Overview

Make your own research contribution with the Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering and IT) at Australia’s leading university*. Build your expertise in a specialist area and be supported by experienced supervisors and advisory committees to create significant change in society. You’ll demonstrate academic leadership, independence, creativity and innovation in your research work.

Research projects are offered in:

• Biomedical engineering
• Chemical engineering
• Computing and information systems
• Electrical and electronic engineering
• Infrastructure engineering (civil engineering; structural engineering; environmental engineering; geomatics and spatial information)
• Mechanical engineering, mechatronics and industrial engineering.

Our departments and schools represent our key areas of research specialisations. Find out about the research interests and projects of each of our disciplines.

You can also pursue an engineering or IT research project of your own.

* Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027

Solutions for global problems

Work alongside researchers who are creating technological solutions to significant problems in our society and in our future. You’ll benefit from an environment of cross-disciplinary research excellence at Melbourne, connecting diverse study areas and blending academic and industry.

Our researchers are looking into water resource management, clean energy, disaster management, climate change, cancer treatment, epilepsy suppression, food processing, automated interpretation of data, personalised medicine, smart grids and more.

Internationally recognised qualification

Be part of one of the largest engineering research institutions in Australia, measured on research income. You’ll receive strong backing from industry and government.

Joint PhD degree opportunities

In addition to our leading PhD program, we also offer several graduate research joint PhD initiatives. Our joint PhD programs access expertise, resources and world-class training at the University of Melbourne and a leading institution abroad.

Our Jülich-University of Melbourne Postgraduate Academy (JUMPA) is a multidisciplinary Joint PhD training program with the Jülich Research Centre, Germany.

Our Melbourne-CNRS Network is a multidisciplinary Joint PhD training program with the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France.

Our Melbourne India Postgraduate Academy (MIPA) is a Joint PhD training program with one of three top Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs): IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Kharagpur.

Our Melbourne and Manchester Graduate Research Group is a multidisciplinary Joint PhD training program with the University of Manchester, United Kingdom.

Our Priestley Scholarships are offered in conjunction with University of Birmingham.

For further information and how to apply for joint PhD programs: Graduate research: Joint PhDs

World class facilities

We’re home to an Australian-first, state-of-the-art VR biomechanical facility, CAREN (Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment), which focuses on improving our understanding of human movement and rehabilitation. You’ll also have access to cutting-edge laboratories and a heavy engineering workshop for materials testing, engine and turbine testing, wind tunnel investigations and metal forming processing.