A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting edge of your discipline or profession. When you complete your PhD at UNE, you will be recognised as an expert in your area of study. Your original discoveries and innovations will be applied to benefit society and industry in Australia and worldwide.Cement your place as an expert and leading practitioner or scholar in your field with UNE's Doctor of Philosophy. You will contribute to solving problems and challenges that will benefit society and industry. You will undertake sophisticated original research in the discipline or professional area you choose. Integrating your knowledge across a range of disciplines, you will critically evaluate your findings to generate original knowledge and make a substantial contribution to understanding complex issues in your specialist niche. Your studies will culminate in a comprehensive thesis in which you present your insights.At UNE, we are committed to maintaining our strong research culture, underpinned by high research training standards. Our diversity of research strength makes UNE an outstanding place to complete your PhD. We have been awarded 5 stars – well above world standard – in 18 separate fields of research by the Australian Research Council's Excellence for Research in Australia (ERA) research evaluation program. We have been rated world standard and above (3 and 4 stars) in a further 23 fields of research.Our research is underpinned by five thematic priorities:securing Australia's future food and water through smart science and smart technologyclimate change and environmental sustainability, protecting biodiversity and developing effective policieshealth and wellbeing in rural communities, focusing on areas such as social exclusion, health inequity, mental health and social policyregional and rural development, sustainability, prosperity and peaceour past, present and future: documenting, protecting and promoting cultural heritage, history, memory and identity in Australia and internationally.Year after year, students award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.