Entry is based on a master's qualification with a 25% research component or equivalent, a bachelor qualification with second-class honours or an AQF Level 8 or AQF Level 9 qualification with relevant research preparation.

To be eligible to apply for this course you must meet one of the following entry requirements:

You have completed a Master qualification (AQF Level 9 or overseas equivalent) with a minimum research component of 25%.
You have completed a Bachelor Honours qualification (AQF Level 8) with a minimum result of upper second class honours or equivalent.
You have completed an AQF Level 8 or 9 qualification (or overseas equivalent) and you have had adequate research preparation since graduation.*
You have previously undertaken work of sufficiently high standard towards a higher degree by research (AQF Level 9 or 10, or overseas equivalent) at UNE which you have not submitted for any qualification, and you can produce documented evidence of capacity to undertake work at the Doctor of Philosophy level.
Please note: You must also meet both of the following requirements:

You have completed a Doctor of Philosophy research proposal which has received approval by the relevant School.
You meet the English Language Requirements for all Higher Degree by Research candidates. Please see the Additional Requirements section below for further information.
Eligibility for admission is reviewed by the Head of School or delegate (for example, Higher Degree Research (HDR) coordinator) under the oversight of the Associate Dean Research (ADR).

Upgrading from Research Masters to Doctorate
You can apply to the Graduate Research Committee to upgrade from a research Master's program (AQF Level 9 or overseas equivalent) to a Doctor of Philosophy. To be eligible, you must provide evidence of refereed research publications or reviews of a minimum of two thesis chapters, or an equivalent component of a portfolio or creative work. This must be reviewed by two reviewers, with a minimum of one reviewer being external to UNE. Each reviewer should have a doctoral degree or equivalent.

Please note: Applications must be endorsed by the principal supervisor and Head of School (or delegate) under the oversight of the Associate Dean Research and forwarded to Research Services, after confirmation of candidature or equivalent with sufficient candidature left to continue on into the PhD. Upgrading from a research Master's program to a Doctor of Philosophy must occur after confirmation of candidature and within 18 months FTE of commencing the research Master's program.

The candidature spent in the Master's program will be deducted from the candidature of the Doctoral program. For example, if six months has been undertaken in the Master's program, then thirty months will remain for completion of the Doctoral program.

An IELTS(Academic) overall score of at least 6.5 with no sub-band score less than 6.0 (or equivalent TOEFL score of at least 91 in the internet-based test with no less than 22 in the written component and 20 in listening, speaking and reading)