About the Program

The PhD program in the Department of International Relations, which is physically and administratively located in the Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, is part of the ANU's College of Asia and the Pacific.

Our PhD is a thesis-only degree. Students are, however, sometimes required to complete some coursework if they need further preparation in relevant areas of the discipline. They may also wish to strengthen their language skills for their research. The program is especially intent on developing a methods component to facilitate good thesis writing. The thesis must make a substantial contribution to learning and relate the research undertaken by the candidate to the broader framework of the discipline at the standard internationally recognised for doctoral degrees.

The duration of a full-time course for the PhD degree is a minimum of two years and a maximum of four, although scholarships are rarely available for more than three years. Part-time candidature may be approved in special circumstances (but rarely for candidates on scholarship).

Research students at the Australian National University work under the direction of a supervisory panel intended to bring together expertise tailored to the students' needs. Panels are typically composed of one supervisor and between two and four other panel members of academic staff. The panel should consist of no less than three and no more than five members of academic staff. While the principal supervisor and Chair of the panel is a member of the Department, an additional supervisor and other members of the panel can, where appropriate, come from elsewhere in the University and in some cases from other universities in Australia. This committee system allows research students to receive the support of a wide range of the most appropriate expertise. The final details of the thesis topic are developed in consultation with the supervisor(s) after enrolment.

The progress of research students in the Department is closely monitored in accordance with University and School policy. Students must present a satisfactory Statement of Intent (SOI) seminar during the first year and a Progress Development Report (PDR), usually after any necessary fieldwork has been completed and normally between the middle and end of the second year. A final Thesis Report should be delivered to the Department soon before submission of the thesis. Students must also complete an Annual Plan followed up by an Annual Report on their progress.

The examination process at the ANU requires the appointment of three external examiners. The Department usually ensures that at least one of those examiners is from outside Australia unless the topic warrants otherwise. General information about graduate studies at ANU can be found at www.anu.edu.au/graduate. If you have any specific questions about the PhD Program in the Department of International Relations, please contact our PhD Administrator, Mrs Amy Chen. If necessary, she will refer questions of an academic nature to the appropriate person. Information about Admissions Criteria, Fees and Scholarships, and Application Procedures are also available in one pdf document.