Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture)

Further information

To be eligible for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture), 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 an independent research component such as a thesis, dissertation or research project with a minimum overall credit average.

Applicants who do not meet these admission requirements may be issued an offer of a place to the Master of Philosophy (Agriculture).

Transfer from University of Sydney Master of Philosophy (Agriculture)

Outstanding candidates who successfully complete up to one year full-time or equivalent part-time of the University of Sydney Master of Philosophy (Agriculture) may apply for transfer into the Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture) and be granted credit for work already completed:

• with 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.

See Master of Philosophy (Agriculture) progression and completion requirements.

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 of at least 500 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. Referee reports should be supplied on 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. Applications are made via the University’s online application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply Now’ button on the right hand side of this page.

You will be required to upload all of the following documents when you submit your application:

• certified academic transcripts for all your previous tertiary study, if they were not completed at The University of Sydney

• CV, providing a summary of your work experience

• two academic references (international applicants)

• cover letter outlining your reasons for applying

• research proposal

• statement of capacity to undertake part-time candidature (if applicable –domestic applicants)

• evidence that your supervisor supports your application. This can be PDF copies of emails between you and your supervisor

• proof of your Australian residency status (a certified copy of the main page your Australian passport, or a certified copy of the main page(s) of your own passport with evidence of your visa)

• English language qualifications (if your prior study was completed at an institution where English is not the medium of instruction).