PhD / Doctorate Social Sciences & Psychology Full Time

Cotutelle PHD program

at University of New South Wales · Sydney, New South Wales

CRICOS course code

053634E

CRICOS provider code

00098G

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

2 years

Tuition (whole course)

Not published

Per year

—

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Cotutelle PhD program at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) offers an advanced research pathway in the field of Social Sciences & Psychology, providing candidates with a unique opportunity to pursue doctoral studies jointly at UNSW and a partner international institution. This program is structured to foster cross-cultural academic exchange, giving candidates access to world-class facilities, supervisory expertise, and resources from both universities.

As a standard within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), a doctoral degree involves an in-depth independent research project, culminating in a substantive thesis that contributes new knowledge or substantial innovation within the chosen discipline. The UNSW cotutelle arrangement typically requires you to complete coursework or research training activities as determined by both institutions, and often includes a requirement to spend time studying and conducting research at each university, enriching your international perspective and professional network. Credit for doctoral study is awarded based on satisfactory progress milestones and successful defence of your thesis.

Graduates develop advanced research, critical analysis, project management, and communication skills. The Cotutelle PhD is particularly well-suited for candidates seeking an international research environment, collaboration opportunities, and leadership roles in academia, policy, industry, or non-governmental organisations. Support for English language development is available for international applicants, and you can confirm specific requirements and structures on the official UNSW page.

While enrolled at UNSW, research candidates are supported through industry and academic networks. Doctoral students in Australia may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester and are typically eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-completion, which allows extended post-study work opportunities within Australia’s diverse social sciences and psychology sectors.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Academic researcher or lecturer in social sciences or psychology
Policy analyst for government departments and agencies
Social research consultant for think tanks and NGOs
Project manager or advisor for international organisations
Specialist roles in community development, human services, and welfare organisations
Research and development positions in Australian private and public sectors

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Cotutelle PHD program at University of New South Wales?

It typically takes 2 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

What are the career outcomes?

Academic researcher or lecturer in social sciences or psychologyPolicy analyst for government departments and agenciesSocial research consultant for think tanks and NGOsProject manager or advisor for international organisationsSpecialist roles in community development, human serv...

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