The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences) at the University of Melbourne marks a student’s admission to the community of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences scholars. It signifies that the holder has undertaken a substantial piece of original research which has been conducted and reported by the holder via thesis. The submission must be a careful, rigorous and sustained piece of work demonstrating that a research 'apprenticeship' is complete. The PhD will demonstrate authority in the candidate's field and shows evidence of command of knowledge in relevant fields. The thesis must make a distinct contribution to knowledge and is judged on originality of approach and in some cases, the discovery of new facts. PhD thesis In scope, the PhD thesis differs from a research master’s thesis chiefly by its deeper and more comprehensive treatment of the chosen subject. It is completed over a maximum period of up to four years full-time. It is written succinctly, in English, unless approval has been given for the thesis to be written in a language other than English. All candidates for the degree will be examined on the basis of their thesis which is examined externally. The normal length of the submission is between 80,000 and 100,000 words, exclusive of words in tables, maps, bibliographies and appendices. The PhD is an internationally recognised and highly transferable qualification designed for graduates to demonstrate academic leadership, independence, creativity and innovation in their research work. The Melbourne School of Health Sciences is a preeminent centre in health sciences research, and part of a leading international university with a tradition of excellence in research and research training. Undertaking the PhD can broaden your career pathways, developing you as a researcher and enhancing leadership opportunities in your specialty practice area. Research projects are available in the disciplines of: Audiology Nursing Optometry Physiotherapy Speech pathology You will enrol in a thesis subject for the duration of the degree. The normal period of candidature is 3 years for full-time candidates (part-time equivalent) with the possibility of up to 12 months extension. You are required to complete a minimum of 12 months full-time research at the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up your research within a University community and environment. Normally the entire degree is undertaken at the University. You will have appropriately experienced academics available to arrange a course of supervised research designed to suit your requirements and interests. You may be required to supplement your research program by attendance at, or enrolment in, additional subjects if considered necessary by the supervisor(s). You are expected to attend departmental seminars over the period of their candidature. Academic progress is reviewed regularly throughout the degree. You will be examined based on your thesis which is examined externally. The normal length of a PhD thesis is between 80,000 and 100,000 words, exclusive of words in tables, maps, bibliographies and appendices. You should refer to the University policy library and the Graduate Research Hub for further information regarding candidature, academic progress, ethics, thesis preparation and examination. To be eligible to submit a thesis for examination, you must be enrolled in their course for the minimum period of 24 months full-time equivalent.