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The Internet PhD in Astronomy
What is the Internet PhD of Astronomy?
What is the PhD in Astronomy/Astrophysics?
The PhD is universally recognised as the highest level academic program available in university study. The PhD delievered by the James Cook University Centre for Astronomy is unique world wide in that it is delivered via the internet.
Also available via the internet is a professional Doctor of Astronomy degree.
Full-time or Part time Study
The PhD from the Centre for Astronomy is designed to be taken as a part-time program, however students can take the program as full-time study if they so wish. A part-time program runs at half the rate of the full-time program and at half of the fees of a full-time student.
Computer Requirements
To study in the PhD degree via the internet students will need a computer and internet connection. Some research programs may require a modern machine and higher level systems and programs for some of the work.
Entry Standard Required
The entry requirement for the PhD is equivalent to an Australian Bachelor level degree with Honours grade I or IIA, or a Research Masters in appropriate discipline, or a relevant Coursework Masters including evidence of research capacity in the appropriate discipline (the JCU Master of Astronomy is designed to meet this need).
Preference will be given to candidates who have a degree in the physical, mathematical and computational sciences. Graduates with degrees in other subjects will also be considered.
Not all Master's degrees are research based, and JCU can not accept
Coursework Masters that do not have a substantive numerical research
component for entry into the PhD degree. More details of entry standards
required for all JCU Centre for Astronomy Internet programs are available
at the Entry Standard Requirements page.
It is also possible for potential students to apply with alternative backgrounds. We have an entry proviso for candidates who can supply "other evidence of significant research capacity in an appropriate discipline". Contact us for our consideration.
Research Topic
The PhD degree is a research degree. The examination of the degree will be by a research thesis which is examined by three examiners who are external to the University. They will be appointed by the University and the report from each will typically rate the thesis in one of four ways. They are, in simple terms; (i) satisfactory as it stands, (ii) minor changes are required, (iii) substantive changes are required (rewrite), and (iv) Fail.
It is important that before you enrol for the degree that you and the Centre agree on a thesis topic that is acceptable to both you and to us. We are offering thesis topics in selected areas of Astrophysics and Astronomy History.
Therefore, during the enrol process, it is imperative that you discuss your topic with us before you commit to the degree. This should be done either before you apply, or after your application has been accepted but before you pay your fee.
Fees
The fees for this program will be set for each intake of students.
The fees for a student studying in part-time (P/T) mode is (Australian Dollar) AUD 5,000 per semester or AUD 10,000 for a full year.
The fees for a student studying in full-time (F/T) mode is AUD 10,000 per semester or AUD 20,000 for a full year.
Exchange rates change continually; here is the current conversion site.
Once you are in the program, your fee may be subject to a small increases each semester, but these will be less than 10% (typically <5%) per year, and are set by the central administration of the University (and not by the Centre for Astronomy).
The NEST of Astronomy Programs
The JCU Internet degree offerings are a nested set that allows students to choose which level of training they will undertake.
Transfer to the Professional Doctorate Program from the JCU Master of Astronomy
Acceptance to the PhD in program will be considered by the Centre for Astronomy only upon completion of the requirements for the Master of Astronomy degree.
Other Information About the Doctor of Astronomy and the James Cook University.
How Do I Apply for this Program:
