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• School of Chemistry
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• Graduate research

Graduate research at the School of Chemistry

Learn under the guidance of world-leading staff to pursue a career in research or academia in your area of interest.

Why research with us?

The School of Chemistry has 27 continuing teaching and research staff and over 50 research-only staff, supported by technical and administrative personnel. The School hosts in excess of 150 higher degree research students, an excellent international reputation in research and an outstanding record of achievement in attracting external research funding.

Our Graduate Research degrees

Doctor of philosophy (science).

A PhD is an essential qualification for a research career in chemistry. Many of our graduates go on to work as postdoctoral research scientists and careers in research and teaching in academia, or move into industry where their technical and professional skills are highly valued.

Master of Philosophy (Science)

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.

Master of Industrial Research (Chemistry)

If you’re keen to work in industry-based chemistry research, perhaps designing new-generation materials or bringing new pharmaceuticals to market, then start with a graduate course where you spend most of your time working in industry – and getting paid to do it.

Getting started in graduate research

Once you know the Graduate Research degree you want to pursue, you need to find a researcher, group or project to work with while pursuing your degree. There are two great ways to find your passion and a supervisor or group to help you reach it:

Option 1: Explore our research groups

There is a wide range of research being performed across our School – explore the Our research page to learn more about the projects and supervisors you could join. Send a prospective supervisor a message on their Find an Expert profile and explain what you'd like to do.

Explore our research

Option 2: Find a graduate research project

The University's Graduate Research Opportunity Tool is a directory of PhD and Masters by Research projects – search by course, field of research or location to find a research project that you're excited to join. Send a prospective supervisor a message on their Find an Expert profile and explain what you'd like to do.

Explore research opportunities

What do I say to a prospective supervisor?

You need the written support of a supervisor before submitting an application to the University. Once you've found a prospective supervisor, contact them with the following documents and information:

• Your curriculum vitae (CV)
• All higher education transcripts
• A brief summary of your intended area of research.

They will consider your past academic performance and whether there is an available project that fits with your  background and area of interest.

Scholarships and fees

Most domestic and international students who are offered a PhD place with us will also be offered a Graduate Research Scholarship . Receiving this scholarship means you’ll pay no tuition fees. You’ll also receive a living allowance and relocation grant (if relocating to Melbourne). When you apply for a PhD with us, you’ll be automatically considered for a Graduate Research Scholarship. There’s no need to apply separately.

A huge variety of other scholarships are also available. Search our scholarships to find the ones you’re eligible for.

Need advice or help getting started?

We welcome general inquiries from graduates interested in undertaking postgraduate study – either call us on +61 3 9035 6459 or  email the Graduate Research support team .

Astrophysics

The phd program (phd in physics), the doctorate program (phd physics):.

The approximately 3 and a half year PhD in Physics program is based purely on research. There are no required subjects. Key milestones in the program are: (1) Candidacy: There is a progress review at the end of your first year. This consists of a presentation, short report, and a Q&A session with the candidacy committee (composed of three to four faculty members). If you are on-track, you become a PhD candidate. (2) Annual reviews: There continue to be annual reviews of your progress and any issues that have arisen with your candidacy committee each year, (3) Thesis: At the end of your PhD program, you submit a thesis documenting your PhD research that is reviewed by an international panel of experts in your field.

Choosing a research project and supervisor:  Before submitting a PhD application, you must liaise with your planned supervisor about your planned PhD project. In most cases, this is your MSc supervisor, but there are exceptions if you are coming from a different institution or decide to change your research focus.  We have listed (very!) brief project ideas for each research area under the Research link. If you are interested in an area and would like to know more, please contact the faculty member directly.

If you are applying internationally, the first step in applying for the PhD program is to send your CV, transcripts, evidence of English proficiency (if required), and an indication of your research interests to [email protected] . They will suggest some potential supervisors. No one is admitted to the PhD program without a supervisor.

Funding: All of our PhD students receive a stipend sufficient to support them over the course of their PhD. This also comes with a tuition fee waiver. There can be supplementary scholarships and awards on top of this, and (with permission of their PhD supervisor), PhD students often supplement their income while developing their teaching abilities by acting as tutors in undergraduate or graduate subjects.

• Getting here
• Using Asteroseismology to Measure an Integrated Mass Loss for Evolved Stars in Globular Clusters Wednesday 14 Sep 2022 @ 12:00 p.m., Level 6 Geoff Opat([...]
• Understanding X-Ray Signatures of Outflows Through 3-D Simulations Wednesday 07 Sep 2022 @ 12:00 p.m., Level 6 Geoff Opat([...]
• Orbital structures of SAMI passive galaxies from orbit-superposition Schwarzschild models. Wednesday 31 Aug 2022 @ 12:00 p.m., Laby Theatre(+Zoom)[...]
• On Modelling Complex Systems in Astronomy Wednesday 17 Aug 2022 @ 12:00 p.m., Laby Theatre(+Zoom)[...]
• Hydroxyl as a Probe of the Interstellar Medium Wednesday 10 Aug 2022 @ 12:00 p.m., Zoom Dr Anita Petzl[...]
• How do galaxies regulate their own star formation? Wednesday 03 Aug 2022 @ 12:00 p.m., Laby Theatre(+Zoom)[...]
• Leaks and bursts Wednesday 27 Jul 2022 @ 12:00 p.m., Laby Theatre(+Zoom)[...]
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International PhD opportunities

When you undertake a joint PhD you will access expertise, resources and training from two institutions. As well as the University of Melbourne, you will spend at least 12 months at an international institution. This means your research will benefit from a global perspective, enhancing your prospects for an international research career. Upon completion, your joint PhD will be recognised by two testamurs – one from each partner university.

Learn how an international joint PhD opportunity in chemistry helped fulfil both professional and personal ambitions for Dr Susi Seibt . Since completing her joint PhD in Germany and Australia, Dr Seibt has landed her dream job at the Australian Synchrotron.

Current joint PhD research opportunities

International joint PhD projects open for application are listed below. These projects are fully funded.

The latest opportunities are also searchable via the Find A Research Project Tool.

Find a Project

New alloy design approach for Mg alloys

Two fully funded Joint PhD positions on New alloy design approach for Mg alloys with Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China).

Unmanned aerial and surface vehicles (UAVs and USVs)

Two fully funded Joint PhD positions on Unmanned aerial and surface vehicles (UAVs and USVs) with Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China).

Optimal orthopaedic implant/bone integration

Two fully funded Joint PhD positions on Optimal orthopaedic implant/bone integration with Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China).

Turbulent flows and their application to aerospace systems

Two fully funded Joint PhD positions on Turbulent flows and their application to aerospace systems with Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China).

Visualising the dynamics of horizontal gene transfer during bacterial conjugation

Two fully-funded projects investigating dynamical interactions and subcellular localisation of the bacterial conjugation machinery with Berlin University Alliance (Germany).

Identification and characterization of microRNAs essential for the development and fitness of chemoresistant acute myeloid leukemia

One fully funded Joint PhD position on identification and characterisation of microRNAs essential for the development and fitness of chemoresistant acute myeloid leukemia with the University of Toronto.

Green infrastructure and invertebrate communities

One fully funded Joint PhD position on the cooling footprint of green infrastructure and influence on urban invertebrate communities with the University of Toronto.

Shape shifting molecules

Two fully funded Joint PhD positions to use light to control and explore molecular structure and function with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Israel).

Mental health and cognitive status in late life depression (LLD)

Two fully funded Joint PhD positions to improve outcomes related to mental health and cognitive status in late life depression (LLD) with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Israel).

Immunology and infection

Various fully joint PhD positions available in the field of infection and immunity, with the University of Bonn (Germany).

Cell-scale MRI

One fully funded joint PhD position available investigating detection of MRI signals on the cellular level, with Hebrew University Jerusalem (Israel).

Exciton science

Eight fully funded joint PhD positions to research light-based energy in exciton science, with the University of Bayreuth (Germany).

Find a Research Project- IRTG filter

Find a research project, filtered under International Research Training Groups (IRTGs).

Find out more about our international partner institutions and how to apply for a joint PhD .

Keep reading

A joint phd creates career opportunities around the world.

Find out what it’s like to undertake a joint PhD in Germany and Australia. Learn how an international joint PhD can shape your career and your life choices.

Explore research areas

Discover your graduate research options at the University of Melbourne.

Supplementary PhD Programs

Learn more about the University of Melbourne’s supplementary PhD programs. These programs help to broaden your networks and enhance your career prospects.

Interdisciplinary research programs

Explore the University’s interdisciplinary research programs for graduate researchers. Collaborations include PhD programs, institutes and centres.

School of Computing and Information Systems

Artificial intelligence.

Artificial intelligence research is a particular strength in the School of Computing and Information Systems. Our researchers address many different approaches to AI, encompassing deep learning, data mining, machine learning, natural language processing, and agent-based systems. Our theories and techniques can be applied to a wide range of practical problems, including cyber-security, health, finance and government.

Melbourne is also host to the IBM and ARC Training Centre for Cognitive Computing for Medical Technologies , which is furthering our research and translating into solving critical needs in the domains of medicine and health.

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Research Themes

Artificial intelligence assurance lab.

Our research explores ethical, regulatory and legal issues relating to Artificial Intelligence. We validate AI technologies with respect to quality, safety, privacy, and reliability.

AI and Autonomy Lab

Intelligent systems can act (semi-)autonomously, working alongside human experts to analyse and help solve complex challenges. Designing good agents needs to balance the ability of agents to work effectively with other agents and human experts to have the maximum real-world impact.

Natural Language Processing

Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a field of artificial intelligence that focuses on enabling computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language. We develop algorithms and computational models to analyze and process large volumes of natural language data in order to extract meaning and insights from text, speech, and other forms of human communication.

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Graduate Research

Doctor of Philosophy - Education

• Course code:   DR-PHILEDU

Course overview

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy signifies that the holder has undertaken a substantial piece of original research, which has been conducted and reported by the holder under proper academic supervision and in a research environment for a prescribed period.

The PhD thesis demonstrates authority in the candidate's field and shows evidence of command of knowledge in relevant fields. It shows that the candidate has a thorough grasp of the appropriate methodological techniques and an awareness of their limitations. The thesis also makes a distinct contribution to knowledge, which rests on its originality of approach and/or interpretation of the findings, and, in some cases, the discovery of new facts.

Additionally, the thesis demonstrates an ability to communicate research findings effectively in the professional arena and in an international context. It is a careful, rigorous, and sustained piece of work demonstrating that a research 'apprenticeship' is complete and that the holder is admitted to the community of scholars in the discipline.

In scope, the PhD thesis differs from a research masters thesis chiefly by its deeper and more comprehensive treatment of the chosen subject. It is written succinctly, in English, unless approval has been given for the thesis to be written in a language other than English. The normal length of a PhD thesis is 80,000 words, exclusive of words in tables, maps, bibliographies and appendices. Footnotes are included as part of the word limit.

Internationally recognised supervisors

We're home to a number of internationally recognised education experts, and at the cutting edge of teaching and research.

Related study areas

• General studies in education
• Global and international education