Not applicable
AU$36,480 (2025 annual)
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.
Gain the benefits of interdisciplinary research with industry connections.
Explore focused research themes driven by experienced academics with active research interests and collaborations.
Enjoy a bench-to-bedside-to-community approach involving clinical, non-clinical, experimental and educational research.
We have research strengths in various areas of medical science, including the following:
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.
A schedule of meetings with your supervisor/s must be established to assess progress against milestones and timely completion.
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.
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:
You are required to complete the online modules:
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.
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.
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.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
*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.
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:
The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:
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:
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.
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).
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:
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
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.