The Doctor of Philosophy is the University’s flagship research award and is the standard pre-requisite for a career in research or academia. The PhD involves three – four years of research for a full-time candidate or the equivalent in half-time candidature.
As one of the most highly research-intensive and respected universities in Australia and a member of the prestigious Group of Eight, The University of Adelaide is the smart choice for your research program. The University is committed to providing unique opportunities for graduates and researchers who are recognised as worldwide leaders for their vision and capacity to address global research challenges.
Career Readiness
The PhD is a demonstration of a graduate’s ability to conceptualise and implement an independent program of research, manage a project, organise resources, work with other people and communicate effectively both orally and in writing at a high level. Accordingly, a wide range of career opportunities are available to PhD graduates. The traditional pathways are to research and academic careers, however, increasingly, graduates progress into other professional areas, including management.
Potential careers: Research Manager, Research Scientist, Research and Education
Degree Structure
A PhD comprises an independent, supervised research project mutually agreed upon by the student, their supervisors and Head of School. The PhD requires the development and implementation of a rigorous research plan, based on a comprehensive understanding of the relevant literature and the need for answers to questions posed in that literature or as a result of a new theory. In addition, PhD students complete a minimum of 120 hours of relevant professional development activities through the University's Career and Research Skills Training (CaRST) program.
Progress through the degree is tracked through the completion of a number of key milestones. These milestones provide an opportunity for the University to review progress and ensure that candidates are well supported to complete their degree in a timely manner.
The School of Agriculture, Food and Wine conducts world-leading scientific research related to agriculture, food and wine.
In collaboration with local, national and global partners, the School delivers innovative options and opportunities to benefit the agricultural, food and wine industries, consumers and the environment.
Research areas:
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
March 2025
North Terrace
Kintore Avenue, Frome Road,
Adelaide,
South Australia,
5005, Australia
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
July 2025
The University of Adelaide (Adelaide)
North Terrace,
UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE,
South Australia,
5005, ADELAIDE, Australia
To gain admission into a Doctor of Philosophy, you’ll need one of the following: a relevant University of Adelaide Honours degree (or equivalent), with at least a second-class Honours (upper division); a postgraduate coursework degree which contains a significant research component and meets the minimum GPA requirements; a relevant University of Adelaide Master of Philosophy (or equivalent).
English language proficiency requirements
IELTS (ACADEMIC) - Overall Score 6.5 All Other Bands 6.0
TOEFL (INTERNET BASED TEST) - Total score 79 Writing 21 Speaking 18 Listening & Reading 13
PEARSON TEST of ENGLISH (ACADEMIC) - Overall Score 58 All Other Bands 50
C1 ADVANCED - Overall Score 176 All Other Bands 169
You can apply for admission at any time throughout the year.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
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