Course essentials
Entry requirements
Credit
A full-time study load is 120 credits a year (usually four 15-credit units each semester). 120 credits equal one equivalent full-time student load (EFTSL). Each credit point equals about 10 hours of learning, so a 15-credit unit means roughly 150 hours.
Study mode
Study modes tell you how teaching and learning will be delivered for your course and include where and when classes can be scheduled, what you'll do and the tech you'll use.
Online
Duration
Start dates
01 January 2027
Locations
Camp St (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Course overview
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an elite higher degree qualification completed solely by research. Graduates at this level will have systemic and critical understanding of a substantial and complex body of knowledge at the frontier of a discipline or area of professional practice.
Undertaken over four years of full-time study, the PhD enables a candidate to create authoritative capabilities for independent research, demonstrated through the completion of a substantial thesis, or creative works with exegesis. Throughout their research journey, the candidate works closely with a supervisory team who provide academic guidance and support.
Candidates in this course would undertake a research project within the broad area of education.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Graduate Research School
Course co-ordinator
Andrew Barton
Career paths
The course creates opportunities for advanced and independent professional practice in careers that entail complex research and in a variety of academic, industry, community and government settings.
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
Full fee-paying places are not subsidised by the Australian Government. The indicative fee above is based on a typical first-year enrolment for this course and should be used as a guide only. Your fee will depend on your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
How it’s calculated
The amount is based on the course annual fee for 1 EFTSL (120 credit points). For 0.5 EFTSL (60 credit point) courses, the certificate fee is displayed.
Other fees
You will also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Fee assistance
Domestic students undertaking a higher degree by research may be eligible to receive a Research Training Program (RTP) funded place.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Anytime during the year (2026)
1 January 2026
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Camp St (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Anytime during the year (2027)
1 January 2027
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Camp St (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat.
- Online learning is only an option if you’re not studying on an international student visa.
Contact hours
Expect to put in at least 38 hours per week (full time) or 19 hours per week (part time).
Elective
Elective
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Entry requirements
To be eligible for admission as a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy an applicant must:
- possess a degree that is the equivalent to an AQF Bachelor degree with Honours with first class or second class, first division, for entry to a PhD or at least third class honours for entry to a Masters by Research, or
- possess a Masters degree with a relevant research component that is equivalent to a Masters degree from Federation University and an equivalent result as outlined above, or
- submit other evidence of relevant qualifications and experience, or research experience, to confirm that the applicant possesses a level of relevant research experience and capacity equivalent to an award in either point above, and
- satisfy such additional requirements for admission to a PhD candidature, if any, as may be prescribed by the Graduate Research School Board
English language requirements
Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall with no band less than 6.0, or equivalent.
Extra requirements
If you’re only applying for this course, do it via direct application.
Ready to fill out your application?
You'll need this code:
Direct application
Federation University code
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- ED0
Hear from our students
Hi, my name is Maddie and I'm studying a Bachelor of Education. I'm specialising in inclusive Ed and I'm in my third year of studies. I chose to study at Fed Uni because it is close to home and because I had a few friends who were studying here as well. I would recommend federation to those considering studying because of the placement opportunities they have here. This year as part of my diversity placement I was given the opportunity to travel to the NT to a remote indigenous community. This option was available to all students in my degree in the third year and it was made even more accessible as the majority of the accommodation and flights were funded by the Uni Arunga. The community I was placed in was the most beautiful little community with wonderful students and incredible classroom facilities. I'm so glad and proud of myself for taking that leap of faith because now I have so many more skills and experiences under my belt. This opportunity will be something I'll happily share with anyone and we'll think about forever. I really couldn't recommend this programme more.