PhD (Education) at UWA – Curriculum & Instruction Research

PhD / Doctorate Curriculum & Instruction Full Time

Doctor of Philosophy (Education)

at University of Western Australia · Perth, Western Australia

CRICOS course code

003318J

CRICOS provider code

00126G

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$158,400 total

Per year

A$39,600/yr

Intake

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

About this program

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education at the University of Western Australia is a research-focused qualification designed for those interested in advanced study of curriculum, instruction, and educational practice. Students undertake a substantial research project under the guidance of experienced academic supervisors, contributing new knowledge to the field of education. The course is structured over four years of full-time study, during which students are expected to develop, conduct, and write a doctoral thesis presenting original research.

Australian PhD programmes typically require enrolment in research methodology units as well as regular progress reviews and seminars, which help build advanced research, analytical, and critical thinking skills. At UWA, you will find opportunities to connect with educators and researchers based in Perth, with access to schools and education networks in Western Australia. The university may offer additional professional development or research training workshops to support your progression through the degree.

This doctorate suits those with a strong interest in educational research, policy analysis, curriculum design, or educational leadership. You might be a practising teacher, academic, or education policy specialist aiming to focus on an area such as curriculum reform, assessment, inclusive education, or pedagogy. Many students continue to work part-time in their professional field while studying, supported by current work rights of 48 hours per fortnight for international students. Confirm the English entry requirements and other policies on UWA’s official website.

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 university lecturer in education faculties
Curriculum and instructional designer for education departments
Education policy analyst in government or private sectors
Educational consultant for schools or authorities
Research and evaluation specialist in public or private education agencies
Senior leadership roles in Australian schools and tertiary institutions

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Doctor of Philosophy (Education) at University of Western Australia?

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

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$158,400 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Academic researcher or university lecturer in education facultiesCurriculum and instructional designer for education departmentsEducation policy analyst in government or private sectorsEducational consultant for schools or authoritiesResearch and evaluation specialist in public o...

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