Entry requirements for the Doctoral Program in Decision, Risk and Financial Sciences

Doctor of Philosophy - Business and Economics (DR-PHILBE)

The following are minimum entry requirements and do not guarantee entry:

In order to be considered for entry, you must have completed:

• a four-year bachelor degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study and have achieved a minimum weighted average of 75% in the final year subjects or (University of Melbourne) equivalent, or
• a masters degree in a relevant discipline which includes a substantial research component equivalent to at least 25% of one year of full-time study and achieved a minimum weighted average of 75% or (University of Melbourne) equivalent, or
• a qualification and professional experience considered to be equivalent.

and

A research proposal (except for applicants in the disciplines of Accounting, Economics, Finance, the Melbourne Institute);

A personal statement outlining why they wish to be considered for the course;

Referee reports (applicants who have graduated from the University of Melbourne within the last 5 years are required to provide the names and contact details of two academic referees only).

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

Selection

1. In selecting applicants, the selection committee will consider applicants:

   • prior academic performance, and if relevant, professional qualifications;

   • understanding of the research question to be explored;

   • the results of a Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) test or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) completed within the last 5 years. The following applicants are exempt from submitting a GMAT or GRE test:

     1. Those who have completed a tertiary degree in Australia or New Zealand within the 18 months prior to the date of application; or
     2. Those who face significant humanitarian issues.

   • performance at an interview;

   • motivation and capacity to complete the course in a timely manner; and

   • relevant prior research and/or professional experience.

2. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

3. You are required to satisfy the University's English language requirements for graduate courses. The minimum English language requirements for this course are: Band 7

Core participation requirements

All PhD candidates are required to complete the equivalent of at least 12 months full-time (24 months part-time) advanced study and research in the University unless studying at an outside institution approved by the Higher Degrees Research Committee (HDRC). The HDRC will not approve entirely distance supervision or entirely on-line supervision for research higher degree students.

Throughout your candidature you are expected to attend the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up your research within a University community and environment.

The residency requirement is deemed especially important during the period of probationary candidature. During probationary candidature you are expected to interact on a regular basis with your supervisor, the department (including staff and other research students) and the University, so as:

• to build the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out the proposed research program
• to acquire an understanding of the standards and requirements for a PhD awarded by the University
• to make use of support programs and facilities provided by the University throughout candidature.

English Language Criteria

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. You can meet this requirement in several ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

• IELTS Academic English: Minimum score of 7.0 overall (writing 7.0; speaking 6.5; reading 6.5; listening 6.5)
• TOEFL: Minimum score of 91 (writing 26; speaking 22; reading 19; listening 19)
• Pearson: Minimum score of 72 (writing 75; speaking 66; reading 64; listening 64)
• Cambridge C1 Advanced: Minimum score of 178 (writing 193; speaking 187; reading 168; listening 168)
• LanguageCert: Minimum score of 73 (writing 78; speaking 76; reading 65; listening 62)
• MET: Minimum score of 62 (writing 74; speaking 53; reading 59; listening 59)

^{*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE); LanguageCert Academic; Michigan English Test. If a test displays N/A, it is not accepted for this course.}