Academic entry requirement

Prerequisites

The minimum academic requirement for entry to a PhD at La Trobe University is a Master's by research degree in a relevant discipline completed within the last ten years assessed at a La Trobe Master's by research thesis standard of 70 or above.

An applicant with a Bachelor's (Honours) or Master's by coursework degree with a minor thesis, typically 10,000 to 20,000 words (or equivalent depending on disciplinary norms), completed within the last ten years may be eligible for entry to the PhD where the minor thesis is assessed at a La Trobe Master's by research thesis standard of 70 or above.

Schedule A – Master's by Research Thesis Grading Schema and Schedule B – Master's by research Equivalence for a Minor Thesis Grade should be referenced in determining whether the research component(s) of a Bachelor (Honours), Master's by coursework degree with a minor thesis, graded international thesis, or ungraded Master's by research degree meets the La Trobe Master's by research thesis standard.

For Joint degrees, where La Trobe University is the host institution, an applicant may be considered for admission on the basis of confirmed candidature at the partner (home) institution.

Where an applicant does not meet the normal academic entry requirements, an application may be made for admission on equity or alternative entry grounds where the applicant can demonstrate, through discipline-appropriate forms of evidence:

1. That they have attained the prior research and/or learning outcomes that normally pertain to the minimum academic entry requirements for the degree, and
2. That they have the capacity to successfully undertake a higher degree by research.

The following conditions must be met in order to gain admission into a Doctor of Philosophy degree:

• you must meet the entry requirements for the degree
• the school in which you seek enrolment must be able to provide appropriate facilities, resources and supervision for your chosen area of research.

Note: Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.

Pathways

A pathway is simply an alternative way for a student to get into their dream course - if direct entry isn't an option.

We've listed the 'pathway method and outcome' - which is how you can transfer into the area you want to study, assuming you meet the entry requirements (e.g. minimum WAM). You'll also find an estimate of how long it could take you to graduate, from the start of your pathway to the completion of your dream degree.