The PhD programme aims to develop advanced skills in graduates for a systematic and critical understanding of a substantial and complex body of knowledge to research, investigate and develop new knowledge in the discipline of study. Graduates/Doctorates will attain substantial knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning.

The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD programme are: 

a. A Bachelors degree with first or upper second class honours at level 8, including a research component compromised of a thesis; or 
b. A Masters degree by coursework with a GPA of 4 or above (FNU GPA equivalent) at level 9; or 
c. A Masters by Research degree in a relevant discipline; or 
d. Evidence of academic qualification and/or experience inclusive of research reports, or dissertations, or publications or other evidence that satisfies the Higher Degree by Research Committee (HDRC) that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and has the potential for research that is sufficient to undertake the proposed programme.
The medium of instruction at FNU is the English language. Students must be sufficiently fluent in English to pursue the HDR Programme. HDR students will provide evidence from undergraduate qualifications/other English qualifications that confirm their English language competency.