PhD (Medical Science)

PhD (Medical Science)

RESEARCH

Apply your advanced research skills to shape the future of medicine and tackle key health challenges. 

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 3-4 years
Part-time 8 years
Fees:

Research Training Scheme

Next intake:
Continuous (scholarship application closing dates apply)
Location:
Bundoora
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 3-4 years
Fees:

AU$36,480 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
Continuous (scholarship application closing dates apply)
Location:
Bundoora

Overview

Apply your advanced research skills to shape the future of medicine and tackle key health challenges.

Medical research plays an important role in enhancing our knowledge of human health, diseases and medicine. The School of Health and Biomedical Sciences conducts discovery, translational and clinical research focused on healthy ageing and chronic diseases. 

This is an interdisciplinary course that brings together clinical and basic researchers from across the health and biomedical science disciplines including, but not limited to, Biomedical Science, Laboratory Medicine, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science, Physiotherapy and Medical Radiations. 

Why study medical science at RMIT?

Broad networking opportunities

Gain the benefits of interdisciplinary research with industry connections.

Active academics

Explore focused research themes driven by experienced academics with active research interests and collaborations.

Holistic approach

Enjoy a bench-to-bedside-to-community approach involving clinical, non-clinical, experimental and educational research.

Research strengths in medical science

We have research strengths in various areas of medical science, including the following:

  • Respiratory health and disease: We have a strong focus on respiratory care, integrating fundamental discovery of disease mechanisms (including comorbidities), translational research and technological innovation to develop new therapeutic strategies for people afflicted by lung diseases, and those suffering the long-term consequences of respiratory infections.
  • Cancer: We employ a multidisciplinary approach to precision cancer medicine that integrates cellular, molecular and genetic insights with immunotherapy, nanotechnology, vaccines and medical radiations for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Neurological disorders and diseases: By studying the intricate workings of the central and enteric nervous systems during development and across the lifespan, our research aims to unravel the complexities of neurological disorders and the origins of cognitive and behavioural abnormalities.
  • Translational immunology and infectious diseases: We have a broad interest in the mechanisms of immune protection, immune evasion, vaccine development, antimicrobial therapies, and the impact of host-pathogen interactions, particularly chronic inflammation, on healthy ageing and chronic disease.
  • Pharmacology, drug development and delivery: Our research aims to discover new drug targets, design new drugs and immunotherapies, improve existing therapeutics, and develop innovative delivery methods, including nanotechnology, to enhance drug efficacy, safety and patient adherence.
  • Prenatal origins of health and disease: We are investigating how early-life experiences, both in utero and during the prenatal period, can contribute to the development of diseases and conditions later in life.

Details

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Research at RMIT

Time spent on research

Full-time candidates are expected to commit at least four days per week (or at least two days per week for part-time candidates) to their research. The academic year is 48 weeks.

Regular contact with your supervisor

A schedule of meetings with your supervisor/s must be established to assess progress against milestones and timely completion.

Resources, facilities and support

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

You will be part of an active research community and have access to resources and workshops to help you succeed.

School of Graduate Research

The School of Graduate Research works with Schools to further support candidates during their postgraduate research degree.

This course maintains strong connections and collaborations with various health and medical sectors, including the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, government and public health, medical radiations, hospitals and research institutes.

Many of the projects are conducted in collaboration with industry and industry partners. Not only does this broaden your knowledge and skill of your field but can also unlock valuable interdisciplinary opportunities for the future.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

You will complete this program under academic supervision.

The PhD program is structured to enable you to:

  • complete a compulsory research methods course
  • receive training in research integrity and ethics
  • select studies in qualitative and quantitative research techniques
  • complete a thesis/project which demonstrates your original contribution to the field and your ability to communicate complex or original research for peers and the community to an international standard

Research integrity modules

You are required to complete the online modules:

  • Research integrity
  • Copyright and intellectual property

Research methods for sciences

Research methods courses step you through the literature review and preparing your research proposal for confirmation of candidature. They are taught in large discipline groups.

You may need to complete an ethics module to ensure your research is ethical and responsible.

Research techniques

You may elect to take (where relevant) electives in qualitative or quantitative research techniques once data collection has begun. You can use your own data to explore different research analysis techniques. Your supervisor will help you decide when you should take these electives.

Co-curricular activities

You are encouraged to participate in activities offered with the university, college and school according to your needs and interests.

This PhD may be undertaken in a project, thesis by publication or thesis mode. Prospective candidates should discuss these modes of submission with their potential supervisor/s.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

PhD (Medical Science)
Program code: DR238
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Doctor of Philosophy
Bundoora Campus
4 years full time, 8 years part time
DR238
110532A
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
4 years full time, 8 years part time
Plan code
DR238
CRICOS
110532A
View plan
Doctor of Philosophy
Bundoora Campus
4 years full time
DR238
110532A
Location
Bundoora Campus
Duration
4 years full time
Plan code
DR238
CRICOS
110532A
View plan

*The maximum duration of the PhD program is 4 years full-time and 8 years part-time. However, candidates are expected to complete their program within 3-4 years full-time equivalent and 6-8 years part-time equivalent.

*The maximum duration of the PhD program is 4 years full-time. However, candidates are expected to complete their program within 3-4 years full-time equivalent.

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

As a graduate, you will be highly sought after for a research or research-related career (including senior leadership and management positions) in various health and medical sectors, such as the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, government and public health, medical radiations, hospitals, universities, and research institutes.

Expected career pathways for graduates of this degree include: 

  • research and academic positions in universities, hospitals and research institutes 
  • pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry roles in research and development, clinical trials coordination, quality control, regulatory affairs, medical science liaison, medical affairs or leadership and management
  • government and public health careers, investigating public health issues, epidemiology and health policy, and contributing to evidence-based decision-making.

Entry requirements and admissions

The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:

  • A bachelor's degree requiring at least four (4) years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology subjects that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year. OR
  • A master's degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average; OR 
  • A master's degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average; OR
  • Evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.

If you are a current master by research candidate, you are able to apply for a transfer to a doctor of philosophy program through the process prescribed in the RMIT Higher Degree by Research policy.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

These entrance requirements are the minimum academic standard you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for the program. You will need to complete a selection task as part of your application.

A selection process will be conducted in conjunction with the School and supervisors you nominate.

For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see How to apply – Research programs.

The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:

  • A bachelor's degree requiring at least four (4) years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology subjects that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year. OR
  • A master's degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average; OR 
  • A master's degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average; OR
  • Evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.

If you are a current master by research candidate, you are able to apply for a transfer to a doctor of philosophy program through the process prescribed in the RMIT Higher Degree by Research policy.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Research proposal and supervisor

Proposal

You must attach a substantive research proposal that is 2 to 5 pages in length which articulates the intent, significance and originality of the proposed topic using the following headings:

a) title / topic
b) research questions to be investigated in the context of existing research/literature in the area
c) significance and impact of the research
d) methodology / research tasks required to undertake the research
e) particular needs (e.g. resources, facilities, fieldwork or equipment that are necessary for your proposed research program, if applicable).

Supervisor

Your application will not be considered if you have not discussed your research topic with a proposed senior and associate supervisor or joint senior supervisors. You must provide the names of the academic staff in the school you have applied to and with whom you have discussed your proposed research.

For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see How to apply – Research programs.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

You can gain entry to this program from a range of RMIT four-year Bachelor and Honours degrees or Postgraduate or Masters by Research programs.

Fees

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Fee information for masters by research and doctorate (PhD) programs.

If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen you may be eligible for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place where your tuition costs are funded by the Commonwealth Government under the RTS and you have full exemption from tuition fees.

Acceptance in an RTS place is very competitive and places are granted on the condition that you meet annual progress requirements and complete within the allotted time for your program and your status as a part-time or full-time candidate.

This means a maximum of 2 years for a full-time Masters by Research or 4 years for a PhD (or the equivalent part-time).

Contact the School of Graduate Research for more information.

The student services and amenities fee (SSAF) is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

In addition to the SSAF there may be other expenses associated with your program.

Candidates may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to their employment. See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The student services and amenities fee (SSAF) is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

In addition to the SSAF there may be other expenses associated with your program.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information