Doctor of Philosophy (College of Nursing)

The Doctor of Philosophy (College of Nursing) at the University of Notre Dame Australia is a research doctorate for nurses who want to answer a question that matters to practice. You spend three years on a single supervised research project, finishing with a thesis that makes an original contribution to nursing knowledge. It is not a coursework degree with a few research subjects tacked on. From early on, the work is yours, guided by a supervisor.

How the degree is structured

Australian doctorates sit at the top of the AQF and normally run three years full time. At Notre Dame, your candidature begins with a period of supervised reading and planning, where you refine your topic and prepare a research proposal. That proposal goes through a formal confirmation process before you continue to data collection and writing. Most PhD candidates present their work at seminars along the way and submit the thesis for examination by external academics. Some candidates take a coursework component in research methods if their background calls for it, and part-time study is often possible. Confirm the current structure, milestones and any coursework requirements with the College of Nursing.

Nursing research is applied by nature, so projects often involve clinical settings, health services or community organisations. Where your study uses those settings, you will need ethics approval and site agreements, and your supervisor will guide you through that. That practical link is what makes a nursing PhD different from a purely theoretical one: the findings are meant to change how care is delivered.

What you will actually do

You will learn to design a study, choose methods that fit your question, manage data, and write for publication and examination. You will also present your work to peers and clinicians, which sharpens how you explain research to people who will use it. By the end, you should be able to run a research project from start to finish and supervise or teach others in your area. The College of Nursing's research strengths shape what is available, so check the current supervisor profiles and areas of interest before you apply.

Who this suits

This degree suits registered nurses, nurse educators, clinical leaders and health service managers who have a master's degree or an honours degree and want to move into research, academic teaching or senior clinical roles. If you are an international student, note that the Student visa lets you work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. After you finish, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may give you time in Australia, depending on your circumstances. English requirements for nursing are high, so check the exact score for this course on the official page. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 057674J, and all details should be confirmed there or with the university.

• Nurse researcher in hospitals, health services and research institutes
• Academic or clinical educator in universities and TAFE
• Clinical nurse consultant or nurse unit manager
• Health policy adviser in government and non-government organisations
• Research lead in aged care, primary care or mental health services
• Nurse practitioner pathway, where you meet the registration requirements
• Postdoctoral researcher in Australian universities and medical research institutes