honours to phd

Postgraduate research degrees

Our research is driven by the big picture. The University of Sydney is home to leading researchers who are finding solutions to the world's most pressing issues by changing the way they look at them. 

We are home to 90 world‑renowned multidisciplinary research and teaching centres that tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, such as health, climate change and food security. These centres include the Charles Perkins Centre, the Brain and Mind Centre ,  The University of Sydney Nano Institute , the Sydney Policy Lab , the Sydney Environment Institute , and the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre .

Our interdisciplinary approach means that students are part of a community of scholars that unites experts in fields as diverse as medicine, arts, social sciences, engineering, information technologies and science. 

As a researcher at Sydney, you'll work alongside some of the world's brightest and most accomplished academics. You can access high-calibre facilities and unique international partnerships with top-ranked institutions, including Stanford, UCLA, the University of Edinburgh, Utrecht University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and the University of Hong Kong.

Types of research degrees

Master's degree by research.

A master's degree by research at Sydney:

• is the second-highest qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework
• can be a gateway to study at a PhD level
• is usually one to two years full-time or two to four years part-time*
• is awarded based on a supervised thesis, which makes a substantial contribution to the knowledge of the subject concerned.

*Part-time is not available to international student visa holders.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A PhD at Sydney:

• is our premier research award and the highest qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework
• comprises of independent research and writing on an approved topic toward a thesis for examination
• may be undertaken in all faculties and divisions, or across disciplines
• is usually 3.5 years of full-time or seven years of part-time* study.

If you’re interested in a Joint PhD program, you need to follow the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) application steps 1-3. In addition, your proposed supervisor will need to complete a proposal to negotiate a student agreement form. If accepted, you will also be required to sign an individual student agreement. After your student agreement is finalised, you will then be sent an application form for the Joint PhD program.

Please refer to the University's Dual and Joint Degree Policy for full policy details.

Download our  Joint PhD programs factsheet (pdf, 116KB)  to learn more.

Professional doctorate

A professional doctorate at Sydney:

• allows candidates to pursue rigorous scholarship alongside advancing their practice in many fields
• is usually three to four years of full-time or six to eight years of part-time* study.

Internship opportunities

Grow professionally and academically through a paid 3-6 month internship with an industry partner as you complete your degree.

The University of Sydney has partnered with  Australian Postgraduate Research Intern (APR.Intern)  to provide domestic and international HDR students with internship opportunities  in a range of sectors and disciplines.

A paid internship will allow you to:

• Develop competencies that will contribute to your research
• Gain industry experience, develop skills and build networks
• Enhance your employability
• Earn additional income

HDR coursework 

HDR coursework is mandatory for some of our research degrees. HDR coursework adds to your researcher toolkit so you can graduate with a robust set of skills, for a career in academia or industry.

Your faculty may elect to define certain units of study as mandatory for a given degree, or define any other studies as required by the progress evaluation panel of the research project. Refer to the relevant course in the  handbook .  

Frequently asked questions

Getting started, do i need prior research experience.

Yes, all HDR courses require prior research experience. This is because HDR courses are largely self-driven, requiring pre-requisite research, time and project management skills.

If I have no prior research experience how can I get started?

If you do not have any previous research experience, there are ways to gain what you need. Both the one-year honours and masters by coursework degrees containing substantial research components are great pathways into research. These courses will allow you to gain the research skills necessary to apply for the PhD.

What is the difference between a Master of Philosophy/Research and a PhD?

The PhD is our premier research award and the highest qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework. The PhD is usually three years full-time or six years part-time.

The Master of Philosophy/Research is usually one to two years full-time or four years part-time (part-time is available to domestic students only). A PhD thesis is generally around 80,000 words while a master’s thesis is 50,000 words.

How do I find a supervisor?

To browse through the profiles of our researchers and learn about their current and past research, please refer to Find a Researcher . Here, you will also be able to access the publications lists and contact details of our researchers. 

My research idea crosses two disciplines – is this a problem?

No. Interdisciplinary research is highly regarded in the world of academia and working across disciplines can be very beneficial in developing and demonstrating different analytical skills. Working on research from two perspectives can also offer insight that you would not be able to achieve from one discipline perspective.

What are the English language requirements for a PhD?

Please check your  course page  for the requirements of each course. Generally, the English requirements are between 6.0 to 7.0 IELTS overall or equivalent in other accepted English proficiency tests.

How much do HDR courses cost?

There are no course fees for domestic students – fees are covered by the government Research Training Program (RTP) fee offset. However, fees apply to international students. Please refer to the  course page  for fee details.

What scholarships are available?

We have one of the largest research schemes in Australia. Opportunities include the Australian government-funded Research Training Program (RTP) stipend scholarships, and the University of Sydney and faculty-specific awards. Explore your options .

Degree progression

Do i have to undertake hdr coursework.

It depends on your degree. Your faculty may define certain units of study as mandatory for a given degree. Where this is not the case, you may still have the opportunity to complete units of study that you find useful to support your learning and research. 

Can I transfer from the Master of Philosophy into a PhD?

It is possible for students to move to the PhD after the first year of study, if you have made satisfactory progress and if the transfer is approved by your Faculty. It is important to inform your supervisor of your plans early so that you can work on a timeline together to achieve this goal.

Support during your studies

Am i able to work while studying my hdr course full-time.

Yes, you can work during your PhD. How many hours you take on is at your own discretion, and you must ensure that you still allow time for the completion of your research. International HDR students can generally work more hours than coursework students. Please check your individual visa for specific restrictions.

Will the university employ me during my PhD?

There are sometimes opportunities for PhD candidates to engage in paid employment at the University, but this is not guaranteed and is dependent on the Faculty/Department. If opportunities do arise, they may be in the form of teaching, marking, acting as a research assistant, or other roles.

What support services are available to research students?

There is extensive support for research students at Sydney, including 100+ multidisciplinary research and teaching centres.

Other services:

• Library workshops for research skills
• Academic Liasion Librarians
• Research Support Officers
• Careers Centre
• Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA)
• Learning Hub

How to apply

Find a supervisor.

Search by keyword, location, topic or supervisor name

• 1800 SYD UNI ( 1800 793 864 )
• or +61 2 8627 1444

Student Centre, Level 3 Jane Foss Russell Building, Darlington Campus

Opening hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Prospective students

Facts & figures

Research at Sydney

• Top 20 Ranked one of the world's top universities*
• 100% of our research is ranked at world standard and above by the Australian Research Council
• 100+ multidisciplinary research and teaching centres
• * QS World University Rankings 2024

Research scholarships

Find the right scholarship for you

How to write a research proposal

A guide to preparing a strong research proposal

6 ways to finance your postgraduate study

Find out how to reduce the cost of your tuition fees

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Current students

What are the differences between an honours degree and a phd, was this answer helpful, answers others found helpful.

• What higher degree by research (HDR) programs are available, other than a PhD?
• What types of Honours degrees are available?
• What is the fastest pathway to complete a PhD after an undergraduate degree?
• How long do I have to complete my higher degree by research program?
• Is there a time limit between completing my honours degree and beginning a PhD?

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD degree is a highly recognised advanced research postgraduate programme and is available in all faculties and schools/departments. The PhD programme is intellectually demanding, requiring strong analytical skills, critical thinking ability, and language proficiency for undertaking independent research to produce original ideas with significant impact.  It aims to cultivate competent researchers who would like to develop their career in research, academia, and other professional areas.  

The University offers 3-year and 4-year PhD programmes. Applicants who have a good Bachelor’s degree with honours and/or a taught Master’s degree will be considered for admission to the 4-year PhD programme, whereas those who already hold a research Master’s degree (e.g. MPhil) can be considered for admission to the 3-year PhD programme.

PhD candidates can commence their studies on the first day of any calendar month, and are generally expected to complete the degree within the following time-limits. The minimum study period is half of the normative study period.    

Normative study period:

PhD study focuses on conducting independent research, under the supervision of a dedicated academic or a team of academics, leading to the final submission of a thesis. In addition, candidates of the 4-year PhD programme will be required to follow an approved course of study and research, including coursework on discipline-specific knowledge, language and research skills. The coursework component is well designed to equip students for their research work and thesis writing. Candidates for the 3-year PhD programme may also be required to take courses and satisfy coursework requirements.

Click here  for the details of the coursework requirements. The award of the PhD degree is based on satisfactorily completing courses, where prescribed, submitting a thesis that should be an original contribution to knowledge and worthy of publication, and satisfying the examiners in an oral examination (and any other examination if required) in matters relevant to the subject of the thesis.

Click here  for the Regulations for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

School of Biomedical Sciences

• PhD pathways:<br> Honours & the Master of Biomedical Science

PhD pathways: Honours & the Master of Biomedical Science

The School’s Honours & Master of Biomedical Science degrees each have an advanced coursework component and a research project. Discover the research opportunities available.

The following degrees each have an advanced coursework component and a research project and are grouped together on this page for convenience:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine (Honours) or Bachelor of Science (Honours) following completion of Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline.
• Master of Biomedical Science - entry requirements are an undergraduate degree with a major in a relevant discipline with a weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%), or equivalent. This program is an alternative to the Honours to PhD pathway.

If you have not already done so, you should familiarise yourself with the structure, entry requirements, fees and scholarships and the application process for your chosen Degree.

What is Honours?

Honours is a fourth-year undergraduate course that consists of a combination of a research project and coursework subjects. The course is designed to develop the student’s capacity to solve problems, to analyse data, to read and think critically, and to communicate clearly.

Honours can give you a taste of what working as a scientist would be like as a career, allows you to demonstrate academic excellence in an area of special interest to you, and provides an entry point for further research higher degree study (i.e. PhD) and coursework courses. These skills are highly sought after by employers in biological, medical and industrial areas.

What is the Master of Biomedical Science?

The Master of Biomedical Science at the University of Melbourne is a coursework master’s degree incorporating a substantial research project. This course is an alternative to the Honours as a PhD pathway. Students undertake a major research project and discipline-specific coursework subjects. In addition, a suite of professional business and communication subjects are offered to complement and enhance the research undertaken and to progress students’ career opportunities.

The course encourages students to think innovatively and provides an awareness of the health and economic benefits of biomedical research. Graduates of this course gain an understanding of the research process, specialist knowledge and professional skills that are attractive to employers.

Watch our Spotlight Series : The Master of Biomedical Science

Honours and Masters Projects

Check each Department's research project guide for further details of projects for the current year.

• Department of Anatomy & Physiology
• Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology
• Department of Microbiology & Immunology

Information Sessions

Each of the Departments in the School runs Information Sessions for their prospective Honours and Masters students. These are advertised in the 'News and Events' section on the home pages of the Departments' websites.

These sessions include an overview of the Honours and Masters Programs and an introduction to the Research Projects available. You will be given a copy of the list of Honours and Masters projects that will be available for the coming year. In most cases, there will be honours students from the previous year who will speak of their experiences as Honours or Masters students.

Light refreshments will be available at the end of each of the sessions and there will be an opportunity to speak with potential supervisors.

Please see department websites for academic contact information:

General Enquiries

Email:   http://forms.your.unimelb.edu.au/4747166?SID=a3xOY00000000Uf

The School of Biomedical Sciences is located at the Parkville campus of the University of Melbourne. Parkville is the hub of biomedical science research in Melbourne and is the location of the Doherty Institute, Bio21, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, and the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

The choice of research projects for honours students within the School is extremely diverse and covers the spectrum of biomedical sciences. Our research is encompassed in several broad themes of Infection and Immunity, Neuroscience, Cancer, Cardio-respiratory, Therapeutics and Translation, Cellular Imaging and Structural Biology, Molecular Basis of Disease, Systems Biology, and Cell Signalling. The School brings together researchers from epidemiology and public health, preventative medicine, clinical and primary care medicine, as well as basic and applied sciences. Honours students in the School benefit from this multidisciplinary approach through their contact with bench scientists and clinicians who are involved in patient management.

Laureate Professor Peter Doherty, one of the joint winners of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1996, is one of the staff in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology (in the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity)  and there is a very strong immunology research component in the School. Our Head of School, Professor Fabienne Mackay's research interests straddle the area of basic research on B cells and their role in autoimmunity and cancer, and the development of new treatments for autoimmune diseases. Her lab group is a world leader in Baff research and autoimmunity.

Departments within the School have high profiles in the Australian and international science communities and enjoy a high degree of success in obtaining NHMRC grants and similar competitive funding. There are increasing numbers of international postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers, which adds further research experience and abilities.

Across our six Departments there are 19 different service providers or instrumentation platforms available to researchers within the School and these include the Biological Optical Microscopy Platform (BOMP), the ImmunoID Flow Cytometry Facility, Histology and Histopathology Platform, Melbourne Translational Genomics Platform and Vaccine BioSolutions.

• Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
• Department of Anatomy and Physiology
• Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology
• Department of Microbiology and Immunology
• Australian Venom Research Unit
• Centre for Muscle Research
• Centre for Stem Cell Systems
• Lung Health Research Centre
• News & Events
• Biomedical Research Projects by Theme
• Research Groups
• Graduate Research
• The Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
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Applying for a PhD

Considering applying for a PhD? Explore our advice below and see what sort of things you need to consider – from finding a supervisor to drafting a research proposal – we've got tips and advice to help you begin your PhD journey at Queen Mary.

One of the most important things to do before filling out an application is to find a good match with a supervisor or existing research group. Most Schools advise that you make contact with a supervisor via email before submitting an application. If you're applying for entry via a MRes programme, then this is not necessary.

To learn more about our PhD programmes, check entry requirements and find the applications forms, select your subject from the drop-down menu below. 

If you applying to come as a visiting/associate student for part of your PhD, you need to apply via this page  https://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/associate/  

Step 1: Identify a research match

Before submitting an application, we encourage you to contact a potential supervisor via email. When you write to them, they will be looking for certain things to ensure you are a suitable PhD candidate and will consider the following:

• Is the proposed project suitable for PhD study?
• Do you have the academic strength to complete your project?
• Can the project be completed within the required time?
• Do they have the relevant knowledge to supervise your project?
• Can the School/Institute support your project and do they have the facilities and resources?

If you cannot find the research area you are looking for, or have any queries about the application process, you can either contact the School or our  fill out an enquiry form and our PhD team will be in touch.

Step 2: Review our entry requirements and funding

Entry requirements

Typically, the minimum entry requirement is an UK upper second class honours degree (2:1). Some Schools/Institutes require a first class honours degree and/or a masters degree. If your qualifications are not from a UK university, Queen Mary also considers recognised equivalent qualifications from accredited overseas institutions and equivalent professional qualifications. Relevant work experience may also be taken into account.

If English is not your first language, please check your programme's English language requirements . You do not need to meet this at the point of application. You may provide evidence of your English level at a later date.

Funding You should ensure that you have a realistic plan to secure sufficient funding to complete the research and writing-up process within the normal time period. This is usually three to four years for full-time programmes, and six to seven years for part-time programmes. Many of our PhD students are funded by Queen Mary or one of the Doctoral Training Programmes. Studentships cover your tuition fees and normally include an allowance towards living costs. Studentships are advertised on our School/Institute websites, our Postgraduate Research Studentships page ,  Jobs.ac.uk and Findaphd.com . Read more about PhD funding at Queen Mary.

Step 3: Prepare a research proposal

If you are applying for an advertised project, you may not need to submit a proposal. But if you are proposing your own project idea you will and this is a key part of your application. 

Before submitting your application, it is likely that you will need to revise your proposal several times. Whilst your potential supervisor will help you do this, it is important that you present them with as clear a proposal as you can when you first make contact with them.

Tips for writing a strong research proposal include:

• Formulate a precise, interesting research question; this may take the form of a hypothesis to be tested, or a more open-ended inquiry.
• Establish the relevance and value of the proposed research question in the context of current academic thinking. Is there a knowledge gap?
• Outline a clear and practical methodology which enables you to answer the research question, and to describe and evaluate any data or source material you will draw upon.
• Suggest what you hope to discover at the end of your research and what new areas it might open up.
• Demonstrate that your research will not take longer than three years.

Check the specific requirements (e.g. word count) on the School/Institute webpages.

Step 4: Gather your documents and apply online

To get to the online application form, select your research area from the list above. You will then be able to select an online application button specifically for your start date (e.g. Semester 1, September 2021).

Each application should include the following:

• A completed application form
• Transcripts for all higher education studies - this includes any undergraduate and postgraduate study
• Proof of English language ability for overseas applicants from non-English speaking countries
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Your research proposal
• A one-side A4 statement of purpose. This should set out your previous academic or other experience relevant to the proposed research; why you wish to undertake this research at QMUL; your previous research or professional training and what further training you think you will need to complete a PhD; and what ethical issues you will need to consider in undertaking this research.
• Two references. At least one reference must be from an academic referee who is in a position to comment on the standard of your academic work and suitability for postgraduate level study. Where appropriate, a second referee can provide comment on your professional experience.

Note: If you don't yet have your final degree certificates or proof of English then you can apply and upload these missing documents at a later date. Include all the information you can at the time of applying.

We will contact your referee(s) by email to supply a reference. However, a scanned colour copy of a reference provided on paper can also be provided either at the point of application or in response to the reference request email your referee will receive.

If your referee emails your reference to us we can only accept it if it is sent from a university or company email address (ie not Hotmail, Gmail etc). Paper reference forms should be endorsed by an appropriate official stamp or on institution/company letterhead. Alternatively, if your referee has agreed to provide an open reference letter, you can scan this and upload it in the upload document section of the online form.

What about international applicants? International applicants are welcome to contact one of our authorised local representatives if they feel they need assistance in submitting their PhD application. Our representatives can help you apply, ensuring you submit all of the requisite documents whilst also supporting you through the immigration process. To find your local Queen Mary representative, see our country/region specific information .

Step 5: What happens next?

Once processed, the School/Institute may get in touch with you directly to discuss your application and arrange an interview. Those not short-listed for interview will receive a rejection message via the applicant portal.

The entire process from the submission of your application, to an invitation to discuss further, interview or decision, typically takes between six to eight weeks. But if you applying for advertised funding, this Schools will not look at your applications until the deadline has passed. If you need a decision by a given deadline in order to apply for external funding, please make this clear in your application.

Admissions Policy

You can download and read our Admissions Policies on the Policyzone.

Can I apply for more than one programme of study? You may apply for a maximum of two taught programmes or one taught and one research programme at QMUL. If you are applying online, you will need to submit two applications. Please note: although you may apply for two programmes, under QMUL regulations you can only study for one qualification at a time. If you receive offers for both programmes, you will be required to accept one and decline the other.

Is there a deadline for receipt of applications? There is no fixed closing date for applications but you should remember that decisions on applications will be made as quickly as possible. Students seeking financial support from Research Councils or other award giving bodies are asked to apply as early as possible and make it clear in their application the Research Council deadline. Additionally students applying for QMUL Studentships are reminded that their applications must be in line with Research Degrees Office deadlines.  Please see our  Postgraduate Research Studentship page  and Postgraduate Research Deadlines page .

Is there an application fee? No, QMUL does not charge an application fee.

Is my qualification recognised? Our International Office has a list of countries/regions for which we have published admissions information online. Please see our international students section. Alternatively we use UKNARIC to check the equivalency of international and European qualifications: www.naric.org.uk What happens after I submit my form? All complete applications will be considered by Admissions Tutors. Providing you have included all the required documentation, we aim to inform you of a decision on your application within six to eight weeks of receipt. Please note this can vary during peak application times (January – April).

Where can I find out more about English language requirements? Read more about our English language requirements  page .

Is there any help for applicants with disabilities? Queen Mary University of London has a dedicated Disability and Dyslexia Service which offers advice, support and guidance for disabled students, including those with mental health difficulties and specific learning difficulties (eg dyslexia), from the point of application through to graduation. This advice covers issues such as agreeing to the provision of reasonable adjustments, as well as accessing external sources of funding and support, such as the Disabled Student’s Allowance. Our Disability and Dyslexia Service is represented at the various open days held across the year, but if you would like to discuss any aspects of support, you can contact the service at any time to request an appointment, either in person or over the phone. Fill out our online form or contact us on the details below: Web: www.dds.qmul.ac.uk Tel: +44(0) 207 882 2756 Email: [email protected]

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• CORRESPONDENCE
• 02 April 2024

How can we make PhD training fit for the modern world? Broaden its philosophical foundations

• Ganesh Alagarasan 0

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Tirupati, India.

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

You have highlighted how PhD training assessment has stagnated, despite evolving educational methodologies (see Nature 613 , 414 (2023) and Nature 627 , 244; 2024 ). In particular, you note the mismatch between the current PhD journey and the multifaceted demands of modern research and societal challenges.

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Nature 628 , 36 (2024)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-00969-x

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Future students

What is the fastest pathway to complete a phd after an undergraduate degree.

The quickest pathway to a PhD after completing a bachelors degree is to complete an honours degree with first class or class 2A honours. We know this isn't always a viable path for prospective candidates, so the University provides other pathways and opportunities to demonstrate eligibility for a PhD program.

Please see PhDs and research degrees for more details on pathway programs.

Was this answer helpful?

Published answers.

• Is there a time limit between completing my honours degree and beginning a PhD?
• How long do I have to complete my higher degree by research program?
• What higher degree by research (HDR) programs are available, other than a PhD?
• What are the differences between an honours degree and a PhD?
• What types of Honours degrees are available?

Answer ID: 3350

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Can you do a PhD without a master’s degree?

Study tips Published 5 Apr, 2022  ·  6-minute read

If you want the most straightforward answer to the question ‘can you get a PhD without a master’s degree’, it’s yes. Should you apply to study a PhD without a master’s though? Let’s unpack that.

There are quite a few entry requirements you need to meet to apply for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). At the core of it, all these requirements are about proving you’re ready to embark on the long (3-4 years full time) and challenging – but incredibly rewarding – process of conducting research and writing a thesis. PhD prerequisites are there to assess your preparedness for this type of study.

So, let’s have a look at what the PhD prerequisites are in Australia and the questions we’re commonly asked about them.

Can I do a PhD without a degree?

In Australia, you’ll need to have completed a degree (undergraduate or postgraduate) relevant to your proposed research topic and approved by the university to be considered as a candidate. However, the good news is, for those of you wondering ‘can you get a PhD without a bachelor’s?’ the answer is yes – it is possible at some universities.

Say you finished high school and went straight into the workforce. You built experience in your field over years of hard work. After a while, you decide that you’d like a qualification to solidify your knowledge and skills, or to upskill in your area and open even more doors. So, you apply for postgraduate studies.

Many universities in Australia will consider applicants for postgrad study (typically graduate certificates) based on proof of extensive professional experience and other post-secondary studies (certificates from TAFE, for example) in a relevant field, rather than the traditional completion of bachelor’s level studies.

Admission into a graduate certificate without a bachelor’s degree is very much dependent on your study area of choice and the institution at which you wish to study. Always check the specific prerequisites of the institution and program.

In most cases, if you want to study a PhD and you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, but you do have a lot of industry and research experience in your field, you’ll need to start your journey by enrolling in a graduate certificate and working your way up to a master’s and then a PhD. It’s possible to get into a PhD program with a graduate diploma (and no bachelor’s or master’s degree), but you’ll need extensive documentation proving former research experience to support your application – plus a decent GPA. This type of application is assessed on a case-by-case basis by some universities and can be extremely competitive.

Do you need a master’s for a PhD?

As we said earlier, no – you don’t need a master’s to apply for a PhD. And if you're wondering more specifically ‘is an MPhil required for a PhD?’, the answer is also no. It may make logical sense at face value to complete a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and then go on to study a Doctor of Philosophy, but in reality, it tends to work a bit differently.

All these types of postgraduate degrees and higher degrees by research can be a little confusing to keep track of, so let’s break it down into simpler terms.

So, here’s how some of the pathways through these degrees work.

• Some students decide to study and complete a Master of Philosophy, as it’s shorter than a PhD but still allows them to delve into a research project and produce a thesis (~40,000 words).
• Other students begin studying an MPhil then find they’d like to take their research further and apply to upgrade to a PhD program, adding a few more years onto their studies and producing an 80,000-word thesis.
• Many students aim big from the get-go and apply directly to a PhD program after having completed either a bachelor’s degree with honours or a master’s by coursework.

This is by no means an extensive list of ways in which you can order your studies; it’s just a few of the most common paths taken by university students interested in postgraduate studies and higher degrees by research.

The benefits of studying a master’s before a PhD

Now we’ve established that you can apply to study a Doctor of Philosophy without a master’s degree, let’s address the next big question: should you? Here are just a handful of the reasons why completing a master’s before moving onto a PhD is generally a good idea:

• It gives you a competitive edge compared to other applicants.
• It will provide you with a taste of what it’s like to conduct long-form research and reveal what it takes to be a good PhD student .
• You'll have a chance to explore a research topic to see if there’s enough scope to turn it into your PhD, or you may find offshoot topics that could be explored in more detail.
• You'll experience what it’s like to work with a supervisor and better understand if this process suits your personality type.

Can I go straight from bachelor’s to PhD?

Yes. Most universities will accept applications from students who have a bachelor’s degree with honours (typically at least IIA) as their highest level of completed study. Some universities may accept a bachelor’s degree without honours but with several years of relevant research experience, or a bachelor’s degree without honours but followed by a relevant graduate certificate or graduate diploma.

As we've emphasised above, there are definite benefits to completing further studies after your undergraduate degree to prepare you for your PhD. It’s understandable that you might want to fast-track your way to your Doctor of Philosophy, but remember that going in as prepared as possible will help you get the most out of your research.

If you don’t want to commit to a master’s program after your undergraduate degree but you still have your heart set on a PhD, talk to your course convener about fitting research units into your study plan during your bachelor’s program. Completing a graduate certificate or diploma following your bachelor’s, with a focus on the research area you wish to pursue with a PhD, will help you get a clearer idea of potential research topics too.

There are opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students to apply for one of UQ’s summer and winter research programs . These programs can help to boost your knowledge and skills in research and your field of study – and better prepare you for PhD studies.

When considering whether or not to apply for a PhD without a master’s degree, remember that the process is competitive, and it can take time to find the right supervisor . Having a master’s degree could put you ahead of other applicants and secure you that valued place as a PhD candidate.

Want to know more about how a PhD works? How do you find a supervisor? What are the best tips for writing your proposal? Find answers by reading our comprehensive guide: How to get a PhD.

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Psychology Honors Program

The Honors Program in Psychology is designed for Psychology majors who wish to pursue a full year of intensive supervised independent research during their senior year. Students in the program will acquire a broad background in psychology as well as a deep background in their chosen area. You can find out more about the program in this short video here .

Program Overview

Fall Quarter is devoted to learning new research skills, developing your career, and to getting started on your research project. We will meet twice a week during the quarter. The seminar will include guest presentations about resources at Stanford; panel discussions with current graduate students about how to apply for lab manager positions, graduate fellowships, and graduate school. The sessions on research skills cover a range of topics including project management with Github, statistical analysis in RStudio, and tools for academic writing. Students give a presentation about their research, write a grant project proposal at the end of quarter, and provide peer feedback.

Winter Quarter is devoted to learning more about each other's research through reading and discussion. We will meet once a week during that quarter. Each student will select one paper for the class to read that's particularly relevant for their research, and lead the discussion of that paper in class. Students will share reaction posts based on their reading, write a literature review at the end of the quarter (which will serve as the introduction for their thesis), and provide peer feedback.

Spring Quarter is devoted to finishing up and presenting your research. We will meet twice a week during that quarter. Students will provide updates on their projects, and we will spend time together writing the thesis. Students provide peer feedback on thesis writing throughout the quarter. We will discuss how to effectively present one's work in poster presentations, oral presentations (including a short elevator pitch), and in written form. At the end of the quarter, students will submit a short video recording of their research (elevator pitch), present their work as a poster during the psychology colloquium, and submit their written honors thesis.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will graduate with Departmental Honors.

All Honors students must have a research advisor. Honors students must be supervised by a Psychology faculty member. Any honors research supervised by faculty outside of the Psychology Department may be accepted with a Psychology faculty co-advisor or must first be approved by the Honors Faculty Director.

Honors Program Requirements

Students who graduate with Honors in Psychology will have completed the following by the end of their final year at Stanford:

• All regular major requirements
• Psych 198 (Senior Honors Research) Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters
• Completion of the Honors Thesis
• Presentation at the Honors Convention

How to Apply

Students may apply to the program in their junior year. Admission to the program is based on academic performance, previous research experience, and faculty or graduate student recommendations. Applicants will be notified of acceptance during the spring quarter prior to senior year.

Applicants will need the following materials:

• Honors Application, due April 15, 2024 .
• An unofficial transcript that includes your Winter 2023-2024 grades.
• A brief summary of your research idea/project (1-2 pages max).
• One must be from a Stanford Psychology faculty member who will be your Honors Advisor.
• The second letter can be from anyone who has knowledge of your academic work or research experience.
• Recommenders should email their letters to asims [at] stanford.edu (asims[at]stanford[dot]edu) .

A Guide to Doing Your PhD in Australia

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If you’re an international student who has completed higher education studies, you might now be considering studying a doctorate degree, also known as a PhD. In Australia, this is the highest level of study and, once completed, can unlock doors to better employment, higher wages, and industry recognition.

Here’s a handy guide on how to apply, what to expect, and where to find further information for your exciting next step.

What is the difference between honours, a master ’s and a PhD?

An honours  is an extra year of study in Australia. To qualify you need to have completed your undergraduate degree, otherwise known as a bachelor’s degree, to a high standard. This is often considered a stepping stone to further postgraduate study.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree might consider a graduate certificate, which usually takes one semester of full-time study and can help you specialise in your chosen career path. One step up from a certificate is a graduate diploma. This type of study takes one year of full-time study and can often be continued on from the graduate certificate.

A master’s by coursework is similar to a graduate diploma but takes a little longer and is regarded as a higher qualification. In most cases, you need a relevant bachelor’s degree; however, in certain circumstances, extensive relevant work experience might be accepted instead. This type of course typically takes 18 months to complete. A master’s by research takes two years of full-time study and is based on a research project supervised by a university academic.

A doctorate by research or a PhD is the highest level of study offered in Australia. A PhD requires submission of a thesis that is assessed by examiners who determine whether the research is worthy of the qualification. A PhD student must show through their thesis that they have made a significant contribution to their field. Once graduated, the candidate may use the title of Doctor.

How does a PhD work in Australia?

A PhD in Australia is usually studied over the course of three years. While some students take a little longer, extensions are subject to funding, as well as other important factors. Domestic students may have the option to study part-time but as an international student, you must study full-time in order to be eligible for a student visa .

According to the Australian Government , fees to study a PhD range from A$19,000 to A$78,000 per year, depending on the education provider. There is a chance you may not have to pay the full amount if there is funding available, which is common in Australia. Most universities have funding for promising PhD students set aside. Get in touch with your chosen university directly to find out what scholarships are available to international students. The Australian Government also runs Destination Australia , which funds eligible education providers in regional areas to offer scholarships to both domestic and international students. The government also offers the Research Training Program for participating universities.

International students also need to consider the cost of living while abroad to qualify for their visa. You’ll need at least roughly A$21,041 for each year of your study in your bank account in order to be granted a visa.

Do I need honours to apply for a PhD?

In most cases you will need an undergraduate degree with a minimum of Second Class Honours (Division A) – also known as ‘upper second-class’ honours – to apply for your PhD to demonstrate you have significant research experience. However, many education providers offer research-based qualifications to give you this experience if you didn’t complete an honours degree originally.

What is the basic structure of a PhD?

PhDs in Australia are usually research-based and, while they may contain other aspects, the focus of your studies will be on working towards your doctoral thesis.

In general, a PhD begins with a literature review that collects, analyses and summarises the current research published on your chosen subject. This then provides the basis for designing, implementing and analysing your own research that you’ll write about for your thesis.

In Australia, you are not required to undergo a viva voca , which is an assessed oral exam in defence of your research topic, method and predicted results. Instead, you are assessed solely on your thesis.

How do I apply for a PhD?

To apply for an Australian PhD, the first step is to contact a university academic working as a supervisor for PhD projects. You contact them, usually about four months before you wish to commence your studies, with the research topic you would like to propose. The person you choose should be the lead researcher for the institution you wish to apply to, in the relevant field you wish to study.

Once you have what is known as an ‘expression of interest’ from a provisional supervisor, you can begin your formal application to the university. Most universities won’t consider an application without an expression of interest from a supervisor, so make sure you have this first.

What else do I need to know?

To study as an international student in Australia, you must have a student visa (subclass 500) from the Australian government. Unless you are exempt, the application fee for this visa is AUD$710. You can read more about student visas and their requirements here .

Australian PhDs are delivered in English and have language skill requirements. There are various tests you can take to verify your English language skills including the IELTS, CAE and PTE. The score you need is usually specified on the universities website and will depend on the test you take.

International students must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) in order to be granted their student visa. There are a variety of providers to choose from, including many universities, but the policy you choose must adhere to the Overseas Student Health Cover guides. Explore your options in greater detail here .

The new international student working limit of 48 hours every fortnight does not apply to international students who are pursuing a doctorate or a master’s degree through research. These students are not restricted in terms of the number of hours they can work. However, your actual work hours should align with your study requirements and also require approval from your academic supervisor. This is to ensure that your employment does not interfere with your primary objective of completing your academic research.

PhD study is an excellent way to enter the Australian workforce and graduate visas are available that can entitle you to stay in Australia for up to four years after you have finished your PhD. In other words, if you have dreams of both furthering your education and settling long-term in Australia, a PhD could be the perfect way to make those dreams a reality.

Sarah Price

Originally from the UK, Sarah has worked as a freelance writer for nearly 10 years, both at home and now in Perth where she lives. Once an international student in South West WA herself, she loves to help new students feel welcome, confident, and ready to make the most of their study abroad. Having lived in Perth and explored a lot of WA, Sarah knows just how wonderful it is to discover this beautiful state.

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What is an Honorary Doctorate or honorary PhD?

“The honorary doctorate or doctoral or PhD degree is given to someone for their outstanding achievement in their field.”

PhD is the utmost honor in the academic system, and obviously, hard to get. A student willing to go for PhD has to sacrifice a lot, he or she also has to overcome so many problems, hurdles and obstacles to get a PhD degree, moreover. Hence getting admission to a doctorate is a hard process but achieving a PhD honor is harder, indeed. 

So I can say those who are studious scholars can only dare to invest their 3 to 5 years for the prestigious label “Dr”. On the contrary, those who are impatient can go for jobs, because as aforementioned, getting a doctorate is a frustrating, lengthy and time-consuming process.  

The process itself takes around a year to ‘stamp’ the admission; students have to work for publication, lab work, reviews and thesis writing for the remaining tenure. And after all the hard work, if the external examiner suggests a re-review, one has to invest another year too.   

So it’s quite a frustrating process. But what if I tell you that universities can directly award someone a doctorate in no time and even without writing a thesis. Quite annoying, right! 

It’s true. 

There’s a special doctorate honor that can be given straight to the scholar without examination, synopsis, course work, article publication or thesis, it is known as an honorary PhD or honorary doctorate.     

Though the honorary PhD is given to reputed and well-known personalities for their outstanding achievements and contributions, what it is and how it is given, let’s find out. 

What is an honorary doctorate or PhD degree? 

When universities award someone a doctorate for their outstanding achievements, and groundbreaking contribution to a nation or world, such honor is referred to as an honorary PhD. 

Politicians, musicians, authors, philanthropists, actors, scientists, freedom fighters and other popular personals can be awarded by an honorary doctorate for their contribution to mankind.  

Technically, It is more of an award than a degree therefore abbreviated as “H.C”, not “Dr”. So Person with an honorary award can’t use “Dr” in their name. 

The abbreviation H.C means “ Honoris cause ” which literally means “ for the sake of the honor ” in the Latin language. 

In the usual process, universities conduct the honorary award session with the annual ceremony. So the honorary recipient will get the honor with other students. And give a small motivational speech to the students (this is the process actually).   

As universities honor PhD for achievements; usually it isn’t given to persons associated with the honorable university by any means. This means that universities can’t give honorary PhD to their own trustees or employees.  

The PhD or doctorate is not only an honorary degree, some universities also award honorary master’s degrees. Benjamin Franklin was honored with an honorary master’s degree by the college of Wiliam Mary in 1756. In 1759, the University of St. Andrews had given them honorary doctorates. 

The significant historical evidence of when it was started is less, but historical data manifest that the University of Oxford first awarded the honorary doctorate degree to Lionel Woodville in 1470. We can say Oxford university might have first initiated to reverence someone with an honorary award. 

The event of giving an honorary PhD became more popular during the 16 century; during that time, Oxford, Cambridge and other reputed universities across the world started awarding the honor. 

Common PhD criteria, as we stated above, like entrance exam, course work, research synopsis preparation, article publication, thesis writing and viva are not required here, and more to this, one should not need to pay fees and attend regular classes. 

The honorary degree as ‘more of an honor’ can’t be utilized for academic purposes and nurturing the research career. It is also important to know that only reputed and renowned universities can award the honorum . 

However, it is a kind of tradition in deemed and smaller universities nowadays to conduct an honorary doctorate ceremony as a marketing tool. Those are not considered valuable honors, indeed. Read further: A Complete Roadmap for Degree to PhD .

Criteria to award honorary doctorate: 

Universities don’t have specified criteria and requirements to honor a doctorate in this way, rather it is given by third-party nominations. Also, some universities accept applications for an honorary doctorate. 

However, a person who is selected for the present honor should be 

• Well known 
• National face
• A kind of celebrity 
• Should have outstanding contribution to their field or country 
• Achieved something extraordinary 
• Who is important for the nation or the world.

Moreover, the prominent criterion universities look for is that the nominee doesn’t have any criminal case or crime involvement. In those cases, universities have the right to revoke the award. Note that the recipient of the honor may get more than two or many honors but never from the same university. 

In addition, the present honor can’t be given to university employees, professors or blood relatives. The honor is given to a person, not to families, groups of people or organizations.

Do you know? 

Theodore Hesburgh has been awarded more than 150 honorary doctorates by various universities across the United States during his entire life. It was a world record itself. Moreover, universities honor a person only once.

These are some of the legal criteria or we can say a kind of requirement for an honorary doctorate degree for universities as well a person who is receiving it. 

Read more: How much does a PhD Degree Cost in the USA, UK and India?

Selection process: 

The selection process for the honor is not so complicated, unlike the PhD degree. I can say it is just a formality. The university honorary award committee reviewed the application of the third parties. 

The committee goes through their achievements and verifies all the documents (and nationality) and their criminal background. The selection procedure is based on the decision of the review committee.

Notably, the university has already decided for itself who will be awarded the honorary degree.

What are the differences? 

Now if you are a student of doctorate you may wonder how the two are different. 

Well, let me tell you that both honors is significantly different

With an academic PhD degree, you can apply for various positions and jobs, but the honorary one is an honor or just esteem and a kind of “thank you” for serving a nation, industry, culture or society. 

One with an honorary PhD or doctorate can’t use it as an educational qualification. Even to use “Dr” as a prefix is also not a good practice for an honorary PhD degree holder, in fact, it is not a degree! 

Dress wear during the annual occasion is also substantially different for both. The typical PhD or doctorate of philosophy degree holder wears a full gown with a hood. For an honorary PhD, a full dress without a hood is allotted by the University of Cambridge. 

The University of St Andrews allotted a black cassock for an honorary PhD holder instead of a normal PhD student gown. Nonetheless, there are no clear indications for using a dress, usually, an honorary PhD holder can wear a dress like a normal PhD holder. Read more: PhD in USA- Admission, Process, Universities, Salary and Jobs .

The misuse of honor: 

As we said, there are no strong rules or regulations to whom an honorary degree or honorary doctorate is to be given. It may vary from university to university. Originally, the concept was evolved to honor someone who is very special to the country or society. But unfortunately over a period of time, people started misusing it. 

Small and unrecognized universities started awarding the honorary PhD or doctorate on behalf of huge donations. 

Some even misuse the honor to take land for the university campus and other activities. This kind of misuse of the highest level of academic esteem is a shame for the honor and injustice for the normal PhD holder who has worked hard to take the privilege. 

Also, awarding such degrees to political figures raise questions about the stand of the university.  

Unfortunately, there are no specific authorities to monitor such types of activities. 

Some universities refuse to conduct such type of honorary degree activities to regulate their policies. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University and Cornell University are some of them. 

Related article: What is a Professional Doctorate Degree? How is it different from PhD?

Top Peoples who had been awarded an honorary doctorate: 

Dalai Lama: 

14th Dalai Lama was conferred with the honoris causa (honorary PhD) doctor of literature by the private university of India for their outstanding contribution to world peace and humanity. 

Morgan Freeman: 

Morgan Freeman was awarded with a Doctor of Humane Letters as an honorary PhD by the University of Boston in 2013. He was also awarded by honorary doctorate second time by Howard University in 2015 for their outstanding achievements in films. 

Meryl Streep: 

Yet another Hollywood celebrity Meryl Streep received a prestigious honorary doctorate four times from Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University and the Department of Fine Arts from Indiana University. 

Mahendra Singh Dhoni: 

Indian Cricketer M. S. Dhoni was awarded an honorary doctorate in exemplary leadership skills by De Montfort University, Leicester. 

Maya Angelou: 

Filmmaker, historian, poet, civil rights activist and producer Maya Angelous received more than 30 honorary doctorate awards. 

Billy Taylor: 

Jazz pianist was awarded more than 20 different honorary awards during his lifetime in music. 

Daisaku Ikeda: 

The Buddhist philosopher and writer Daisaku Ikeda received more than 300 honorary awards from various universities across the world. 

Other Hollywood celebrities who received an honorary doctorate

• Denzel Washington
• J.K. Rowlings 
• Ben Affleck
• Dolly Parton 
• Robert De Niro 
• Orland Bloom
• Muhammed Ali 

List of the Honorary doctorate subjects: 

• Honorary Doctor of Science- Hon. D. Sc 
• Honorary Doctor of Divinity- Hon. D. D
• Honorary Doctor of Letters- Hon. Litt.D
• Honorary Doctor of Liberal Arts- Hon. D. L. A
• Honorary Doctor of Arts- Hon. D. A
• Honorary Doctor of Mathematics- Hon. D. Math
• Honorary Doctor of Laws- Hon. LL. D
• Honorary Doctor of Arts and Human Letters- Hon. D. A. H 

Read more: What is PhD?- History, Definition, Origin, Requirement, Fees, Duration and Process .

Conclusion: 

Giving the honorary doctorate degree to a person who is a well-known face, is an honor and esteem for both the university as well as the person. However, as we said, people also misuse honor. To maintain the dignity of the utmost academic honor- the PhD, universities have to make rules and regulations to award the honorary PhD degree. 

Dr. Tushar Chauhan is a Scientist, Blogger and Scientific-writer. He has completed PhD in Genetics. Dr. Chauhan is a PhD coach and tutor.

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Dr Tushar Chauhan

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Doctor of Philosophy

As a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate, you’ll complete a substantial program of independent and original research in your chosen field of study. A PhD prepares you for a range of careers - from academic to industry and is the highest degree qualification available. 

• 3–4 years (full time) minimum commitment of 35 – 40 hours per week or
• 6–8 years (part time) minimum commitment of 15 hours per week.
• Offered in all Faculties
• A thesis of no more than 100,000 words.

Entry requirements

Future careers.

• Fees & costs

UNSW undertakes world-class research that tackles some of the greatest challenges facing society today. When you join the UNSW research community, you join a passionate collective of people who are using research to transform minds, transform lives, and transform the world.

UNSW will support you to develop the skills and expertise you need to make a difference in your field. We are committed to providing you with an unmatched PhD experience that includes outstanding research training and mentorship, world-class supervision, and access to research environments defined by excellence and collaboration.

You will receive advanced specialist research training and produce a thesis that provides evidence for independent thought, critical analysis, and expert knowledge of the discipline in an international context. In some disciplines, creative work may form part of the thesis.

Find information about individual PhD programs and codes on the UNSW Handbook .

Learn about the graduate attributes and learning outcomes for UNSW higher degree research programs here . 

The minimum requirement for admission to a PhD is:

• A UNSW Bachelor degree with first or upper second class Honours from UNSW; or
• a completed Master by Research from UNSW with a substantial research component and demonstrated capacity for timely completion of a high quality research thesis; or
• an equivalent qualification from a tertiary institution as determined by the Faculty Higher Degree Committee (HDC)

The minimum requirement for UNSW Scholarship with admission to a PhD is:

• a four year Bachelor degree with first or upper second class Honours from an Australian institution or equivalent research qualification as above.

You may think of yourself as a student, but we think of you as a professional researcher in the early stages of a long and vibrant career.

UNSW will provide you with the skills and expertise to pursue a range of career pathways after you graduate, from academia to industry.

As a PhD candidate, you’ll have access to a wealth of opportunities to work with and alongside industry through industry PhD programs to internships and mentorships .

You’ll also have access to the most comprehensive student entrepreneurship program in Australia, that can help you develop your ideas, raise capital and launch a startup.

Fees and costs

The costs associated with enrolment in a research higher degree program vary depending on whether you are a domestic or international candidate. Learn more about the fees and costs here .

Have questions? Contact us

+61 2 9385 5500

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Why award honorary doctorates, and what do the choices say about our universities?

Senior Lecturer in Contemporary History, Monash University

Disclosure statement

Kate Murphy does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Monash University provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation AU.

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Universities like to associate themselves with exceptional individuals through the awarding of honorary doctorates, but this practice has often attracted controversy, creating headaches for university administrators.

Honorary doctorates highlight uncomfortable but important questions about the purpose of the university and its role in reinforcing and perpetuating social inequality.

The tradition and purpose of honorary doctorates

Honorary degrees (usually, though not always, doctorates) are awarded by universities to recognise outstanding achievement in a particular field, or service to the broader community.

While some universities have established separate honorary degrees, such as the “ Doctor of the University ” at Griffith University, most Australian universities have maintained the traditional system in which a range of degrees may be awarded honoris causa . This means no degree is actually undertaken, but the nominee receives the distinction in name anyway.

A committee, usually including members of the university’s senior executive, representatives of the university council and professors, receives nominations and determines which will be approved.

Universities gain a number of benefits from conferring honorary doctorates. The acceptance of an honorary degree by an exceptionally distinguished person often generates publicity and brings “reflected glory” on the university, in the words of one former Vice-Chancellor, preserved in the Monash University archives.

Honorary doctorates have long been used to foster advantageous connections with individuals, countries or organisations. The University of Oxford awarded the first recorded honorary doctorate in around 1478 to a brother-in-law of Edward IV in a clear attempt to “obtain the favour of a man with great influence”.

Honorary degrees have, unsurprisingly, usually been awarded to well-known individuals. The honouring of less-known individuals, and members of socially disadvantaged groups, has been much rarer.

Read more: Why do we still hand out honorary academic titles?

Controversy and protest

In Australia, especially since the post-World War II dawn of federal funding for universities, honorary doctorates have occasioned public debate and sometimes protest.

In August 1962, the Australian National University declined to award an honorary degree to King Bhumibol of Thailand, reportedly because of his lack of academic qualifications . This created diplomatic embarrassment for the Australian government in the context of an impending royal visit.

The University of Melbourne stepped into the breach to make Bhumibol an Honorary Doctor of Laws in September 1962, which was judged a bad look in university circles. The Vice-Chancellor of Monash University, Louis Matheson, commented a little smugly in an internal memo that “There is no subject to which a university should bring more delicacy and sureness of touch than the selection of its honorary graduates”.

Matheson was forced to eat humble pie when in 1967 a furore erupted over his university’s honouring of Victorian Premier Henry Bolte, shortly after Bolte had sanctioned the controversial execution of Ronald Ryan .

Monash’s staff and student associations alike opposed the move, and the ceremony took place off-campus to minimise the risk of disruption by students. At a faux awards ceremony held by students on campus, a degree was awarded to a piglet . “No pedigree for pigs” was inscribed on the campus lawn.

Read more: Honorary doctorates: well deserved, or just a bit of spin?

After the Bolte row, Monash determined to never again honour a politician in office. Other universities have discovered since that doing so doesn’t always end well. The University of Adelaide’s award of an honorary doctorate to Foreign Minister Julie Bishop in 2017 was overshadowed by student protests about planned fee hikes and funding cuts for universities.

Undermining standards?

It is often said handing out “unearned” doctorates devalues the university’s highest academic qualification. The award of honorary doctorates to celebrities and especially sportspeople tends to raise eyebrows and draw bitter jokes from academics about when they should expect their honorary Olympic medal.

Swimmer Ian Thorpe was recognised in 2014 by Macquarie University for sport and philanthropy, the late Shane Warne had an honorary PhD , and cricketer Sir Don Bradman famously turned down more than one honorary doctorate.

Places of privilege

Recent public discussion of honorary degrees has focused on the diversity of recipients. The University of Melbourne was suspended from a lucrative research funding program earlier this year after awarding honorary doctorates to a group of six white men.

The under-representation of women among honorary degree recipients was highlighted by equal opportunity policies in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1995 Monash acknowledged that since 1964 it had awarded honorary doctorates to 122 men and just 13 women. Along with other universities, it sought to correct this, aiming for equal gender representation among recipients - a target which remains far from being achieved .

The recent University of Melbourne controversy suggested to many that modern universities, despite their public relations nous, still carry echoes of the tone-deaf ivory tower.

Melbourne no doubt exposed itself to criticism through unfortunate optics and poor handling (the university claimed a larger group of intended recipients, including three women and an Indigenous man, were unable to attend the ceremony). However, the failure of such honours to represent the diversity of the community is a sector-wide problem.

Honorary doctorates have failed to cast off their function and reputation as a kind of academic peerage. They are uncomfortable reminders that our universities are still led and occupied, for the most part, by the socially privileged few.

Correction: this article originally referred to “John” Bradman rather than “Don”.

• Universities
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Africa's Ph.D.s: Study shows how to develop strong graduates who want to make a difference

by Sharon Fonn and Marta Vicente-Crespo, The Conversation

The challenge for universities is to produce graduates who can work with others to produce knowledge and research that can change institutions and societies for the better.

That is the basis on which the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (Carta) began developing an approach to teaching Ph.D.s 12 years ago. The consortium supports faculty members of public universities and research institutes on the continent who want to pursue a Ph.D. The training covers a range of research methods to ensure graduates value multidisciplinarity. It also includes a focus on stakeholder and community engagement and prepares students for life after their Ph.D. To date 245 fellows have been through the program. So far 160 have graduated.

We are members of the consortium. Since its inception it has run, evaluated, changed and reevaluated its curriculum. A body of evidence has accumulated that suggests its approach has merit.

In a recent paper we set out to understand what impact the program had had on fellows. The survey was part of an evaluation process initiated by the consortium in 2019. There have been several publications about the different interventions that have been implemented as well as reflections on the impact of the program.

In the most recent survey Ph.D. fellows were asked what significant change in themselves they attributed to their experience under the program. They reported changes in their sense of self; worldviews; beliefs about knowledge; their experience of life; behavior; and capacities.

Their responses showed that the training had a positive impact on their lives in three critical ways. It improved their research capacities and their teaching; and it affected how they saw themselves and how they saw and experienced the world.

The findings suggest that it is possible to create a curriculum that can produce excellent graduates committed to making an impact in their worlds.

Approach to teaching

The results of the survey suggest that the consortium has achieved some of the challenges it set out to address. Among these were:

• how to produce graduates with the potential to be researchers and use research to lead change at institutional or societal level, nationally or internationally
• how to teach graduates to have an appreciation of and ability to work in a multidisciplinary way
• how to teach graduates in a way that is value-based and instills a commitment to equity.

In setting up the program, we hypothesized that the way the consortium designed its interventions could be transformational. Transformational learning is described as "a deep shift in perspective during which habits of mind become more open, more permeable, more discriminating, and better justified."

The results of the latest survey suggest that this is indeed the case. Fellows reported a sense of empowerment and responsibility, and an appreciation of who they were in the world and how they might be able to have an impact on it. They viewed themselves as critical thinkers, change agents and committed to passing on their knowledge to the next generation of researchers.

They reported on what they had learnt and reflected on how it was taught to them, and shared examples of how they were applying those same methods to teaching and supervising the next generation.

We concluded in our paper that these positive outcomes were a result of the way in which the consortium developed its approach to teaching.

Those of us who developed the curriculum think that what sets the program apart is that most of our teaching methods are interactive in nature, are participatory and use peer learning. This approach allows us to use the knowledge and skills that our students bring with them.

To give one concrete example of what we do, we make overt how we teach. At the end of a session we reflect on what we have done and how we've done it—we make our pedagogical approach clear to our Ph.D. fellows. There are many more examples of our approach .

Key lessons

The theory of change that the curriculum was developed around includes the assumption that a natural network will arise from developing a critical mass of graduates in each member institution who meet regularly over a number of years and train as cohorts which include people from various disciplines, institutions and countries. That network will support them in fostering change in their home institutions and societies.

We believe that our approach has relevance internationally for those who want to produce multi-potential, multidisciplinary change agents who want to make a positive impact in their worlds.

All curricula are available to adapt and use . We believe this work can be adapted to multiple disciplines and have evidence that this approach—a taught component to all Ph.D. training—is beneficial.

But the institutions in which the graduates are employed have to nurture and value them. They have to create an enabling environment in which graduates can, and want to, stay and work and lead.

Provided by The Conversation

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