Research Degrees

Research Degrees

Charles Sturt University has a strong reputation for research and maintains a strong and vibrant Research program.

The University focuses its research effort in those areas where it has particular depth and strength of academic and research capability to offer higher quality research and research training opportunities. One of such areas is Customs, border management and international trade which falls within the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies (CCES) expertise.

The relevant course for customs-related studies is the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program through CCES and the Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences (CRICOS Code #011999A). This PhD program offers graduates, who have an excellent academic record and/or proven research skills, the opportunity to conduct research in the area of customs, international trade and border management at a level that will contribute to the knowledge base of their discipline.  

Charles Sturt University PhD studies give you the opportunity to develop your research skills and be exposed to challenging concepts presented by highly regarded researchers and academics. As a PhD candidate, you would be embarking on a course of study leading to the highest qualification typically offered by a university. This is an opportunity to work with industry leaders and senior academics through a process that will challenge and nourish your understanding of your discipline area.

The overall duration of a PhD program is:

  • Full-time: 3 years minimum / 4 years maximum (online or on campus)
  • Part-time: 6 years minimum / 8 years maximum (online or on campus)

Your PhD studies can be conducted from anywhere in the world as our online facilities allow you to access our libraries, submit assignments and progress reports, access materials and online support tools, and use forums and chat rooms to connect with supervisors and other researchers whenever and wherever it suits you. In collaboration with your supervisory team, you set the pace that works for you, your work, and your life commitments.


Further Information

Before you consider submitting your application, we strongly encourage you to familiarise yourself with information about PhD studies at Charles Sturt University. In this regard, please follow these links:


Entry/Admission Requirements

The Research Committee of the University holds the delegated authority to approve admission to a research higher degree programs. 

The Research Committee shall base its decision on admission to a proposed PhD candidature upon the following evidence, that:

  • the proposed program of study and research is at a level appropriate to the degree being sought;
  • the  proposed area of research  falls  within  an  approved University field of research  for  admission to a higher degree by research;
  • the proposed supervisors are sufficiently expert in the area of research, and have the time and commitment to be able to provide appropriate supervision, and that adequate physical resources are available;
  • the applicant has the appropriate background and ability to undertake the proposed course (refer also to Entry Qualifications, below); and
  • the applicant has given the necessary commitment to work regularly on the approved program of study and research and maintain regular contact with the supervisor(s).

The entry qualifications required for admission to a PhD program are:

  • qualified for the award of a Master by Research at an acceptable level; or 
  • an appropriate Bachelor degree with class 1 or class 2(i) honours from another Australian university or an equivalent overseas tertiary institution, taken over a minimum of four years (full-time equivalent); or
  • qualified for entry into a Charles Sturt University Master by Research program and duly enrolled and shown exceptional ability in the conduct of a research project which is clearly capable of being extended to a doctoral level; or
  • qualified for the award of a coursework Master’s degree with a research component. It is normally expected that a grade equivalent to the appropriate class of Honours will have been obtained; or
  • some other appropriate combination of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications (such as relevant graduate diplomas) and research experience that demonstrate capacity to undertake research at a Doctoral level.

Charles Sturt University

  • TEQSA Provider Identification: PRV12018 (Australian University)
  • CRICOS Provider: 00005F


How to Apply

Prospective PhD students should contact CCES Academic Liaison Officer, Ms Biljana Kearney at: bkearney@csu.edu.au.