Doctor of Philosophy (Conservatorium)

Further information

To be eligible for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy (Conservatorium), 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.

These criteria constitute the minimum requirements for eligibility and do not guarantee admission. That remains at the discretion of the relevant supervisors and departments, and access to supervision remains highly competitive. The University must certify that there are sufficient supervisory and other resources and facilities available to enable your candidature to be completed successfully.

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 1500-2000 words that outlines the subject area, objectives, introductory literature review significance of your research and schedule of research.

• Choral Conducting Applicants

Applicants must submit a video of a performance or rehearsal that displays their conducting proficiency. Initially, tapes must be submitted by 31 October which will contain one renaissance motet (a cappella), one romantic work, with or without an instrumental ensemble, and a contemporary work composed after 2000 (a cappella). Prospective students will then be invited to a personal interview (for international students, this will be carried-out via Skype).

For information on developing a research proposal please contact the Office of Student Administration.
+ 61 2 9351 1206
+ 61 2 9351 1216
Email: coninfo@sydney.edu.au or timothy.crowe@sydney.edu.au

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.

Please note - Except for IPRS and UsydIS scholarships for international students, you must complete a separate scholarship application.

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).

You may be required to attend an interview.