phd timeline unimelb

• Faculty of Arts
• School of Social and Political Sciences
• Current students

Graduate research

Future research students, information for prospective students regarding the doctor of philosophy – arts program..

The School of Social and Political Sciences is at the forefront of research in the social sciences in Australia. We have a team of dedicated academic staff who can offer supervision for research higher degrees in the disciplines of Anthropology, Development Studies, Political Science, Criminology and Sociology and across a comprehensive range of areas. The School provides a dynamic and rewarding environment with reading groups, seminars, conferences and graduate journals all contributing to the engagement of the program.

Our Graduate Research Program is exclusively focused on PhD studies, offering no entry at the Master's by Research level.

Doctor of Philosophy – Arts

The application deadlines for our graduate research courses are as follows:

• 31 August for international applicants
• 31 October for domestic applicants

How to apply

You can search for scholarships offered by the University of Melbourne on the Scholarships website:

Melbourne Scholarships

Current research students

Information for current graduate researchers.

The Faculty of Arts provides an orientation welcome session  for new graduate researchers at the beginning of each year. After the orientation session, a local induction is provided to students enrolled in the School of Social and Political Sciences.

A variety of enrichment seminars and events are available to graduate researchers throughout the year, fostering a supportive academic community and providing valuable opportunities for skill development, knowledge sharing, and networking. These activities enable graduate researchers to gain new skills, present their work, and connect with colleagues and experts in their field. The highlight of our enrichment program is the Graduate Research Symposium, where graduate researchers present their Confirmation, Completion, and Work-in-Progress seminars before their advisory committees and a broader academic audience. This event is a cornerstone of our commitment to enhancing the graduate research experience.

We offers a range of facilities to support graduate researchers, including meeting rooms, flexi spaces for drop-in study sessions or brief meetings, and dedicated study spaces for quiet and focused environment.

Print resources are available at numerous locations around campus for general printing needs.

Student IT and eLearning support provide some key IT services which you can utilise as a researcher.

The Arts Graduate Research Team offers cross-faculty support for Arts graduate research students. We are your first point of contact for all candidature management questions.

Faculty of Arts Candidature Milestones and Requirements

The Faculty sets out a minimum requirement that you must satisfy at each milestone. Refer to the Milestone page that details out the requirements for each milestone.

Explore the various information and guides available to current graduate researchers on the  Arts Graduate Researcher Community .

• Melbourne School of Health Sciences
• Resources for Graduate Researchers and Supervisors

Candidature Meetings and Milestones

For Graduate Researchers seeking University-level information on Graduate Research procedures, please visit the Graduate Research Hub .

For staff seeking University-level, internal procedural information, please visit the Students and Teaching - Graduate Research page.

For detailed information about Melbourne School of Health Sciences procedures for candidature meetings and events, please click the expandable headings below:

At the start of the probationary candidature (within the first month), a formal meeting should be held with the primary supervisor (and other supervisors if available) to discuss issues detailed in the Checklist, which is embedded in the Commencement Form (sent to you within the first 2 weeks of enrolment). While your department may have an Executive Assistant/local administrator, it is expected that the graduate researcher arranges the meeting invitation/Zoom themselves and, if assistance is needing to book a room, a member of staff on the committee can assist.

At this stage, the Advisory Committee needs to be formed.  Although it is the graduate researcher's responsibility to set up their Advisory Committee and arrange its meetings, this should be undertaken with the advice and guidance of their principal supervisor and co-supervisors.  Guidelines on the composition of the Advisory Committee can be found here .

The pre-confirmation meeting is the first meeting with the Chair of the Advisory Committee.  The aim is to ensure that the graduate researcher is on track to pass confirmation.

Before the meeting

The graduate researcher should arrange a meeting at which all the following should be present.  While your department may have an Executive Assistant/local administrator, it is expected that the graduate researcher arranges the meeting invitation/Zoom themselves and, if assistance is needed to book a room, a member of staff on the committee can assist.:

• All supervisors
• Chair of Advisory Committee
• Advisory Committee Member(s) can be invited to attend as well, but their presence is optional

At least 10 days prior to the Advisory Committee meetings, the graduate researcher should complete their part of the online progress review form with a brief (typically 1-2 pages) Written Report attached.  The graduate researcher needs to ensure that all attendees have access to the online form.  If not, the graduate researcher should circulate a PDF print of the online form and written report via email.

The report should include the following:

• The title of the thesis and name of the candidate
• A brief abstract (approximately 100 words) that includes a concise statement of the research question
• Research plan outlining the proposed project structure and/or the research objectives to be achieved
• Progress to date
• Timeframes for any regulatory approvals still required (e.g. ethics)
• Report on approach to and progress with literature review (PhD students only)
• A brief summary of supervisory arrangements in place and the procedure used for documenting formal supervision meetings
• Details of any problems encountered

We recommend that you book a meeting room with a projector for 60 minutes.  You are required to prepare a brief presentation regarding your research plans and progress to date.  The appropriate duration for the presentation is flexible but, as a guide, it is typically around 10 minutes to allow sufficient time for discussion that should follow.

During the meeting

The meeting will start with your presentation on your progress review to date.  After your presentation, you can expect the Advisory Committee to discuss and review the following topics:

• Feedback on presentation, report, progress to date, resources, timeline, any problems etc
• (PhD graduate researchers only) Discussion re approach to literature review
• Whether supervision arrangements are working satisfactorily
• Agreement on how supervision meetings will be documented (typically by email summary)
• Potential intellectual property (IP) issues relating to the project
• Principles of authorship and how these will be addressed in relation to the project
• Ensuring all the possible ethical implications of the project have been considered
• Responsibilities for keeping research data and records
• Any significant changes since starting that may affect the feasibility of the project (for example: changes in supervisors' other roles and commitments affecting their time availability, changes within the research group, changes in availability of critical resources, recently published work that affects the direction of the project etc.)
• Thesis format; flag need for consideration of thesis with publication
• Hurdle Requirements:  3 Minute Thesis Competition (present once during candidature, after confirmation), Completion Seminar Attendance (F/T 5 per yr, P/T 3 per yr, can include seminars in other schools and Research Colloquium),  Hurdle Requirement Report (present one report at each meeting with your Advisory Committee)
• Professional development: courses for required skills
• Availability of appropriate resources for project, including statistical report
• The University's compulsory Research Integrity Online Training (RIOT) to be completed before confirmation.
• Travel and fieldwork
• Progress in terms of continuation, or the possibility of discontinuation or transfer to an alternative degree

At the end of the meeting, the Chair of the Advisory Committee will inform the graduate researcher of the outcome and complete their part of the online pre-confirmation form.  The potential outcomes of the pre-confirmation review are 'satisfactory progress' and 'at risk of making unsatisfactory progress'

The Confirmation process consists of a Confirmation seminar presented by the graduate researcher, followed by a Confirmation meeting involving the graduate researcher and the Advisory Committee.  The purpose of the Confirmation process is to determine whether the research work done to date indicates a strong likelihood that it will result in a high quality thesis, completed in the required time.  It is a forum for student and supervisors to consider the progress of the research, obstacles they have encountered, potential future problems, and improvements that could be made.  It is also an opportunity to invite other individuals to give advice on the project.

The main aim is to support and give advice to the student and to identify any problems early before they become insurmountable.  Early recognition of problems is crucial for successful completion.

Before the Confirmation:

Complete RIOT .  The University will not confirm graduate researchers until the training has been completed.

At least 10 days prior to the Advisory Committee meeting, the graduate researcher should complete their part of the online progress review form.  The link for this form is emailed to the graduate researcher automatically by the Candidature Management System 12 weeks ahead of the meeting and it will also appear in the Chair's Weekly Digest as "not yet submitted".  The graduate researcher will attach a brief Written Report (5000-10,000 words) and also circulate a PDF print of the online form and written report via email.

The Written Report (3000-10,000 words) should include:

• The title of the thesis and name of candidate
• A critical summary and analysis of relevant literature
• As appropriate to the discipline of study, an explanation of the conceptual framework to be used and/or a summary of experimental methods and equipment requirements
• A summary of progress to date including preliminary data, resources developed etc
• An argument for the relevance and importance of the study
• A proposed schedule and timeline for the thesis
• A brief bibliography
• A record of results from any required coursework component (if applicable)
• A list of publications produced or any presentations made
• A 'Turnitin' originality report for a substantial piece of writing (e.g. a chapter, section of a chapter, or the written progress report).  To access Turnitin, go to the Thesis Similarity Checking community under 'My Communities' on the LMS.  There is a link to the LMS under 'Learning Tools" on the 'Home' tab of the Student Portal

The draft literature review should be uploaded to the online confirmation form.  Note that, together, the written report and draft literature review are sufficient to fulfil the University's Confirmation requirement: 'The [written] report should be between 3,000 and 10,000 words long'.

In order to advertise your seminar to the School, please email [email protected] at least two weeks ahead of the date.  You may want to book a meeting room or lecture theatre as a hybrid meeting, in which case you can ask shs-research to book this for you (or your local admin if you're not in the Alan Gilbert Building).  If you would like to have it in a lecture theatre, please ensure your meeting is during the lunch break as lecture theatres are booked out several months in advance during office hours.

You will need to provide:

• Date and Time
• Abstract (in PDF or Word format)
• Zoom link and Password

IMPORTANT NOTE: Before you arrange for us to advertise to the school, please ensure you have created a separate meeting invite for your committee covering the timeframe of the seminar and (if you're having it directly afterwards) the post seminar meeting, and that all members who you expect to attend have accepted.  Please include the same Zoom link as the publicly advertised session so the members don't need to rely on accepting the second invitation.

At the Confirmation Seminar, the graduate researcher presents their research findings to date at a public seminar.  The appropriate duration for the presentation is flexible, but as a guide, it is typically around 30-40 minutes for the presentation with up to 30 minutes of Q&A afterwards.  The decision to confirm (or not confirm) the graduate researcher is made by the Advisory Committee at the Advisory Committee Meeting directly after the seminar, or at a separate time/day.  If directly afterwards, the audience leaves at that point.

The Confirmation Meeting is held after the Confirmation Seminar. For convenience, it is usually held directly after the seminar, but this is not a requirement.

The Advisory Committee will discuss and reveiw the following topics with the GR:

• Literature review - with Turnitin originality report
• Ethics approval
• RIOT certificate
• Feedback on the Confirmation Seminar
• Review graduate researcher's Written Report (3,000-5000 words)
• Review graduate researcher's previously submitted Pre-Confirmation Report
• (Part-time graduate researchers only) Ensure six-monthly interim progress review meetings with all supervisors are documented
• Progress to date: preliminary data, methods and resources developed etc.
• Timeline and schedule of project
• Problems encountered
• Thesis format; flag need for consideration of thesis with publication.  All authors need to agree that the student contributed >50% of the publication content and is the sole primary author.  Consider the graduate researcher's timeline: if the graduate researcher is unable to wait for acceptance of publication, they can include their findings as a regular thesis chapter based on their original draft
• Scientific writing skills and their development; courses attended
• Presentation skills: participation in other seminars and symposiums
• Professional development: courses for required skills (N.B.  Child and Adolescent Health Program)
• Availability of appropriate resources for project, including statistical support
• Travel, conferences and fieldwork
• Hurdle requirements (Induction and orientation, Completion seminar attendance, Child and Adolescent Health Program)
• Discussion as to whether a 'plan B' is necessary or has been considered

During the meeting, the graduate researcher and supervisors will leave in turn so that each has the opportunity to talk with the Advisory Committee in the absence of the other.

At the end of the meeting, the Chair of the Advisory Committee will inform the graduate researcher of the outcome and complete their part of the online Confirmation Form.  The potential outcomes of the confirmation review are 'satisfactory progress', 'extension to probationary candidature' and 'formal warning of unsatisfactory progress'.

Progress Review Meetings of the graduate researcher and their Advisory Committee are typically conducted every 12 months, although the graduate researcher or any member of the Committee can request an additional meeting.  The purpose of the meeting is to conduct and document a formal discussion and assessment of the graduate researcher's progress.

The graduate researcher should arrange two meeting dates, (1) with their supervisors (2) with the Advisory Committee.  While your department may have an Executive Assistant/local administrator, it is expected that the graduate researcher arranges the meeting invitation/Zoom themselves and, if assistance is needing to book a room, a member of staff on the committee can assist. At least 10 days prior to the Advisory Committee meeting, the graduate researcher should complete their part of the online progress review form with a brief Written Report attached.  The graduate researcher needs to ensure that all attendees have access to the online form so they should circulate a PDF print of the online form and Written Report 10 days prior via email (as well as upload).

This report should include the following:

• A table of contents or chapter outline of the thesis along with a statement on the progress of writing for each chapter (e.g. commenced/not commenced; percent complete)
• A timeline or plan for the completion of the thesis, the stage reached in relation to the overall research plan and work to be completed
• Note: Items a) to d) should normally be no more than three pages
• A record of results from any required coursework components (if applicable)
• A list of publications (e.g. peer reviewed, conference proceedings) produced or any presentations made
• A list of training and professional development courses attended and skills attained
• A list of any publications and/or presentations made
• A list of meetings attended
• A summary of involvement in community service events

We recommend that you book a meeting room with a projector for 90 minutes.  At the meeting, you should present your progress to date.  The appropriate duration for the presentation is flexible but, as a guide, it is typically around 20 minutes to allow sufficient time for discussion that should follow.

The meeting will start with your presentation on your progress to date.  After your presentation, you can expect the Advisory Committee to discuss and review the following topics:

• Feedback on presentation
• Review graduate researcher's written report (3,000-10,000 words)
• Review graduate researcher's previously-submitted progress report(s)
• Ensure six monthly interim progress review meetings with all supervisors documented
• Thesis format; flag need for consideration of thesis with publication.  All authors need to agree that the graduate researcher contributed >50% of the publication content and is the sole primary author.  Consider the graduate researcher's timeline: if they are unable to wait for acceptance of publication, they can include their findings as a regular chapter based on their original draft.
• Professional development: courses for required skills (N.B. Child and Adolescent Health PhD Program)
• Hurdle Requirements:  (2nd and 3rd year) 3 Minute Thesis Competition, Completion Seminar Attendance (F/T 5 per yr, P/T 3 per yr, can include seminars in other schools and Research Colloquium),  Student's own Completion Seminar (booked?), (PhD students started after 1 Jan 2018 only) Child and Adolescent Health PhD Program
• (2nd and 3rd year) Discussion about career goals and life post-PhD

At the end of the meeting, the Chair of the Advisory Committee will inform the graduate researcher of the outcome and complete their part of the online progress review form.  The potential outcomes of the progress review are 'satisfactory progress', 'at risk of making unsatisfactory progress' and 'formal warning of unsatisfactory progress'.

This seminar is compulsory for all students to fulfil university requirements and should take place no more than 6 months prior to thesis submission.  Our recommendation is to present it around 3 months prior to submission.

• Abstract and biography (in PDF or Word format)
• Zoom link and password

The total duration of the Completion Seminar should be around 1 hour including questions.  The graduate researcher should allow time for questions and discussion within this time.  These don't need a committee meeting afterwards, though the timing may coincide.  A Progress Review isn't required as part of this unless it's due or a graduate researcher/Advisory Committee member requests a meeting.

The graduate researcher must submit a brief thesis summary of their PhD research (approximately 2,000 words) to the Committee at least 1 week prior to the seminar, outlining the aims and scope of the thesis and the main results.

The graduate researcher's Advisory Committee must attend the seminar to give constructive feedback to the student which will enable them to refine their thesis, if necessary, before submission.  Following the seminar, the Committee Chair should submit a short report which notes any strengths and weaknesses of the work as presented.

The Advisory Committee may be extended to include additional individuals who are broadly knowledgeable in the field of study, who may be able to identify how the graduate researcher may enhance particular aspects of their thesis.

Progress Review Timeline

The full supervisory team needs to meet with the graduate researcher at least every six months to discuss the graduate researcher's progress.  In case of annual progress review meetings with the full Advisory Committee, the graduate researcher and full supervisory team need to have an additional meeting six months after the annual progress review meetings.  A record of these discussions must be kept.   This may take the form of an email from the graduate researcher to the supervisor summarising the discussion.

Further review meetings are optional, but can be requested at any time by the graduate researcher, Supervisors or Advisory Committee.

Please click below for a detailed description of the progress review timeline:

Progress Review Timeline Table

Important dates

Application closing dates, timely application closing dates for start-year 2024 intake: 31 october 2023, timely application closing date for mid-year 2024 intake: 30 april 2024.

These dates reflect most course closing dates within the Faculties; however, some courses may have earlier/alternate application deadlines. Please confirm the application closing date on the 'How to apply' tab for the relevant course page.

For Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences application closing dates please refer to individual course pages for detailed information.

Late Applications

Late applications may be accepted under special circumstances; however you are advised to apply as early as possible to avoid visa delays.

Indicative turnaround times

View the indicative turnaround times for course applications.

Scholarships

As an international applicant, you are strongly encouraged to submit your application, including all of the required documents, by the application closing dates. This will enable the application to be considered for a greater range and number of scholarships. Closing dates may vary according to the course for which the applicant is applying. You should confirm the course application closing date with the relevant faculty.

For detailed scholarship closing date information, please refer to Melbourne scholarships

Semester, exam and holiday dates

View the complete academic calendar .

Enrolment and Orientation

Access the critical dates for your enrolment .

• School of Chemistry
• Study with us
• Graduate research

Graduate research at the School of Chemistry

Learn under the guidance of world-leading staff to pursue a career in research or academia in your area of interest.

Why research with us?

The School of Chemistry has 27 continuing teaching and research staff and over 50 research-only staff, supported by technical and administrative personnel. The School hosts in excess of 150 higher degree research students, an excellent international reputation in research and an outstanding record of achievement in attracting external research funding.

Our Graduate Research degrees

Doctor of philosophy (science).

A PhD is an essential qualification for a research career in chemistry. Many of our graduates go on to work as postdoctoral research scientists and careers in research and teaching in academia, or move into industry where their technical and professional skills are highly valued.

Master of Philosophy (Science)

Join one of our world-renowned research groups, work with state-of-the-art equipment, and soak up all the professional development opportunities and international connections that come with studying at Australia's leading university.

Master of Industrial Research (Chemistry)

If you’re keen to work in industry-based chemistry research, perhaps designing new-generation materials or bringing new pharmaceuticals to market, then start with a graduate course where you spend most of your time working in industry – and getting paid to do it.

Getting started in graduate research

Once you know the Graduate Research degree you want to pursue, you need to find a researcher, group or project to work with while pursuing your degree. There are two great ways to find your passion and a supervisor or group to help you reach it:

Option 1: Explore our research groups

There is a wide range of research being performed across our School – explore the Our research page to learn more about the projects and supervisors you could join. Send a prospective supervisor a message on their Find an Expert profile and explain what you'd like to do.

Explore our research

Option 2: Find a graduate research project

The University's Graduate Research Opportunity Tool is a directory of PhD and Masters by Research projects – search by course, field of research or location to find a research project that you're excited to join. Send a prospective supervisor a message on their Find an Expert profile and explain what you'd like to do.

Explore research opportunities

What do I say to a prospective supervisor?

You need the written support of a supervisor before submitting an application to the University. Once you've found a prospective supervisor, contact them with the following documents and information:

• Your curriculum vitae (CV)
• All higher education transcripts
• A brief summary of your intended area of research.

They will consider your past academic performance and whether there is an available project that fits with your  background and area of interest.

Scholarships and fees

Most domestic and international students who are offered a PhD place with us will also be offered a Graduate Research Scholarship . Receiving this scholarship means you’ll pay no tuition fees. You’ll also receive a living allowance and relocation grant (if relocating to Melbourne). When you apply for a PhD with us, you’ll be automatically considered for a Graduate Research Scholarship. There’s no need to apply separately.

A huge variety of other scholarships are also available. Search our scholarships to find the ones you’re eligible for.

Need advice or help getting started?

We welcome general inquiries from graduates interested in undertaking postgraduate study – either call us on +61 3 9035 6459 or  email the Graduate Research support team .

• School of Physics
• Study with us

PhD studies in Physics

Start your research career in physics here. Our PhD students work on cutting-edge research at the frontier of physics. Join them!

Research projects for PhD and Masters by Research students

The University's Graduate Research Opportunity Tool is a directory of PhD and Masters by Research projects – search by course, field of research or location to find a research project that you're excited to join.

Explore research opportunities

What does a PhD involve?

Over 3 years (or longer if part time), you’ll complete a research project that adds key knowledge to your chosen field. You’ll write up your findings in an 80,000-word thesis.

Throughout your PhD you’ll be guided by a supervisor who’s an expert in their field.

Your research work will be supported by state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure at the School of Physics.

Be sure to read all the general information on the Doctor of Philosophy – Science , in addition to this page.

What can I study?

Some of the areas you can specialise in when you study a PhD with us are:

• Astrophysics
• Atomic, molecular and optical physics
• Complex systems
• Condensed matter physics
• Particle physics
• Physical bioscience
• Quantum information.

We are one of the largest and most successful physics departments in Australia. We have world-class research programs in all areas of modern physics, with our academic staff leading a variety of projects within several Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence.

Melbourne University is consistently one of highest ranked Australian Universities in the Times Higher Education World Rankings and in the Academic Ranking of World Universities.

Read more about research in the School of Physics

Where will this take me?

A PhD is an essential qualification for a research career in physics. It’s also a ticket to international research opportunities.

Our graduates have a strong track record of employment, both in academia and in the private sector. They find rewarding careers in:

• Research and teaching in universities
• Public research organisations such as the CSIRO
• Consulting and professional services firms
• Commercial sectors including the defence, banking, and energy industries.

Pathways to a PhD

Our PhD students come to us after undertaking research training either:

• In a graduate degree – for example the Master of Science (Physics)
• As part of an undergraduate degree – for example via an honours year in the Bachelor of Science (not available at the University of Melbourne).

We're looking for outstanding students, who have a passion for working on problems at the frontier of physics, and who have developed a strong foundation from advanced graduate-level courses in physics, typically in quantum mechanics, electrodynamics and statistical mechanics.

Read more about the PhD entry requirements

How do I find a supervisor?

To find potential supervisors, browse the research areas in the School of Physics or use Find an Expert to search for keywords.

Before submitting an application, you must have the written support of a supervisor. To obtain this you should contact the supervisor directly or email the School of Physics at [email protected] . In both cases, you should provide the following documents and information:

• Your curriculum vitae (CV)
• All higher education transcripts
• A brief summary of your intended area of research
• The names of at least two prospective supervisors that align with your intended area of research.

The School will consider your past academic performance and whether there is an academic available to supervise your study.

How to apply

All the details about how to apply can be found with the general information for the Doctor of Philosophy – Science .

We offer both the Doctor of Philosophy - Science (PhD) and the Master of Philosophy - Science , but most applicants apply directly for a PhD.

Scholarships and fees

Most domestic and international students who are offered a PhD place with us will also be offered a Graduate Research Scholarship .

Receiving this scholarship means you’ll pay no tuition fees. You’ll also receive a living allowance and relocation grant (if relocating to Melbourne).

When you apply for a PhD with us, you’ll be automatically considered for a Graduate Research Scholarship. There’s no need to apply separately.

A huge variety of other scholarships are also available. Search our scholarships to find the ones you’re eligible for.

Before getting in touch, please read this page carefully, plus all the information available for the Doctor of Philosophy (Science) .

If you still have questions, we’ll be happy to help.

Email us at [email protected]

• Faculty of Education

Research degrees

The University of Melbourne's Faculty of Education is widely recognised as a leader in Australian and international education research. Find courses that are carefully designed and supervised by some of the world's most recognised experts while you undertake your research.

Research degrees at FoE

• Master of Education (Research)
• Doctor of Education
• PhD - Education
• Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) / Doctor of Philosophy
• Master of Philosophy - Education

Or view  all Faculty of Education courses .

I was attracted to the Faculty of Education because it has such a great reputation for research. Working with academics who are experts in their fields really helps me develop a greater dimension to my own practice. Tony Stevens – Doctor of Education

Learn more about FoE's Graduate Research degrees: PhD in Education, Doctor of Education, Master of Philosophy - Education, or Master of Education (Research) in 2023.

The webinar was led by the Associate Dean Graduate Research and provides an overview of the research degrees at FoE, entry criteria and the documents required to apply.

Email: [email protected] Tel: 13 MELB (13 63 52) International Callers: +613 9035 5511

Faculty of Education Kwong Lee Dow Building 234 Queensberry Street The University of Melbourne, 3010

A PhD timeline for finishing quickly [Free Gantt Download]

Navigating the labyrinthine journey of a PhD program is no small feat.

From the day you step into your graduate program as a bright-eyed doctoral student, you’re immediately thrust into a complex weave of coursework, research, and milestones.

By the second year, you’ve transitioned from coursework to research, laying the groundwork for your dissertation—a pivotal component in your scholarly endeavour. 

Come the third year, you face the critical oral examination, a hurdle that could make or break years of hard work.

But how does one streamline this multifaceted journey? The answer lies in a well-planned PhD timeline.

This blog serves as an invaluable guide for any PhD student looking to complete their doctoral studies efficiently, walking you through each milestone from coursework to graduation.

How to Begin with the PhD Timeline Planning?

Planning your PhD timeline is an essential first step in your PhD program.

Success in any PhD program depends, to a large extent, on effective time management and keeping track of progress through a thoughtfully crafted PhD timeline. 

Start with outlining all your major requirements:

• coursework,
• dissertation,
• and the expected time needed for each task.

I also highly recommend factoring in failure time – give yourself a little bit of wiggle room for when things, invariably – go wrong. 

It’s crucial to remain realistic about the time you can commit daily or weekly while keeping long-term goals in mind.

Regular check-ins on your PhD timeline and supervisor will help you stay on track and allow you to adapt if necessary.

Adjustments may be needed as you progress through your PhD program, but having a timeline as a guide can make the journey less daunting and more achievable. 

Elements to include in a 3-year PhD timeline

The initial stage in this timeline typically involves coursework, often lasting one year, where the student engrosses themselves in advanced study in their chosen field.

Once the coursework is done (USA PhDs), they focus on proposing, conducting, and presenting their initial research.

By the end of the second year, most students should have a clear direction for their dissertation, a core component of the PhD process.

In this third and final year of the PhD timeline, the student focuses primarily on completing their dissertation, which involves collecting data, analyzing results, and organizing their research into a substantial, original, and cohesive document that contributes to contemporary knowledge in their field.

Regular reviews and modifications of the PhD timeline may also be necessary to accommodate various unpredictable circumstances, thus making this timeline both a guide and a flexible workplan.

It is a significant tool in successfully navigating the maze of becoming a PhD holder. 

Create Your PhD Timeline for a 3 year completion

Creating a timeline for a 3-year PhD program requires careful planning, as you’ll have multiple milestones and tasks to complete.

This timeline may vary depending on your specific field, institution, or country, but here is a general outline you can use as a starting point:

Free Gantt chart excel template

Here is a free template you can modify for your own research:

Example Gantt chart for a USA PhD

Here are some common steps involved in completing a PhD, which I’ll use to create the Gantt chart:

• Orientation and Coursework (Semester 1) : Familiarization with the university, department, and coursework.
• Coursework (Semester 2) : Continued coursework and possible teaching/research assistantships.
• Select Advisor and Research Topic : Usually done towards the end of the first year or the beginning of the second year.
• Preliminary Research : Initial research and literature review.
• Complete Coursework (Semester 3) : Wrap up any remaining required courses.
• Research Proposal : Develop a full research proposal including methodology.
• Qualifying Exams : Exams to transition from a Ph.D. student to a Ph.D. candidate.
• Begin Research : Start of actual research based on the approved proposal.
• Conduct Research : Data collection, experiments, and analysis.
• Intermediate Review : A review to assess the progress of the research.
• Write Papers : Start writing papers and possibly publishing in journals.
• Finalize Research : Final experiments and data analysis.
• Write Dissertation : Writing the actual Ph.D. dissertation.
• Dissertation Defense : Defending the dissertation before the committee.
• Graduation : Completing all requirements and graduating.

Example Gantt chart for a UK, European and Australian PhD

For Ph.D. programs outside the United States, especially in Europe and some other parts of the world, students often go straight into research without the need for coursework. Here are some common steps for such programs:

• Orientation : Familiarization with the university and department.
• Select Advisor and Research Topic : Usually done at the beginning of the program.

Wrapping up

The journey to earning a PhD is complex and demanding, filled with academic milestones from coursework to research to dissertation writing.

The key to a smooth and efficient doctoral journey lies in well-planned time management—a structured PhD timeline.

This blog serves as an invaluable guide, offering detailed tips for planning out each academic year in both U.S. and international PhD programs. It emphasizes the importance of starting with an outline of major requirements and factoring in “failure time” for unforeseen challenges.

For those looking to navigate their PhD journey in three years or beyond, having a flexible but comprehensive timeline can be the compass that guides them successfully through the academic labyrinth.

Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into your research, the principles and strategies outlined here can help streamline your path to that coveted doctoral hood.

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Welcome to r/unimelb, a subreddit dedicated to the University of Melbourne community. Whether you are a current student, staff member, alumnus, or simply interested in the university, this subreddit is for you. This community serves as a platform for discussion on a variety of topics, from academic discussions, campus life experiences, and event updates to news and research insights. Members are encouraged to engage in respectful and informative conversation.

Graduate House - any good?

I'm (tentatively and without tempting fate) looking at postgrad med accommodation.

Any reviews/knowledge of Graduate House ?

I'd greatly appreciate any recommendations or suggestions!

Current opportunities at Melbourne

Project coordinator, indigenous studies.

Job no:  0062870 Location:  Parkville Role type:  Full-time; Fixed-term for 12 months Faculty: Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences  Department/School: Melbourne School of Population & Global Health Salary:  UOM 6 – $96,459 – $104,413 p.a. plus 17% super

• Support the delivery of multiple large-scale projects
• Work within a small and focused team to ensure projects are delivered
• Salary packaging, subsidised health and wellbeing services, fitness and cultural clubs, Myki discounts, and a 25% discount on graduate courses to our staff and their immediate families!

About the Role The Project coordinator will support the delivery of multiple large-scale projects undertaken by the Indigenous Studies Unit (ISU) in partnership with various external stakeholders. Located in an iconic building in the heart of our Parkville campus, this position, in collaboration with the Director and Research Director of the ISU, Strategic Manager - Indigenous Data, and project partners, will engage with key stakeholders by contributing to project development, monitoring, reporting on progress, identifying project challenges, and exploring potential solutions. The role will support, liaise, and engage with project stakeholders in research-focused environments and must communicate effectively with key stakeholders with diverse backgrounds and in cross disciplinary settings.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Provide project coordination and administrative support for all aspects of the Indigenous Studies Unit projects
• Drive the preparation of ethics applications, service agreements, and research collaboration agreements
• Identify risks and issues relating to the projects and monitor risk mitigation strategies

Who We Are Looking For You should have strong analytical, evaluation, and research skills, capable of quickly assimilating new concepts and delivering innovative solutions. You should excel in relationship management and consulting, with the ability to influence and negotiate with diverse stakeholders. Excellent written and oral communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills are essential. You will possess outstanding organisational and time management skills, able to thrive in a dynamic environment and handle competing priorities and ensure work is completed to a high level and within set timelines. Experience working with distributed teams and collaborators is crucial. Additionally, you will have strong planning and organisational skills, including experience in coordinating and managing projects in the higher education research sector, with a solid understanding of the project lifecycle and processes.

You will also have:

• A degree with subsequent relevant experience; or extensive experience and specialist expertise or broad knowledge in an administrative field; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training
• An ability to handle situations which require initiative, independent judgement, consultation with senior stakeholders, sensitivity, and tact
• Advanced knowledge of the issues involved in developing and operating research infrastructure such as research data management practices, procedures, and workflows; systems and software; report and impact tracking; FAIR data, and skills and training

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.

This role requires that the successful candidate must undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check. This is essential to guarantee a secure environment for all individuals at the University. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position . This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Your New Team – The Melbourne School of Population and Global Health The Melbourne School of Population and Global Health (MSPGH) is a respected leader in the field of public health education, research and knowledge exchange. MSPGH was established in 2001 as the first school of its kind in Australia with a vision to make a difference in the population and public health sphere - building on the substantial assets of our University to advance public health in communities nationally and internationally - with a strong focus on Indigenous peoples.

Since its inception, the School has grown rapidly in size, scope and reputation and has consistently attracted leading academics and researchers who bring considerable skills, insights and expertise. We continue to attract increasing levels of competitive funding from governments and from a range of renowned philanthropic organisations and individuals.

The quality of MSPGH research is confirmed by the Academic Ranking of World Universities within which the University of Melbourne maintains its place as the top-ranked Australian university. The ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2022 placed the University 12th in the world for Public Health and first in Australia.

What We Offer You! In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out  our benefits  page!

About the University of Melbourne We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via  our website  and stay connected with our stories and people on  LinkedIn .   

Be Yourself The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact the employee listed on the first page of the Position Description found below, with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit - https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

Join Us! If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents: 

• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to  http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Nick Petersen via email at [email protected] , ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Advertised: 19 Jun 2024 12:05 AM AUS Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: 10 Jul 2024 11:55 PM AUS Eastern Standard Time

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Easing the Nonimmigrant Visa Process for U.S. College Graduates

On June 18, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration announced actions to more efficiently facilitate employment-based nonimmigrant visas for those who have graduated from college in the United States and have a job offer.

This initiative will allow certain individuals to more quickly receive nonimmigrant work visas if they are deemed eligible. 

As part of this initiative, the Department will clarify existing guidance to consular officers related to when they should consider recommending that DHS grant a waiver of ineligibility, where applicable. 

Q: What will these process clarifications mean for current NIV ineligibility waiver processing steps?

These clarifications will describe when consular officers should consider recommending that the Department of Homeland Security waive ineligibility for these applicants on an expedited basis, in conjunction with visa applications overseas.  However, the processing steps will remain the same. 

Waiver requests are adjudicated by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Admissibility Review Office. 

For additional information related to visa ineligibility waivers, please visit our website: Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws (state.gov) .

Q: How can an individual apply for a petition-based nonimmigrant work visa?

Before an applicant can apply for an H-1B or other temporary worker visa, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must generally first approve a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129 .  For more information about the petition process, see Working in the U.S. and Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Workers on the USCIS website.  Once USCIS approves the petition, it will send the prospective employer a Notice of Action, Form I-797.  

Individuals may apply for a nonimmigrant visa after USCIS has approved the petition. There are several steps in the visa application process. The order of these steps and how applicants complete them may vary at the U.S. embassy or consulate where they apply. Please visit the embassy or consulate website for instructions on how to apply.

Individuals will need to complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 and schedule an appointment for their visa interview at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Q: If an applicant needs a visa ineligibility waiver, how can they request one as part of a standard interview? 

Applicants who are denied a visa will generally be notified by the consular officer of the basis for the ineligibility, and whether they are eligible for a waiver of their ineligibility.  

If an applicant is ineligible for a visa based on certain grounds of inadmissibility in Section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, they may be eligible for a waiver.

Waiver requests are adjudicated by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Admissibility Review Office, based on a recommendation from the Department of State. 

For additional information related to visa ineligibility waivers, please visit our website: Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws (state.gov)

For questions related to waiver approvals, we refer you to the Department of Homeland Security. 

Q:  How long are current interview appointment wait times for employment-based nonimmigrant visas at overseas posts?

Currently, interview wait times for H-1B visas are minimal at most of our overseas posts.

Please visit our website to check the current interview appointment wait times for employment-based visas at our overseas posts: U.S. Visas (state.gov)

Q: How will forthcoming edits to the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) clarify existing guidance to consular officers?

Upcoming FAM updates will clarify when consular officers should recommend that DHS grant a waiver of the applicant’s ineligibility, consistent with the waiver process that is already available under existing law to individuals seeking nonimmigrant visas, and consistent with Department regulations that describe the types of cases in which consular officers should consider recommending a waiver of ineligibility.  It is not conferring any new benefits and is not limited to DACA recipients.

These updates will also encourage consular officers to consider recommending expedited review of waiver requests in conjunction with certain nonimmigrant visa applications overseas, consistent with existing Department regulations and guidance.

This will result in certain individuals to potentially more quickly receive work visas if DHS approves a waiver of ineligibility.   

While leaving the United States to apply for a visa is not without risks, this policy will clarify when consular officers should consider recommending waivers, so that individuals and employers can make informed decisions and streamline the process so that those who qualify can get to work quickly.  

Q:  When will the guidance be issued?

Updated guidance for consular officers will be issued within the next 30 days.

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