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Edith Cowan University

Joondalup , Western Australia ,Australia

Doctor of Philosophy (Physics)

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an opportunity to pursue a topic you're passionate about at the highest academic level.

A PhD is an independent, supervised research project that is assessed on the submission of a thesis or creative work and exegesis. This course may be undertaken in any School within ECU, provided there are supervisors available in your proposed research area, and the resources and facilities required to complete your proposed project are accessible.

Our research in Physics focuses predominantly on applications to optical physics, physical sensing, instrumentation and measurement, optical imaging, surface and thin film physics, astronomy, photonics, photovoltaics and microelectronics.
For example, our physicists, in collaboration with industry and government scientists and engineers, are applying optical and acoustic sensing modalities to aircraft airframe analysis, wavepower structure monitoring, water acidity measurements for desalination, acoustic analysis of insect signatures, and radiation interactions in optical fibre systems. Specific postgraduate research topics related to the above topics are developed in conjunction with the postgraduate coordinator or potential supervisor. Physics research at ECU concentrates on: Optical fibre and acoustic sensing across a wide range of applications, including structural health monitoring, agricultural monitoring, oil and gas pipeline monitoring, and radiation detection. Acoustic monitoring of insect infestation and distributions for agricultural systems. Optical imaging using low coherence interferometry, applied to both medical and non-medical applications. Photovoltaic materials and device structures, including power-over-optical-fibre systems. Physics education for both physics and engineering students.

Physics Research (Code - PHDNATPH)

Campus Information

Joondalup

Our Joondalup Campus is the University's headquarters. The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including the Health and Wellness Building, a multi-million dollar sport and fitness centre, an award-winning library and student hub, a microbrewery, an outdoor cinema for the summer months and on-campus accommodation.

Intakes

  • Feb
  • July

Application Processing Time in Days: 10

Application Process

More Information Required
60 Days
Possible Interview Call from Institution
30 Days
Provisional/Unconditional Offer
30 Days
Visa Process
120 Days

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Employment opportunities

  • Academic and research organisations, Government agencies, Oil, gas and mining organisations.

Possible future job titles

  • Research Scientist, Research Fellow, Astronomer, Experimental Scientist, Lecturer, Professor.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.

All applicants are required to have the equivalent of 6 months full time research (which must involve a research output which includes the conception and design of the project, and analysis and interpretation of findings) if applying with a Masters qualification other than a Master by Research. Applicants seeking online study will be required to provide additional information to support their application, as not all projects nor disciplines are suited to online study. Special entry may be considered for applications to the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) who will be required to attend an audition and/or interview.

Academic admission requirements (Band 11) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

  • Masters Degree (Research);
    or
  • Bachelor Honours Degree (First or Upper Second class)
    or
  • Demonstrated capacity to undertake original PhD-level research.

English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following (Band 4) :

  • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
  • Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
  • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
  • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
  • Other tests.