Doctor of Philosophy

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy provides the opportunity to pursue in-depth research. Candidates are expected to develop a research thesis that leads to an original and significant contribution to the knowledge in a particular field.

Major Study Areas

Departments’ research activities are in the areas of:

Biomedical Science
Anatomy
Applied Cardiovascular Physiology
Biomechanics
Cardiovascular Pathophysiology
Exercise Physiology
Exercise Rehabilitation
Functional Anatomy
Human Thermoregulation and Performance
Metabolic and Lipid Chemistry
Molecular Neuroscience
Motor Control
Nutrition and Dietetics
Occupational Health and Safety

Nursing
Accident and Emergency Nursing
Developmental Disabilities
Diabetes
Economics and Health Care
Evidence-Based Practice
Introducing Research Findings into Clinical Practice
Mental Health Nursing
Midwifery Practice
Physiological Nursing
Wound Healing

Psychology
Psychophysiology
Short-term Memory
Visual Cognition
Cognition Development
Cognitive Neuroscience relating to Cognition (particularly memory, vision and development)
Mental Health and Emotional Well-being

Public Health
Cardiovascular disease prevention
Health behaviour change
Environmental health
Food choice
Food policy
Health information systems
Health policy and regulation
Health promotion
Health services development and evaluation
Health services management
Health and society
Public health nutrition

Smart Foods Key Centre
Nutrient Sources:
Plant biology and livestock growth and metabolism studies to provide leaner meat products and improve the delivery of beneficial nutrients into the food supply.
Identification of novel food plants and enhancement of nutrient levels/balance in plants, meat and eggs.
Key Nutrients:
Laboratory and community based studies to examine actions and health benefits of fatty acids, antioxidants, phytoestrogens and other specific nutrients. Includes biochemical and physiological investigations into processes of oxidation and metabolism as they relate to heart, vascular and muscle function in health and disease.
Bioavailability:
Facilities are in place for the identification and accurate measurement of nutrients in foods and the human body.
Clever Cuisine:
Research aimed at bringing together beneficial macro and micronutrients into a whole cuisine optimised for metabolic fitness and prevention of conditions like diabetes, obesity, hypertension and cardiac disease.
Consumer Insights:
Identification and understanding of factors that influence healthy food choices, including good policy, food labelling and consumer information sources combined with surveys of consumer preferences and sensory evaluation of foods.

Entry Requirements / Assumed Knowledge

Candidates must have an Honours Bachelor degree of at least four years duration, and have achieved Honours Class 2 Division 2 or higher, or completed a Master by Research degree. In addition, a primary supervisor in the relevant academic unit must be identified prior to commencing the program. International students are required to have achieved an IELTS score of 6.0, with a level of 6.0 in reading and writing and at least 5.0 in speaking and listening. Requirements are higher in some programs.

Course Requirements

Study at the Doctoral level, usually for a minimum of 3 years full time, is by advanced research thesis. Potential candidates should discuss their research plan with the Postgraduate Research Coordinator of the School/Department, at which time the supervision arrangements of the School/Department will be outlined.

Rules and procedures for Doctoral degrees by Thesis are listed in the Course Rules. Doctoral candidates are urged to be familiar with the Code of Practice - Supervision and General Course Rules governing Thesis and Research Degrees including the regulations regarding preparation and submission of the thesis.

In the Graduate School of Public Health program, a detailed research proposal must be submitted for examination at about one third of the duration of the candidature. This examination must be passed successfully for the candidature to be allowed to continue, and must have taken place within 1 year of commencing the candidature (full time or part time equivalent).

Course Program

Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology)

Overview

This program aims to equip candidates with both clinical and research training at high levels of expertise. The coursework and practical provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles governing psychological assessment and therapy, and clinical skills required to assess and treat clients with a wide variety of clinical conditions in both child and adult populations. Candidates also undertake in-depth research in order to make an original contribution to the body of knowledge in clinical psychology. The clinical training enables the candidate to practise as a clinical psychologist, and the research training can lead to or enhance an academic career and is highly regarded by public and private sector employers.

Entry Requirements / Assumed Knowledge

Candidates must have a superior honours degree in Psychology of at least four years duration of Class II, Division 1 standard or higher. Entry is very competitive and is particularly suitable for students with PhD Scholarships. Applicants must submit two referees’ reports, a personal statement, and attend a selection interview.

International students are required to have achieved an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in all bands, reading and writing, speaking and listening.

Course Requirements

Students should consult the information on Criminal Records Checks, Prohibited Employment Declaration and infectious diseases at end of this chapter.

Course Program

Professional Recognition

This program is accredited by the NSW Psychologists Registration Board for registration as a psychologists, by the Australian Psychological Society at 5th and 6th year level, and by the APS College of Clinical Psychologists.