Sustainable Development courses

About Doctor Of Philosophy (integrated) in Victoria University

Overview

Learn best-practice research methods, then apply them to ground-breaking study in an area of your personal passion, with an integrated PhD in society and culture.

PhD in Society & Culture integrated program

If you're a graduate without a research background, our integrated program offers a path to a doctoral degree. During your first year, we’ll teach you high-level skills in collecting, analysing and presenting evidence. On passing the course requirements with a 70% average, you’ll progress to your second year, completing your doctorate in the standard timeframe.

You’ll base your original thesis in the broad areas of culture and community, where you’ll receive ongoing support from experts in the field. You’ll work with our research institutes and centres, making important discoveries through collaboration with community and government organisations. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the skills to present your findings and advance new knowledge in a variety of contexts, including journals and public presentations.

Our research focus

VU offers expertise and guidance in several specialised research areas.

Our main research themes in society and culture are community resilience, liveable and inclusive cities, cultural diversity and wellbeing, and community, identity and displacement. You can choose your research topic from several areas within these themes that can combine different disciplines, including creative arts, youth studies, Indigenous studies, migration and refugee studies, reducing social harms including social and political violence, and legal studies.

During your PhD you’ll receive support from subject experts, and contribute to important studies that influence public policy. You will also have access to the latest data visualisation technologies through our Social Technologies Lab.

Research opportunities & development

VU Research gives you opportunities to:

• connect with other researchers
• participate in research festivals and competitions
• develop your research skills
• get funding for your research
• publish and promote your findings.

We offer support for graduate researchers including:

• an orientation program
• a specialised Office for Researcher Training, Quality & Integrity
• study spaces
• units to help you conceptualise and contextualise your research
• research ambassadors and student association.

Careers in social and cultural organisations

Following your PhD, you’ll be ready for a research career in government or community organisations, or to become an academic. Government and community roles include policy and planning.

The following are average salaries from the government site, Job Outlook:

• policy and planning managers, A$122,500 
• university lecturers, over A$100,000

Academic qualification equivalents:

Entry into a research program (postgraduate study) requires completion of:

• an honours degree, or
• a masters degree by coursework with a research component, or
• an equivalent qualification from an approved university.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS           :    Overall score of 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
• TOEFL          :   Test score of 79. Section score no less than:Listening: 19, Speaking: 19, Reading: 18, Writing: 22
• PTE              :    Overall score 58-64 (with no section score less than 50)

Victoria University Highlights

Victoria University Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

The average tuition fees and other expenses at Victoria University vary depending on the course and level of study. Here is a general overview of the estimated costs for international students:

1. Tuition fees: The tuition fees for international students at Victoria University range from approximately AUD$24,000 to AUD$40,000 per year, depending on the course and level of study.

2. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): International students are required to have health insurance while studying in Australia. The cost of OSHC varies depending on the duration of your course and your chosen provider, but it generally ranges from approximately AUD$500 to AUD$2,000 per year.

3. Accommodation: The cost of accommodation will depend on whether you choose to live on or off campus, as well as the type of accommodation you choose. On-campus accommodation ranges from approximately AUD$200 to AUD$400 per week, while off-campus accommodation can range from AUD$150 to AUD$350 per week.

4. Living expenses: The cost of living in Melbourne will depend on your lifestyle and spending habits. As a general guide, you should budget for approximately AUD$20,000 to AUD$25,000 per year to cover expenses such as food, transportation, and entertainment.

It's important to note that these are only estimates, and the actual costs may vary depending on your individual circumstances. Additionally, domestic students may have different fee structures and funding options available to them. It's recommended to check the university's website for more detailed information on tuition fees and other expenses.

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