MPhil
• Professional short courses & workshops
• Student projects
• Student profiles
• Internships
• Scholarships & prizes
• Research projects
• Research reports
• Research stories
• Publications
• Past visitors
• Professional staff
• CPAS Endowment
• How to give
• Mike Gore Fund
• About the Centre
• Partnerships
• Approach to teaching
• Future students enquiries
• Current students enquiries
• General enquiries
• Workshop enquiries
• Current students