Join one of our world-renowned research groups, work with state-of-the-art equipment, and soak up all the professional development opportunities and international connections that come with studying at Australia's leading university. With seven schools to choose from (BioSciences, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, Geography, Mathematics and Statistics, and Physics) and more than 500 academic researchers to work with, you’re sure to find a team and a PhD project that will suit you. Global opportunities In addition to our own leading PhD program, we also offer several joint PhD opportunities, where you can conduct your research at both the University of Melbourne and a top research institution in Germany or India. Industry connections To prepare you for your post-PhD career, you can take advantage of the time between submitting your thesis and it being conferred by completing a 3–6 month industry placement through our Specialist Certificate in Research Practice for Scientists. Course structure Typically taken over 3 years full time (part time available), you’ll be working independently on an innovative research project that results in a thesis, which will make a distinct contribution to knowledge in your field. Undertake a PhD in one of seven science schools: The normal length of a PhD thesis is 80,000 words. The course includes regular progress reviews with a supervisory panel to ensure good progress towards completion of the thesis. Students can publish sections of their research thesis as they are completed. The Doctor of Philosophy (Science) involves no compulsory coursework, though with approval students may be able to take coursework subjects that are relevant to their research. BioSciences Chemistry Earth Sciences Ecosystem and Forest Sciences Mathematics and Statistics Physics Geography Career outcomes A PhD is an essential qualification for a research career in many areas of science. A PhD is also a ticket to international research opportunities. Many of our graduates go on to work as postdoctoral research scientists and then on to careers in research and teaching in academia, or move into industry, where the technical and professional skills that come with completing a PhD are being recognised more and more. Employers of PhD graduates include: Universities International research institutions like CSIRO, the Defence Science and Technology Group, the Max Planck Institutes, the Chinese Academy of Sciences or NASA. Government departments like the Bureau of Meteorology, the Bureau of Statistics or Melbourne Water Consulting firms such as Deloitte and KPMG Software and computing companies such as IBM, IRESS and Quantium Large financial services providers including ANZ and NAB Technical and professional skills On graduating from the course you’ll have high-level knowledge and research skills in your chosen area of science. Additionally, you’ll have strong professional skills in: Critical thinking and problem-solving Research planning, literature reviews and reporting on research Scientific communication, both written and oral Project management.