Doctor of Philosophy (Education)

Further information

Applicants may apply to enter the Doctor of Philosophy by one of two qualifying pathways: direct entry or pathway A. In both instances, admission is subject to acceptance of the intending applicant's research proposal of 1,000 words, which must address criteria specified by the faculty, on the faculty web site.

Direct entry
Applicants may qualify if their research proposal is accepted, by a potential supervisor, and they satisfy one of the criteria listed below:
a bachelor degree with first or second class honours in an appropriate area of study that includes a research thesis based on primary data, not only a literature review, or a master's degree by research in an appropriate area of study that includes a research thesis that draws on primary data, or a masters degree by coursework with a 12,000-15,000 word research thesis or dissertation that draws on primary data, not a literature review, with a grade point average of at least 80% in the degree.

Pathway A entry
Pathway A entry is open to applicants whose research proposal is accepted by a potential supervisor and who satisfies one of the following criteria:
a bachelor degree with first or second class honours in an appropriate area of study, but which did not include a research thesis, or
a masters degree by coursework (with no thesis or dissertation component) with a grade point average of at least 75% and an amount of scholarly writing and/or research expertise which, in the opinion of the admissions committee, is equivalent to a master's research thesis. Copies of these must be submitted with the application.

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).