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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

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We offer research degrees in most disciplines, for those who hold a master degree or bachelor degree with first or upper-second class honours.

As a doctoral research degree candidate, you will uncover new knowledge either by the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative reinterpretation of known data and established ideas. Your research will use an in-depth understanding of theories and concepts to develop practical solutions for real-world problems.

A higher degree by research differs from other postgraduate degrees in that at least two-thirds of the study program must involve research. Although some coursework units may be required, the main part of your work will be in the form of a thesis written under the guidance of a supervisor and associate supervisor(s). Your thesis must, in the opinion of the examiners, be a substantial original contribution to the knowledge or understanding of any field through the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative reinterpretation of known data and established ideas. It must also demonstrate your capacity to conceive, design and complete independent research.

Throughout your studies, our faculties will provide you with access to equipment and resources to support your research, and financial assistance to attend appropriate local and international conferences.

Why research at Curtin

Curtin is widely recognised for applied research firmly focused on solving real-world problems. Underpinning our research endeavours are strong partnerships with industry, business and government, which result in outcomes that greatly benefit the broader community locally, nationally and globally. Our international reputation for being a strong partner in industry-driven research ensures our graduates enjoy outstanding opportunities to become innovators in their fields. Find out more about our research at Curtin Singapore here .

Learning outcomes

Doctoral Degrees require students to undertake a program of independent supervised study and produce significant and original research outcomes culminating in a thesis, dissertation, exegesis or equivalent for independent examination.

• Demonstrate expert understanding of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on that knowledge and their practice
• Think critically, evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, undertake systematic investigation and reflect on theory and practice to generate original knowledge
• Apply expert creative, technical and professional skills to the field of work or learning
• Explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions
• Present a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards
• Communicate complex research concepts, plans and outcomes to the general community, peers and the national and international research community
• Design, implement, analyse, theorise and communicate research that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice

Admission criteria

Applicants for a Doctoral Degree are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards. Applicants require a Master Degree (Research) or Bachelor Honours Degree (first or second class) or a high standard in either a Master Degree (Coursework) or Bachelor Degree with a Graduate Diploma (or equivalent).

Tuition fees are payable over semester instalments.

Fees listed are indicative and subject to annual increases.

View our fees and charges page for full details.

• Programme Finder

Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering)

Applications Open:  01 May 2024

Applications Close:  31 October 2024

Next Available Intake:  January 2025

Programme Type:  Graduate

Fees:  View More Details on Fees

Area of Interest:  Science and Technology

School/Department:  School of Science and Technology

This Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme is primarily intended for science, engineering and technology graduates who:

• are interested in pursuing a career in applied research
• seek professional advancement,
• wish to enhance their understanding of a particular field or discipline within the domain of science and technology, and
• aspire to contribute to science and technology at the highest academic level and gain concomitant recognition of their effort and achievements.

Unique Features of the Programme

This PhD programme focuses on science, engineering and technology research with consideration of the social impact so that the findings and the skills acquired are useful to the industry and society.

Admission Requirements

Refer to general admission criteria for graduate programmes.

This programme is open to Singapore citizens and permanent residents, other residents, as well as international students. Potential candidates should possess at least an Honours degree or its equivalent.

All applications are considered individually on merit. Applicants not meeting the formal academic requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis. While it is not compulsory to do so, applicants are encouraged to contact a potential supervisor prior to applying. You may browse through the School of Science and Technology Faculty Listing to identify suitable faculty members who may complement your proposed area of research. As part of the application process, interested applicants are also required to submit the following:

• A latest CV;
• A personal statement stating your motivation for pursuing a PhD, reason for selecting SUSS and your post PhD career aspirations;
• Two academic reference letters. Referees are required to submit the reference letters directly to the Student Admissions department at [email protected] ;
• Proposed research topic;
• Proposed potential supervisor(s) from SUSS School of Science and Technology;
• Background, motivation and/or relevance of the chosen topic;
• Brief literature review; and
• Research method(s).

Programme Structure

• Qualifying exam
• 8 graduate level courses
• 1 PhD dissertation

The PhD programme is meant for those who aim to contribute to the body of knowledge within the areas of science, engineering and technology.

Graduates from the PhD programme will have acquired the advanced knowledge and skills to function as R&D professionals in industry and academia.

• How many intakes are there in a year for Master of Engineering (MEng) and Doctor of Philosophy ( PDENG )? Two intakes a year; every January and July.
• Is there an admission interview for shortlisted applicants? Yes, either face-to-face or telephone interview.
• proposed academic supervisor (with PhD qualification) from Singapore University of Social Sciences' School of Science and Technology; and
• research topic and proposal.
• Is GRE Score necessary to apply for MEng or PDENG ? What is the minimum GRE score I should obtain? Applicants without a degree from local universities may have to furnish GRE scores of at least 600 (verbal) and 650 (quantitative) based on the old scale, or GRE scores of at least 160 (verbal) and 150 (quantitative) based on the new scale.
• What are the minimum and maximum durations to complete MEng and PDENG ? The durations to complete the MEng and PDENG programmes are 2 – 5 years and 3 – 7 years respectively.
• What are the class schedules for MEng and PDENG ? There will be classroom sessions but attendance is not compulsory. Each course is conducted once a week for six weeks and 3 hours per session.
• What is the required credit units required to complete the course? 120 cu for PDENG and 60 cu for MEng.
• What are the courses available for Credit Recognition Course I (RES001) and Credit Recognition II (RES002)? What would be the areas covered in these two courses? RES001 and RES002 are generic course codes to capture information of students who take postgraduate courses from other local autonomous universities (e.g., NUS, NTU) for credit recognition.
• What is the learning structure of RES001 and RES002 for PhD students? The learning structure will follow the format of other local autonomous universities (e.g., NUS, NTU) that the courses are taken.
• What does the Qualifying Examination consist of? The QE consist of (i) a written report that details the research work done after one year, as well as the plan for future research direction, and (ii) oral defence.
• The admission criteria for MEng and PDENG are the same, how should I decide which to apply? Both the MEng and PDENG are industry-based research. Whether they are to apply for MEng or PDENG depends on the level of research complexity that they do in your workplace. As a guideline, applicants may refer to the following websites that describe the standard expected at the PhD and Master by research degrees. - Doctoral degree characteristics - Master's degree characteristics
• If I do not have a topic in mind, will Singapore University of Social Sciences provide a list of research topics for selection? There is no specific list of topics as the topics are proposed from the successful applicant's company and refined by the University's appointed supervisor. Expertise can be found from the individual CVs of SST Academic staff . Only those with PhDs are allowed to be academic supervisors. Applicant needs to propose someone from his/her company who has PhD to be Industry Supervisor.
• When is the submission deadline for thesis/dissertation? There is no specific submission deadline for the thesis/dissertation. These are submitted after satisfying the supervisors that the research thesis/dissertation meets the appropriate standard within the candidature period of 3-7 years for PhD and 2-5 years for MEng.
• Are there criteria for students to progress to PDENG from MEng? Students may apply to PhD programme after graduating with the MEng degree. Alternatively, applicants may directly apply to PhD without a master's degree, so long as he/she fulfils the admission requirements.
• Is there a CGPA requirement in order to graduate with MEng or PDENG ? Students should maintain a CGPA of at least 3.5 and 3.0 for PhD and MEng programmes respectively.

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Degree & Masters Courses & Study in Singapore Courses Doctor of Philosophy

Doctor of Philosophy

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Course overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a program of supervised original research. It culminates in the submission of a thesis that demonstrates the ability for critical analysis and research that makes a significant and original contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the field of study.

Your research topic

Applicants need to discuss their proposed research topic with an appropriate research supervisor. Please contact us for details.

You can check the information on potential research advisors in our website https://www.jcu.edu.sg/research/research-capability-statement

James Cook University will form an advisory panel comprised of a Primary and Secondary Advisor and, in some cases, an Advisor Mentor to assist Higher Degree by Research candidates in their research journey.

Research areas available include: education, social sciences, game design , banking and finance , management and commerce , tourism , psychology , aquaculture , marine ecology, interdisciplinary topics. Other themes can be arranged to meet the needs of candidates

**Carousel/Block intakes are for commencing students only, subsequently, students will progress with the trimester.

Study Program

Candidates are required to complete the core subjects before embarking on the thesis component as per course structure below.

Course Structure

Core subjects

• Planning the Research: Doctoral Candidates
• Situating the Research: Doctoral Candidates
• Professional Development: Doctoral Candidates

+ One of the below

• Doctor of Philosophy Research Thesis (Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies)
• Doctor of Philosophy Research Thesis (Education)
• Doctor of Philosophy Research Thesis (Health)
• Doctor of Philosophy Research Thesis (Information Technology)
• Doctor of Philosophy Research Thesis (Management and Commerce)
• Doctor of Philosophy (Natural and Physical Sciences)
• Doctor of Philosophy Research Thesis (Society and Culture)

For a comprehensive listing and outline of the respective course subjects, please click here

Course Learning Outcomes

Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will have:

• A substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of work or learning, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution
• Substantial knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning.
• Cognitive skills to demonstrate expert understanding of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on that theory and practice
• Cognitive skills and use of intellectual independence to think critically, evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, undertake systematic investigation and reflect on theory and practice to generate original knowledge
• Expert technical and creative skills applicable to the field of work or learning
• Communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions
• Communication skills to present cogently a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards and to communicate results to peers and the community
• Expert skills to design, implement, analyse, theorise and communicate research that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice.

Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills:

• With intellectual independence
• With initiative and creativity in new situations and/or for further learning
• With full responsibility and accountability for personal outputs
• To plan and execute original research
• With the ongoing capacity to generate new knowledge, including in the context of professional practice.

Eligibility & Requirements

Entry requirements.

All applicants must normally demonstrate academic capacity at a satisfactory level (Grade Point Average of Credit or equivalent) in their final year of coursework study that was used as part of the basis for admission.

Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to undertake research at the Doctoral level by the attainment of at least one of the following:

• A Bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class Honours in a degree program that included a total of at least a semester of supervised project work, the results of which contributed to the Honours grade; or
• A postgraduate qualification which included: (a) supervised research component(s) of at least one semester or equivalent and resulted in the production of output(s) graded at the equivalent of Distinction or better, and (b) at least one research methods subject; or
• A Research Masters degree, where at least two thirds of the degree consisted of a supervised research component and resulted in the production of a thesis or equivalent; or
• A combination of qualifications, research training and experience, considered equivalent to the above and deemed appropriate by the university, e.g., senior authorship of at least one peer-reviewed publication plus completion of an appropriate research methods subject.

Note: Candidates who do not meet any of the above may apply for a higher degree pathway offered in the form of the Graduate Certificate of Research Methods or the Graduate Diploma of Research Methods.

English Requirements

• Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of IELTS 6.5 (no component lower than 6.0) / TOEFL (Internet Based) 86 (no component less than 21) / Pearson PTE Academic 58 (no component less than 54); or
• Satisfactory completion of James Cook University Singapore English Language Preparatory Program (ELPP) ; or
• Successful completion of other qualifications completed in English Language deemed comparable to Australian standards on a case-by-case basis in accordance to JCU admissions guidelines

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applicants seeking to transfer their Higher Degree by Research candidature from another Australian University should refer to the JCU Recognition of Prior Learning Procedure.

Attendance Requirements

International students holding a valid Student's Pass are required to attend at least 90% of scheduled classes per month. Failure to attend classes is a breach of the student visa conditions. Being absent from classes for a continuous period of seven days or more, or attendance falling below 90% without valid reasons will result in the student needing to surrender their Student's Pass for cancellation.

Domestic students must attend at least 75% of the scheduled lecture and tutorial activities to be eligible for assessment.

Career Outcomes

The Doctor of Philosophy is an essential prerequisite for research and academic careers in most disciplines. Candidates can also look for R&D opportunities in a variety of industry sectors, NGO and government agencies.

How to apply

Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies

Management and Commerce

Natural and Physical Sciences

Society and Culture

How to Apply Online and Online Application Guideline

Tuition Fees

**Fees apply to all Singapore residents (Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and all pass holders excluding those holding a Student Pass).

• All course fees include the corresponding Singapore Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is 8% in 2023.
• All course fees include the corresponding Singapore Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is 9% in 2024.
• The details of the instalment breakdown will be provided in your Student Contract. Please contact us for further details.

Note: International students in Singapore on a Student Pass are not permitted to work. For more information please visit http://www.ica.gov.sg .

James Cook University is EduTrust Certified. The EduTrust certification scheme is administered by the Committee for Private Education (CPE), a part of SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). EduTrust requires all students to be covered under a Fee Protection Scheme. In James Cook University, this is provided through an insurance protection scheme. Further, EduTrust also requires that the students must be covered under a medical insurance coverage which has provision for hospitalisation, surgery and treatment costs throughout their course duration. James Cook University will advise in the Standard Student Contract the total amount of insurance payable.

For more details please visit the Committee for Private Education (CPE), a part of SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) website: https://www.skillsfuture.gov.sg/pei

Disclaimer Although James Cook University endeavours to ensure the accuracy of this information, there is no guarantee it will remain accurate all year. Applicants are advised to confirm program details with the appropriate school before making an application.

Download the Higher Degrees by Research brochure here .

If you wish to make further enquiries or submit your Expression of Interest, please contact [email protected] For the Expression of Interest form, please download here

PhD Programmes

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SUTD PhD Programme

The SUTD PhD Programme offers you a chance to collaborate with the best minds in their fields and conduct breakthrough research that will make a difference to the world.

Our fluid, stimulating and open setting creates an environment which places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary and collaborative research and provides opportunities for industry internships, overseas research attachments and teaching experience.

The SUTD PhD Programme also features:

• Access to multiple world-class faculty with co-supervision flexibility
• Leading-edge research experience through potential overseas research attachments at top universities worldwide
• PhD Industry Internships : PhD students can embark on an Industry Internship Programme (of up to 6 months). This will expose them to hands-on experience with industry projects, a broader research scope to supplement their PhD research, network with other research industries and attain course credits for their candidature
• Participation in a multi-disciplinary design experience
• Professional development programme and teaching experience
• Attractive scholarship funding

Curriculum Overview

Upon enrolment, students will pursue a PhD under these academic tracks:

• Architecture and Sustainable Design (ASD) – focusing on sustainable architectural and urban solutions to meet the present and future needs of buildings and cities
• Engineering Product Development (EPD) – focusing on innovative technology-intensive products that span multiple disciplines
• Engineering Systems and Design (ESD) – focusing on large-scale complex systems whose performance and function depend on their technology and socio-economic context
• Information Systems Technology and Design (ISTD) – focusing on information systems that interact with the physical world, humans and machines
• Science, Mathematics and Technology (SMT) – focusing on wide-ranging, interdisciplinary research that is grounded in Science and Math fundamentals and with practical applications
• Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences  (HASS) – focusing on understanding social and technological transformations through empowering lenses of humanities and social sciences

Students who successfully complete the programme will graduate with a Doctor of Philosophy degree under the same academic pillar.

PhD Coursework

• View latest Course Schedule
• View Course Schedule Archive

Candidature Period (Full-time)

• Minimum Residency: 3 years
• Maximum Residency: 5 years

Academic Calendar

The academic calendar for the PhD Programme starts in September and ends the following August. Each Academic Year is divided into three semesters where coursework is taken:

• September to December
• January to April 
• May to August

Research Areas of SUTD Faculty Members

Potential applicants who are interested in the SUTD PhD Programme are required to indicate their research topics of interest and may identify SUTD faculty member(s) whose research focus are closely aligned to their research areas of interest. Please visit the following links for more information about our faculty members and their research areas.

• Architecture and Sustainable Design (ASD)
• Engineering Product Development (EPD)
• Engineering Systems and Design (ESD)
• Information Systems Technology and Design (ISTD)
• Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
• Science, Mathematics and Technology (SMT)

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• Singapore Institute of Technology
• Master of Philosophy

Doctor of Philosophy

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• Newcastle University
• Newcastle University in Singapore
• Postgraduate

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an extended higher-level master's degree by research usually lasting three to four years full-time and five to seven years part-time.

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Programme details.

Type of Programme

Postgraduate research degree, face-to-face meetings.

Our team of academics are well established in the areas of Mechanical Engineering including Energy and Sustainability, Chemical Engineering including Process Safety and Risk Management, Electrical Power Engineering, and Marine Technology Engineering.

See our  Expertise and Facilities  page for more information about individual supervisors and their expertise.

• Throughout the year

Programme Duration

• Full-time: 36 months + 12 months write-up
• Part-time: 72 months + 12 months write-up

Course Code

Mode of Study

• Meetings and regular contact with supervisor

Minimum Entry Requirements

• First degree or equivalent with minimum second higher classification (2.1). Applicants with First degree or equivalent with minimum second lower (2.2) classification and relevant experience, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

English Language Requirement

• IELTS overall 6.5 or equivalent
• Exemption: You do not need to prove your Englsih ability if you meet one of the criteria on as listed on the  International Students site.

Fees & Funding

For information on Fees & Funding, please refer to  Fees, Funding, and Student Contract .

Applicant Eligibility

The course is only available to Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents, Singapore Employment Pass holders, Singapore Dependant's Pass* holders.

*subject to approval by the respective pass-issuing authority.

Potential Research projects

Look through the  2023 - Research Projects for MPhil and PhD and then speak to the supervisor to discuss the options. Projects may be subject to change.

A PhD involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. Your research will enable you to become an expert in your chosen topic.

You will develop your project with help from an academic supervisor or team of supervisors. This could be theoretical or involve working with an industrial partner to develop new products. It will depend on your subject and research interests.

To complete the PhD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a  supervised thesis . It should show evidence of originality and be suitable for publication.

Compulsory modules

Thesis (SN: 1, Module code: 7011)

How to Apply

The application process:

• Prospective candidates are required to email  [email protected]  to schedule an online Pre-application Counselling session or visit Newcastle Research & Innovation Institute (NewRIIS) for a Pre-application Counselling session. (i) Kindly email the  NewRIIS  team for an appointment.  (ii) Please bring along the following original documents for verification when you visit NewRIIS       - NRIC or Passport       - highest academic qualification       - testimonials       - updated CV
• Online application (i) Before applying, please prepare the following documents/items      - correct programme code (Please check with PG Programme Administrator/Coordinator, if you are unsure)       - scanned verified educational documents      - updated CV      -  personal statement        -  research proposal   (ii) Create  account  for online application (iii) Apply  online

The research programme handbook can be downloaded from the  PGR publications page.

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PhD Degrees in Singapore, Singapore

Singapore (新加坡) is a city-state in Southeast Asia. Founded as a British trading colony in 1819, since independence it has become one of the world's most prosperous countries and boasts the world's busiest port. Singapore has six national universities and are generally well-regarded and attracts exchange students from all over the world.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.

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Doctor of Philosophy | Chemistry

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• School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CCEB)

Programme Type

Full-time, Part-time

Chemistry PhD students take advanced courses focusing on active research topics, and perform research under the supervision of a faculty member. The programme culminates in writing and defending a scientific thesis before a panel of scientific experts.

Click here for more information.

Applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

• BSc in chemistry or a related discipline. If the university has an honours system, at least second-upper class honours, or the equivalent, is required.
• Applicants may optionally have a MSc degree in chemistry or a related discipline, but this is not mandatory. If the university has an honours system, at least second-upper class honours in the MSc degree, or the equivalent, is required.
• International applicants must submit an appropriate GRE score, with GRE (V+Q) score equivalent to or more than 319 and GRE AW score equivalent to or more than 3.5. Applicants from India may use GATE in replacement of GRE.
• All international applicants who are not native English speakers must have TOEFL scores, IETLS scores, or pass an English Proficiency Test (EPT) administrated by the School.

There are two application periods each year: October to January (for admission in August), and June to July (for admission in January). Most students are admitted during the first period.