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Higher Degree Research program

Overview

Dianoia Institute of Philosophy offers both PhD and MPhil degrees. Our degrees are based on a direct supervision model with no coursework component and are evaluated by a research thesis. Applications are now open for domestic and international Higher Degree Research candidates with intended research topics in Dianoia’s areas of expertise (including logic, metaphysics, epistemology, language, value theory, social and political philosophy, philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, and philosophy of religion). Joint supervision by philosophers based in ACU’s School of Philosophy is also possible (for more information about its faculty, see here).

Successful applicants will be fully immersed in the intellectual life of the Institute, at ACU’s Melbourne campus, participating in seminars, conferences, and reading groups, and working collaboratively with our team of world-class scholars on the cutting edge of philosophical research.

It is expected that successful applicants will be assigned their chosen supervisor(s). Supervisor assignments will be disclosed at the offer stage, prior to any commitment from the applicant.

You can find profiles of our current students here.

Scholarship information

Successful applicants are eligible for financial support through one of the university's competitive research scholarships. Financial support includes a stipend scholarship and a tuition fee waiver. Full details are available at research scholarships.

Information about the PhD and MPhil 

At ACU the PhD is a three year degree, while the MPhil is a two year degree. A PhD Thesis must make an original contribution to its field, whereas an MPhil Thesis is required to display mastery of its field.  For more information about Masters and Doctoral degrees at ACU, consult the following links:

• Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Before you apply:

Prior to submitting your application you should review:

• the PhD and MPhil eligibility criteria in the Higher Degree Research Regulations
• the stipend scholarship information on the ACU Scholarships page
• the Dianoia Institute areas of research expertise

How to apply:

Step 1

Applicants must follow the instructions on the ACU become a research candidate page and submit their completed application by 11:59pm AEDT Sunday 23rd April 2023.

Step 2

Applicants must also submit the following directly to eo.dianoia@acu.edu.au:

• A cover letter of no more than 2 pages outlining your background, your intended area of research/research topic per the Institute’s areas of expertise; and potential supervisors within Dianoia that would align with your proposed topic of research;
• Your current CV; and
• Sample(s) of writing which showcase your philosophical research skills
  • If your writing sample is over 5,000 words please highlight an excerpt within the text of not more than 5,000 words

Further information on the application process

Please contact Candidature Services on res.cand@acu.edu.au