Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Laboratory Science)

PhD: 4 years full-time

This duration incorporates the Master: 2 years full-time.

Learning and teaching

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work. These are primarily in English.

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

You will undertake the approved research program under the supervision of an appointed research supervisor. Successful completion involves submitting a thesis or project.

Program structure

This program involves the intensive investigation of a highly specialised individual research project.

The following program structure(s) is an example of what students are currently studying in this program.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

You must meet the University entry requirements for this type of program.

If you satisfy the following requirements you will be eligible for selection; however, there is no guarantee that you will be selected as demand for the program varies each intake.

Program entry requirements

Master

You'll normally have completed an honours degree or have had a number of years of postgraduate experience working in a laboratory where you have been exposed to a research environment.

PhD

You must have completed a first class (or upper second class) honours degree or a research master degree. Under certain circumstances, when you do not meet these requirements but have been working for a number of years in a research laboratory and have publications in recognised journals, consideration may be given to acceptance into the program.

Students wishing to enter either program should contact the research coordinator at medicalsciences@rmit.edu.au to discuss possible projects and supervisors before lodging an application.

All Master applicants must have at least one of the following:

• a first degree from RMIT with at least a credit average in the final undergraduate year
• a recognised award deemed to be the equivalent in character and standard to a first degree from RMIT with at least a credit average in the final undergraduate year, or
• evidence of appropriate experience that satisfies the College/School that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

All Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) applicants must have at least one of the following:

• Bachelor degree with first or upper second class Honours
• Master degree by research
• Master degree by coursework that includes a research component of at least 1 semester in duration graded as Distinction or above
• Such other qualifications or experience as considered to be appropriate or Masters coursework.

Prerequisites

None

Selection tasks

You must include a research proposal of between 1 and 5 pages with your application.

Generally, a research proposal consists of:

• a title/topic
• research questions to be investigated in the context of existing research/literature in the area
• methodology/research tasks required to undertake the research
• particular needs (e.g. resources, facilities or equipment that is necessary for your proposed research program, if applicable).

Some programs require more lengthy proposals with additional elements.

1. Find a supervisor.

2. Check program entry requirements and confirm you're eligible.

3. Check and complete the selection tasks (if applicable) by the relevant closing date - these tasks are listed in the program entry requirements.

4. Check the application method and application closing dates.

5. Complete and submit your application.

6. Your application will then go through the research selection process.

Tuition fees vary according to each program and are adjusted annually.

Fee assistance

If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen you may be eligible for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place where your full tuition costs are funded by the Commonwealth Government.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds. Learn more about RMIT research scholarships.

Other fees

In addition to tuition fees you will also pay the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF). You may be able to defer the fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme.

There may be other additional expenses and administrative fees associated with your studies.

Learn more about pathways or if you are eligible for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.

Medical Sciences

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