Overview/Introduction

The formal coursework requirement provides academic and methodological training at the highest level in order to qualify the candidate for dissertation work; ensure adequate diversity in the candidate’s scholarly competence; and provide the support and structure required for students to complete high quality PhDs within a reasonable time frame. To this end, the coursework is expected to help students meet major milestones, and assessment is designed to contribute directly to the PhD or related activities. Compulsory courses, for example, require students to generate material for the Thesis Proposal Review (TPR). Electives offer a range of knowledge and skills development opportunities that range from thesis-chapter writing workshops, to courses which challenge and expand disciplinary knowledge, to those which allow students to develop a conference paper or journal article, while still others focus on the acquisition of more fundamental skills or prepare students for careers in the higher education sector.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for consideration for admission to a research degree at ANU, you must already have an Australian bachelor degree with at least upper second-class honours (first class honours is usually required) or equivalent, or a Graduate Diploma or Masters degree with a significant research thesis component. In addition there must be a supervisor or convener in CASS available to supervise your proposed research topic.

The information published on the Study at ANU 2011 website applies to the 2011 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2010 website.