Overview of course structure

Step 1: Before enrolling , make sure you understand how your course is structured and what is required throughout your candidature

Overview

You can find full details in the University Handbook for your program:

As part of your first year, PhD candidates will complete a coursework component designed to strengthen their research skill, build connections with other graduate researcher, and prepare for Confirmation of Candidature. This component complements your independent research and is undertaken alongside regular supervision meetings with your supervisory team.

From 2026 onwards, the PhD coursework requirement will total 12.5 credit points, comparing:

  • PhD Intensive Workshop (6.25 points): a two-day workshop designed to address common challenges in framing and initiating graduate research. It focuses on advancing your research capabilities and strategies for a strong start to your PhD candidature;
  • One PhD Elective (6.25 points): selected in consultation with your principal supervisor to extend your research expertise or methodological skills. Some disciplines or Schools may recommend or require a specific elective aligned with your research area.

The coursework subjects will be assessed; however, the PhD is awarded based on the examination of the thesis and an oral deliberation (viva). Work completed towards the coursework may, if appropriate, be incorporated into the final thesis.

Master of Arts (Advanced Seminar & Shorter Thesis) candidates in the Philosophy discipline will complete 25 points of coursework subjects as directed by their supervisors and the discipline academic coordinator.

Arts MA graduate researchers are welcome to request enrolment in the Arts PhD Intensive (ARTS90005) subject and participate in any PhD elective subject to strengthen their research skills and broaden their academic development.

Arts PhD Intensive

The Arts PhD Intensive (ARTS90005) subject is a compulsory subject for all PhD candidates.

Candidates must attend the full two-day workshop and achieve a minimum pass mark of 50% to meet the coursework requirement for PhD Confirmation.

Choosing a PhD Elective

With guidance of your supervisory panel, you will select one 6.25-point elective subjects from the list of available PhD electives.

Electives are offered in different formats. Some run as a weekly or fortnightly seminars, while others are delivered as intensive workshops over several days.

You must successfully pass (50%) in your elective to meet the coursework requirement for PhD Confirmation.

Elective Substitution

In some cases, your supervisory panels, disciplines or Schools may require you to take a specific PhD elective or graduate-level coursework subject that is essential to your research area from the University Handbook. Substitute subjects may include language subjects to develop proficiency in a language critical for your research.

You may also choose to enrol in additional coursework subjects to complement your research expertise and extend your methodological skills The following  limits apply to total coursework enrolment for graduate research degrees:

  • Up to 100 credit points of coursework subjects for a PhD (inclusive of PhD coursework subjects)
  • Up to 50 credit points of coursework subjects for a Master by Research (MA) .

If you plan to take a subject outside of the PhD elective list, you must also obtain approval from the relevant subject coordinator (refer to the subject Handbook for contact details) and attach the email approval to your Enrolment Request Form.

Submit your enrolment request

Coursework FAQs

  • You may substitute your elective with a graduate-level subject or language subject that is essential to your research.

    To request a substitution, include in your enrolment request form: written approval from your supervisor and from the relevant subject coordinator, along with a brief explanation of the rationale for your request.

  • You must complete the Arts PhD Intensive subject in your first semester. You have the flexibility to take your elective subject during your first year or in the second year if you are enrolled part-time. It is your responsibility to ensure that all required coursework is completed before your PhD Confirmation.

  • Yes the coursework subjects have an attendance hurdle requirement. You are expected to complete the two day Arts PhD Intensive workshop in full. Other subjects have a minimum requirement of 80% attendance.

  • As attendance at the Intensive and Workshop is a requirement of your candidature, we expect that adequate time needs to be available.

  • There is no financial cost to undertaking the coursework.

  • No. The PhD Coursework Component in the first year of your candidature complements the development of your thesis proposal and project. We expect that completing the PhD Coursework will enhance rather than detract from your progress, particularly as the 10,000 words of written work submitted for assessment in the PhD Coursework can be integrated into your thesis itself.

  • Yes, subject to discussion with your supervisor and Advisory Committee to ensure that you are not over-loading at the expense of progress on your thesis.

    Additional subjects should be at postgraduate level (not including Language subjects), relevant to your research and not exceed the maximum credit point allowance:

    • 100 points for PhD candidates (inclusive of the PhD coursework subjects); or
    • 50 points for Master by Research (MA) graduate researchers.

    If you wish to enrol in additional coursework subjects beyond the PhD coursework component, please see Add and Drop Coursework Subjects form.

  • Yes, you will need to successfully complete the required PhD coursework component before your conversion can be considered and approved. Essentially, you will need to follow the PhD milestone and candidature requirements. Successful conversion from the MA to the PhD is also contingent upon meeting the PhD-Arts course entry requirements based on your prior completed qualifications.

  • Yes. The structure of the Master of Arts (Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis) involves a 25 credit points of coursework.

    If you started with the required entry level for the PhD, completed the Master of Arts (Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis) compulsory coursework in your first year and achieved the equivalent minimum required grades for the PhD Coursework Component, then you may be considered for a PhD conversion and be given credit for the equivalent coursework.

  • What happens if I don’t get the required grades in the Workshop and Electives?

    Not meeting the required minimum expectations is a firm indication that you may not be ready to be confirmed in your PhD candidature. In this case, there would be an option to convert your candidature to an MA degree.

    If the problem lies with a poor mark in one Elective, you should discuss with your supervisor taking a third Elective — the requirement with Electives is to have completed two at the required minimum level.

    Will the Workshop and Elective subjects appear on my transcript?

    Yes, any awarded subjects that you are officially enrolled in will appear on your University transcript.

    Can I change my Elective or Workshop if I prefer to take a different one?

    Graduate researchers are unable to self-enrol into coursework subjects. You will need to submit the online 'Request to add or remove subjects' form to request that a coursework subject is to update your study plan.