Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences is renowned for the quality and impact of its research. By undertaking your graduate studies at Monash University, you will have the opportunity to be a part of this proud tradition of research excellence. Monash is committed to providing the highest quality of graduate research education in a stimulating, supportive and professional environment.

A PhD is undertaken through the Monash Doctoral Program – a PhD for the 21st century. At the core of the program is an extensive, independent research project on an agreed chosen topic, supported by at least two expert academic supervisors. This research component is enhanced by professional development activities or coursework units that provide you with the skills required to make an impact in academia, industry, government or the wider community. Your study will result in a research thesis or alternative approved output, which makes a valuable contribution to the current body of knowledge on your chosen topic.

The Doctor of Philosophy may be undertaken in any Monash research area and strength. Your degree will consist of a research thesis of no more than 80,000 words (or alternative approved output), conducted under the direct supervision of academic staff. The work undertaken as part of this research degree must constitute a significant contribution to the knowledge and understanding of a field of study of direct concern to the faculty, and must demonstrate your capacity to undertake independent research.
Along with the research component of the program, you will also be required to complete a series of professional development activities or coursework units relevant to your chosen research focus. These activities are designed to provide you with the skills needed to develop your professional skills and prepare you for a career beyond your degree.

Career opportunities

On completion of the program you will be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of relevant research techniques in your field through a review of the relevant literature. Under supervision, you will demonstrate your ability, under supervision to apply these techniques to your chosen field of study. You will be able to present high-quality written work suitable for publication in appropriate scholarly journals, and be able to critically evaluate both your own and others' written work in their chosen field.

This full-time course is also offered on-campus in the below locations:

Alfred Hospital
Baker Heart Research Institute - Alfred Hospital
Bendigo Campus
Box Hill Hospital
Howard Florey Institute
Malaysia Campus
Mental Health Research Institute
Monash Medical Centre
Moe Campus
Murdoch Children's Research Institute
Notting Hill Campus
Peter Maccallum Cancer Institute
South Bank Campus
St Vincent's Institute
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research

Macfarlane Burnet Inst For Med Res & Public Health - Alfred