PhD (Population Health) at UNSW – Doctorate Research Sydney

PhD / Doctorate Public Health Full Time

Doctor of Philosophy (Population Health)

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

CRICOS course code

118075A

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

4 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$236,000 total

Per year

A$59,000/yr

Intake

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

About this program

The Doctor of Philosophy (Population Health) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) offers advanced research training in the field of population health, equipping candidates to address complex public health challenges within Australian and global contexts. This four-year doctoral programme develops deep expertise in areas such as epidemiology, health policy, biostatistics, disease prevention, social determinants of health, and the evaluation of health systems and interventions.

The PhD structure involves independent research under expert academic supervision, culminating in a thesis that makes a significant original contribution to population health knowledge. Students enrol in a series of research training units and may participate in research seminars, workshops, and coursework tailored to their research area and skill development needs. The programme supports interdisciplinary inquiry and may include opportunities for collaborative projects with Australian public health agencies, research institutes, and healthcare providers based in Sydney and nationally.

Throughout their candidature, students will build advanced skills in research design, critical analysis, data management, scientific communication, and public health leadership. The programme is well suited to those who aim for careers in academia, public health research, or strategic leadership in health policy and practice. Candidates may also have opportunities to engage in work-integrated learning, benefiting from UNSW’s strong industry and research networks across the Australian health sector.

To be eligible, international applicants must meet English proficiency requirements, and are encouraged to confirm individual entry requirements and credit structures directly with UNSW. Doctoral candidates on a student visa may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and can seek post-study opportunities through the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-completion.

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

Public health researcher in universities, research institutes, and government agencies
Academic lecturer or research fellow
Health policy analyst in Australian health departments
Population health advisor for non-governmental organisations
Consultant in global health and epidemiology
Roles in Australian sectors such as public health policy, epidemiological research, health consultancy, and non-profit health organisations

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Doctor of Philosophy (Population Health) at University of New South Wales?

It typically takes 4 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$236,000 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Public health researcher in universities, research institutes, and government agenciesAcademic lecturer or research fellowHealth policy analyst in Australian health departmentsPopulation health advisor for non-governmental organisationsConsultant in global health and epidemiology...

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