How to apply

Graduate studies in philosophy is offered at Masters and PhD-level courses by research. The Philosophy program at RSSS only offers PhD-level courses. Each student is located in one of the areas in which philosophy is undertaken and has a primary supervisor in the same area. The supervisor is a member of the student's advisory panel, which will also include two or more advisers. Advisers can be from any philosophy department or from elsewhere in the University (for example, Political Science, Law, Women's Studies, or Sociology), allowing the opportunity for interdisciplinary research. Advisers can also be located outside the University.

STEP 1: Find a prospective supervisor and make contact

You might start by looking at the research interests of philosophy staff in the ANU. The Graduate Convener of Philosophy can also advise you in selection of prospective supervisors.  You will be able to change your supervisor at any time during the dissertation writing process.

STEP 2: Prepare a proposal

If your prospective supervisor decides that your project is viable and appropriate, you should prepare a formal proposal. Potential supervisors will provide feedback to assist you to prepare your project proposal. Prospective applicants are generally advised to prepare a one- to two-page research proposal that addresses the headings Project Title, Aims, Background and Significance, and Methodology.

In addition, applicants to a research degree in philosophy should provide a writing sample of approximately 20 pages double-spaced.

STEP 3: Submit your proposal to the Graduate Convenor

Formal proposals and writing sample, along with the prospective supervisor’s name, should be directed to the Graduate Convener.

If you are applying for a scholarship it is advisable to do this well before the closing date. The closing date for students who have an Australian or New Zealand citizenship is October 31 of each year for studies commencing anytime between January and March of the following year. The closing date for all other students is August 31 of each year for studies commencing anytime between January and March of the following year.

STEP 4: Submit your application to the ANU

When your application is ready to go, you can apply online. Please note that in the 'search for programs and awards' box you will need to choose 'award type' (Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy) but leave other criteria fields empty or 'all'. The screen following that will ask you to choose the local area (eg, Faculty of Arts, Research School of Social Sciences) in which you will be studying.

Your application will need to include:

  • the research proposal
  • curriculum vitae
  • academic transcripts
  • English language test results (if applicable)
  • evidence of permanent residency status (if applicable)
  • relevant written work

You should also have contacted your referees and requested that their reports be sent to the University under separate cover. The referee report form is at the back of the application form.

All of these requirements are listed in the application form itself.

Applications for admission without scholarship funding can be submitted at any time, but we encourage you to time your application so that you enrol with the majority of students in February/March.

Applications for admission and scholarship will be considered only if they are received prior to the relevant scholarship deadline.

STEP 5: Accepting your offer

If you are successful in your application you will receive an offer of a place at the ANU. For advice on how to accept this offer, see the University's official guide.

For information on scholarships, funding, fees, admissions and enrolments, visit Student Administrative Services.

Philosophy @ ANU