PhD (Media & Communication)
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 3-4 years, Part-time 6-8 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
Continuous (scholarship application closing dates apply)Entry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 3-4 yearsLocation
Melbourne CityFees
AU$32,640 (2022 annual)
Next intake
Continuous (scholarship application closing dates apply)
Overview
This Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research degree will provide the framework, the focus and the discipline necessary to conduct speculative inquiry in the field of media and communication.
RMIT places high value on research in this field. It is committed to producing knowledge that is socially, academically, professionally and industry relevant.
Researchers and postgraduates in this field are involved in a diverse number of projects funded by the Australian Research Council, philanthropic and commercial bodies. Key researchers are drawn from a variety of research backgrounds.
Individually supervised research programs are available in areas such as:
- media
- communication
- digital ethnography
- advertising
- marketing
- journalism
- cinema and television studies
- creative writing
- screen production.
- music industries
- Asian media
You should visit the School of Media and Communication Higher degrees by research page to develop your proposal in relation to the existing research groups, centres and labs.
The Doctor of Philosophy may be undertaken in a project, thesis by publication or thesis mode. You should discuss these modes of submission with your potential supervisor/s prior to application.
Upon graduation you will have developed:
- high-level skills in research processes, analysis and synthesis of knowledge related to specific disciplines
- high-level communication skills.
Details
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 online 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.
More information about training and development for research candidates.
School of Graduate Research
The School of Graduate Research works with Schools to further support candidates during their postgraduate research degree.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor of Philosophy | City Campus |
3-4 years full-time
6-8 years part-time
|
3-4 years full-time
|
DR211 | 079814J |
Choose a program structure
Program code: DR211
Career
Admissions
The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:
- a bachelor degree requiring at least four 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 courses 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 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 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 and processes.
The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:
- a bachelor degree requiring at least four 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 courses 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 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 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 and processes.
Entry requirements
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.
The School of Media and Communication does not accept applications to its research programs before a potential applicant has satisfied a Pre-application Process, which should be completed before lodging a formal application with RMIT’s School of Graduate Research, or with RMIT International.
For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see How to apply – Research programs.
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.
Pre-assessment: You must provide a one-page Strategic Fit summary to position your proposed research within the context of the School's expertise and research priorities.
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 program 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 Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Fees
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.
The annual tuition fee for 2022 is AU$32,640.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$136,320.
- Fees information for international candidates looking to study at RMIT's Melbourne campuses.
- PhD and masters by research fees for international candidates studying offshore.
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.
Applying for refunds
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.