Postgraduate Research in Energy Studies

The research degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) are available at Murdoch University.

Admission to Postgraduate Studies

In order for you to be admitted to Murdoch University as a research student studying for an MPhil. or PhD you will need the following:

• A good undergraduate degree of at least four years duration from a recognised University.
• Sufficient background knowledge. Australian four year degrees are quite advanced and in some countries more than four years of study are necessary to reach a comparable standard.
• Some form of research training, such as a degree incorporating a substantial research thesis or research work in a research institute.
• A satisfactory knowledge of the English language. Satisfactory here means a reasonable degree of proficiency because all MPhil and PhD theses at Murdoch University have to be written in English.

Postgraduate students without previous research experience will enrol first for the MPhil degree but may transfer to the PhD program upon demonstrating adequate research potential. For a full-time student the normal minimum period of candidature is 18 months for the MPhil or three years for the PhD.

Applicants for part-time study must provide a statement that their employment leaves them sufficient time to pursue their studies at a reasonable pace. The University is also prepared to consider applicants for postgraduate study on an external basis. In general it will expect regular contact between the supervisor and the student, either at the University or at the student's location.

Potential overseas applicants are advised that at an early stage in making their application they should consult their nearest Australian diplomatic post concerning the requirements for entry into Australia. Completed applications from overseas should be sent direct to Murdoch University.

Research Interests

All the staff in Energy Studies are active in research. We have well equipped laboratories and there is strong technical support. The research program in Energy Studies is built around several major areas of activity:

• Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion
• Power conditioning / system optimisation
• Wind power
• Renewable energy education and training
• Remote area power supplies
• Solar powered medical facilities
• Renewable energy policy
• Tidal power
• Greenhouse gas abatement
• Batteries
• Emissions trading
• Fuel cells

Postgraduate degrees by course work in Energy Studies are also available.

Scholarships For Postgraduate Study

You will also need some form of financial support to cover both University fees and living costs. Some possibilities are described below:

Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents
You are not required to pay tuition fees but you will be required to pay HECS. Many postgraduate students receive scholarships which exempt them from this charge.

Australian students are also eligible to apply for Australian Postgraduate Research Awards (APRA) or Murdoch University Research Scholarships (MURS).

Overseas Residents or Citizens
Overseas students are required to pay tuition fees unless they are awarded either an Australian Equity and Merit Scholarship (EMS) or an Overseas Postgraduate Research Scholarship (OPRS). Some EMS also pay a living allowance but OPRS do not.

Applications for admission to PhD and MPhil candidature may be made at any time. Applications for Scholarships close on 31 October each year.