Research Projects - PhD

What is a PhD?

A PhD is a 3-4 year degree that is undertaken after completing a BSc(Hons) or equivalent. It is a research intensive experience that will complete your training as a scientist. While the degree is almost mandatory for students wishing to follow a career as a research scientist, it can also be used as a launching pad for a variety of other careers. While you will work closely with a supervisor during your PhD, over the period of the degree you will be expected to develop independence and self reliance so that at the end of the degree you can take on the role of an independent scientist.

Entry requirements

The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology welcomes applications from suitably qualified students. You must have a BSc(Hons) degree or equivalent 4th year qualification recognised by the University of Melbourne. Entry into a PhD is open to suitably qualified students from any University in Australia or around the world.

PhD projects and supervisors

Nearly all academic and full time researchers in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology can supervise PhD students. Browse the webpages for the Research Laboratories in the Department to locate areas of research that interest you. Contact details are available on each site so you can contact the Laboratory Head.

Enrolling in a PhD

You should first identify and discuss a project with a suitable supervisor. If the potential supervisor is willing, apply for entry to the PhD program by following the links to the application form on the University of Melbourne Postgraduate Study page.

Facilities and Infrastructure

PhD students have access to all facilities in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology.  Each student is provided with a desk in one of the dedicated PHD student rooms and has use of the molecular biology laboratory, tissue culture facility, imaging and multimedia laboratories, confocal and electron microscopes, human anatomy and histology laboratories as required.  Infrastructure such as inter-library loans, photocopying, printing, controlled STD or ISD telephone and fax use are provided as is stationery.

Travel Support

The Department encourages its postgraduate students to present their work at conferences both local and overseas and students are entitled to apply for funding to assist with registration/travel.

Professional Development

Suitably qualified postgraduate students are provided with the opportunity to tutor and demonstrate in Departmental courses within the guidelines on work approved by the Research Higher Degree Committee.

Contact the PhD co-ordinator

For initial enquiries about a PhD in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, contact the PhD Co-ordinator:
Dr Peter Kitchener
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
University of Melbourne
3010
Phone: 61 3 8344 6746
Fax: 61 3 9347 5219
Email: p.kitchener@unimelb.edu.au

PhD scholarships

Two types of PhD scholarships are available at the University of Melbourne. Details and application forms can be obtained here. Equivalent scholarships are also available for non-Australian residents. You should discuss the scholarship application with your potential supervisor before applying.

Life after a PhD

Following the award of a PhD, most graduates move on to a postdoctoral position. This is full time employment as a scientist in a research laboratory. This appointment can be anywhere in the world. Australian PhDs are well regarded overseas and many Australian graduates will take up their first position in a foreign institution. Further down the track, a PhD in combination with postdoctoral experience is the most common qualification for an academic position in an Australian University or overseas. Other possible career options include science administration, science journalism, teaching, technical sales positions, patent law or involvement in biotechnology companies.