Postgraduate Research in Physics

Physics has been taught at the University of Sydney for more than one hundred and forty years. The School of Physics has always been one of the largest and most active departments of physics in Australia and that is certainly true today.

The higher degrees available in the School of Physics are Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Science (MSc) by research. Higher degrees are offered in a wide range of experimental and theoretical research areas which are described in the School's Research Activities pages.

A suitable Supervisor from within the School is appointed for each higher degree candidate. In addition, one or more Associate Supervisors will normally be appointed. Where candidates make substantial use of facilities outside the School (e.g. the Anglo-Australian Observatory, the Australia Telescope National Facility, or the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation) an Associate Supervisor at the relevant institution will be appointed. Thesis topics are arranged between the candidate, the supervisors and often the head of the relevant research group.

Applicants who are not sufficiently qualified to be accepted for a higher degree may be accepted for the Graduate Diploma in Science (see below). Students who achieve a satisfactory standard in the Graduate Diploma may then be considered for admission to a higher degree.

Doctor of Philosophy

This is a research degree awarded for a thesis considered to be a substantially original contribution to the subject. Candidates are also required to attend two honours courses in the first year of their candidature.

Applicants should normally hold a Master's degree or a Bachelor's degree with first class honours from the University of Sydney or an equivalent qualification from another university or institution.

The degree may be taken on either a full-time or part-time basis. In the case of full-time candidates, the minimum period of candidature is three years for candidates holding a Bachelor's degree or two years for candidates holding a Master's degree or equivalent; the maximum period of candidature is normally four years. Part-time candidature may be approved for applicants who can demonstrate that they are engaged in an occupation or other activity which leaves them substantially free to pursue their candidature. The minimum period of part-time candidature is three years; the maximum period is normally eight years.

Master of Science by Research

Applicants should hold a Bachelor's degree with first or second class honours from the University of Sydney or an equivalent qualification from another institution or an equivalent standard of knowledge.

In the case of full-time candidature the minimum period of candidature is one year; the maximum period is two years. In the case of part-time candidature the minimum and maximum periods are one year and four years respectively.

Candidates proceed by research and thesis, and are also required to take one lecture course.

Facilities

All graduate students have access to computers and workstations which are networked to printers and the internet. There is a central mechanical workshop as well as facilities and support in most research groups for mechanical and electronic construction. The University's Physics Library is located in the School. Research departments hold regular seminars and there is a weekly School colloquium. Graduate students are encouraged and supported to attend local conferences and most have the opportunity to attend an international conference during their candidature.

Fees

Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Australia

The Research HECS Exemption Award (RHEA) provides Commonwealth funded higher degree by research (HDR) students with an entitlement to a HECS exemption for the duration of an accredited HDR course. This entitlement is for up to a maximum period of four years' full-time equivalent study for a Doctorate by research and up to two years' full-time equivalent study for a Masters by research.

International Students

Students coming to Australia on a student or temporary visa for postgraduate study in Physics are required to pay full tuition fees of A$23,520 per year (in 2006). Fees for Medical Physics courses are $11,160 per semester. See the University page describing Postgraduate tuition fees for international students for more details.

For more infomation, contact the International Office.

Postgraduate Teaching Fellowships

The School of Physics is offering up to five part-time (0.2 full-time equivalent) appointments at the Associate Lecturer Level A. The aim of the Fellowship Program is to provide training and experience in tertiary teaching for outstanding postgraduate students with the objective of training the next generation of Australian university academics.

Applications are welcome from:

• students who have completed a First Class Honours degree in any area of Physics and have applied to enrol in a PhD program in the School of Physics in 2008, or
• PhD students who have completed their first year of postgraduate studies in the School and will be continuing their enrolment in 2008.

Further information and application details.

Scholarships

Australian Citizens, New Zealand Citizens and Permanent Residents of Australia

Candidates for higher degrees can apply for an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) with a value of A$19,231 (in 2006) tenable at the University of Sydney. These are advertised in major newspapers with a closing date of 29 October each year.

The University has scholarships of its own (University Postgraduate Award - UPA) which may be awarded to candidates who fail to obtain an APA but are in other aspects acceptable for a higher degree. The precise conditions for award of these scholarships may change from year to year and no separate application is required.

The School of Physics also offers top-up and additional scholarships to successful APA/UPA holders, subject to available funding. See the School of Physics Postgraduate Scholarships web page for further information.

International Students

The University of Sydney invites candidates who are eligible to undertake a Postgraduate Research Degree or Master's by Research program at this University to apply for the University of Sydney International Research Scholarship (USIRS). Selected USIRS recipients must be able to commence their studies in July or August 2006.

15 USIR Scholarships will be available for July/August 2006. The objective of the USIRS is to attract top quality international postgraduate students to undertake research projects which will enhance the University's research activities. The USIRS is open to all research disciplines.

The Australian Government has an International Postgraduate Research Scholarship Scheme (IPRS) to cover the tuition fees for international students. Successful applicants for the IPRS will automatically receive the IPA - a living allowance with a value of A$19,231 (in 2006). Applications for these scholarships close on 31 August for scholarships tenable in the following year.

For further information on scholarships available to International students please see the International Scholarships web page.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose undergraduate instruction was not in English are required to demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English before admission can be considered. The University of Sydney recognises the TOEFL and IELTS English language test. For the current requirements please see the Science Faculty English Language Requirements web page. If you do not hold any of the acceptable language qualifications, you can take courses in English for Academic Purposes at the University's Centre for English Teaching.

For further information about postgraduate study, contact the Physics Student Office via email: