Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Duration

3-4 years (full-time) or 6-8 years (part-time)

Type

Research

Intake

15 January, 1 May, 15 July, and 15 October (subject to availability of supervision). Flexibility may apply for students whose enrolment is supported by external funding.

Fees

In 2026, the annual tuition fees for this course are:

• RM48,480 for Malaysian students
• RM54,720 for international students.

General fees:

• Application (once only) - RM100
• Registration (once only) - RM200
• General amenities (per semester) - RM100
• International student pass application - Click here.

You’ll be required to submit for assessment a thesis of not more than 80,000 words. Research topics are available in most of the school’s research strengths, depending on supervision and resource availability.

• Anthropology (visual and urban)
• Climate change
• Communications
• Critical Asian studies
• Cultural studies
• Development studies
• Film and television studies
• Gender and sexuality studies
• History
• Human geography
• International political economy
• International relations
• Internet studies
• Literary studies
• Media studies
• Migration studies
• Politics/political science
• Religious studies
• Sociology
• Theology
• Urban studies.

Our doctoral graduates use their qualification to advance their careers in:

• journalism, publishing, editing, writing, electronic media, public relations, corporate communications
• marketing, advertising, business research and analysis
• management consulting, international trade, human resources, training and development, management and administration
• diplomacy, foreign affairs, politics
• tourism, hospitality, entertainment and leisure industries
• performing arts (music or drama), production, direction, management and administration, film, television and video.

Top 100 in the world
Your degree will be recognised wherever you want to work or study in the world. Monash University is ranked (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026):

• No. 30 in the world for Philosophy
• No. 40 in the world for Communication and Media Studies
• No. 55 in the world for Arts and Humanities
• Top 100 in the world for Anthropology, History, Politics and Sociology.

Benefit from expert supervision
Our faculty is research-active, well-networked through national and international collaborations, and deeply engaged with NGOs, industries, and communities both in the Southeast Asian region and globally. You'll refine and shape your research under the guidance of two of these established experts.

Endless research possibilities
Our research, which spans the humanities and social sciences, is organised into four exciting multidisciplinary clusters: communication, media and policy; culture, religion and gender; literature, cinema and society; and politics, development and governance. You'll be joining a diverse cohort of scholars in a lively, supportive and stimulating academic environment.

Make a difference
Our unique research strength lies in the study of social transformation in Southeast Asia, and our researchers are committed to linking their scholarship to practice and bring meaningful change to the people and communities around them. As a graduate research student, you'll be an integral part of this collective.

Gain new perspectives
Attend seminars, workshops, and conferences throughout the year. You'll be exposed to high-profile speakers and learn first hand the issues and concerns surrounding the region in a dynamic and critical educational setting.

Enhance your career prospects
The skills, professional networks, and relationships developed over the course of your degree will endure across many different career trajectories, and leave you well-poised to make an impact in industry or community upon graduation.

Be supported
We're committed to supporting young scholars who want to change the world for the better. Click here to view our range of prestigious scholarships.

Entry requirements

To enter Monash University, you must satisfy particular academic, English language and age requirements.

To apply for the Doctor of Philosophy, you must have completed at least one of the following:

• A bachelor’s degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant field, and which normally includes a research component in the fourth year, leading to an honours 1 or 2A in a relevant field
• A course leading to a level rated by the University as equivalent to an honours 1 or 2A in a relevant field
• A master’s degree that entails work, normally including a significant research component, including at least 25% of one full-time equivalent year of work, including a thesis. It is normally expected that a grade of honours 2A has been obtained for the research thesis or project. Where ungraded, examiner’s reports will be taken into account
• Have qualifications which in the opinion of the Graduate Research Committee and Monash Graduate Research Office are deemed equivalent.

Please refer to the Admission criteria for more details.

Application process