Becoming a PhD Student

Step 1 - Choose a project
Browse the Woolcock’s research pages on this website or visit Research Supervisor Connect. Once you have identified an area of interest, contact the Research Leader or Human Resources Officer and arrange for a visit to the Woolcock to discuss with them and other members of their group the possibility of studying at the Woolcock.

Step 2 - Seek approval
Discuss the project details with your potential supervisor and provide them with an updated copy of your resume.

Step 3 - Apply for a scholarship
Write a project proposal for a scholarship applications and enrolment at The University of Sydney, or other funding body. One criteria for undertaking PhD studies at the Woolcock is that the student must have a competitive scholarship.

Step 4 - Enrol at University
Submit an enrolment application to The University of Sydney for a PhD program. Include with your application a copy of your academic transcript and project proposal.

Step 5 - Start
Submit a copy of your Letter of Enrolment from the University and Offer of Scholarship from the granting body to the Human Resources Officer . Arrange a start date with your supervisor. Begin your research program.

PhD students are required by the University to complete Annual Progress Reports. In addition, students are expected to participate in research meetings at the Woolcock throughout their candidature. These include:

• Friday Research Meeting Presentations (60 minute presentation by students, once a year)
• Short presentation to visiting Professors (20 minute presentation by student)
• Abstract – poster presentation to national conferences (once a year)
• Group Research meetings (informal presentations to members of group as required)
• Students are expected to attend Woolcock in-house seminars which are held during the year for the students.

Students are required to present their work in a 1hr Final Seminar at the completion of their PhD, prior to the submission of their Thesis for assessment. This will be organised by the student and their supervisor.

Honours Students

Step 1 - Choose a project
Browse the Woolcock’s research pages on this website. Once you have identified an area of interest, contact the Research Leader or Human Resources Officer and arrange for a visit to the Woolcock to discuss with them and other members of their group the possibility of studying at the Woolcock.

Bring copies of your academic transcript and curriculum vitae with you to this interview.

Step 2 - Seek approval
Contact the Honours Coordinator at the University of Sydney. Complete and submit an Application of Admission form, listing the projects you have selected in your order of preference, to the University's Honours Coordinator by the end of October.

Make sure that you are enrolled in the appropriate Honours Program or Graduate Medical Program at the University and have approval to undertake research within Woolcock.

Step 3 - Start
Places for students will be confirmed in December once the undergraduate exam results are released. You will be contacted by the Honours Coordinator and the Faculty of Science soon after to notify you of the start date in February.

In addition to Honours class meetings at the University, students are expected to participate in research meetings at Woolcock during their candidature. These include:

• Friday Morning Research Meeting Presentations (30 minute presentation by students, once a year)
• Group Research meetings (informal presentations to members of group as required)
• Final presentation (20 minute formal presentation by students on their work prior to submission of their Thesis for assessment)
• Students are expected to attend Woolcock research meetings and presentations which are held weekly.
• Students are required to submit an Honours Thesis at the completion of their candidature
   

USydMP Students

Students enrolled in The University of Sydney Medical Program may also undertake Honours by research at Woolcock. Further information is available at the USydMP website