PhD in Astrophysics

Class Profile

Class Size

25

Average Age

22

Average Work Experience

2 Years

Diversity

North America:

4%

Africa:

1%

South America:

2%

Asia:

15%

Europe:

5%

Others:

3%

Australia:

70%

Career Outcomes

Median Earnings After Graduation

$1,10,000 / year

Job Placement

81%

Top recruiters

Genentech

Illinois Institute of Technology

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

European Space Agency

SpaceX

Tetra Tech

Texas Tech University

Canadian Space Agency

Collins Aerospace

AgResearch

Headspace

FAQs

• What is the application process?
  
  Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Complete the online EOI form. Discuss Topics and Supervisors: Shortlisted applicants engage with potential supervisors to refine research topics. Interview: Selected candidates are interviewed by a panel of CAS staff. Formal Application: Successful candidates submit a full application, including academic transcripts, research proposal, and references.
• What are the entry requirements?
  
  Academic Qualifications: A recognized bachelor’s degree with honours (typically at least second class, or equivalent), or a master’s degree with a significant research component. Demonstrated research experience and capability, usually through a thesis or major research project. Minimum academic grades generally equivalent to at least 70% in final year units for bachelor’s, or higher for honours/master’s degrees. English Language Proficiency: Applicants must meet Swinburne’s English language requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL). Research Proposal: Applicants should have a defined research interest and are encouraged to discuss potential topics and supervisors before applying.
• What are the main research areas and opportunities?
  
  Cosmology and large-scale structure of the universe Galaxy formation and evolution Stellar astrophysics Supernovae and transient phenomena Computational astrophysics and simulations Observational astronomy using international facilities Collaboration with leading international projects (e.g., DESI, Keck Observatory)
• How is the program structured and how long does it take?
  
  Duration: 3.5 years (full-time) Mode: By research (thesis-based) Structure: Students undertake a significant, original research project, culminating in a thesis of 70,000–100,000 words. The program includes occasional lectures, research seminars, and opportunities for international collaboration. Students concurrently complete a Graduate Certificate of Research and Innovation Management, which provides additional research training and career skills.
• What is the focus of the PhD in Astrophysics at Swinburne?
  
  The PhD in Astrophysics at Swinburne University is offered through the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing (CAS). The program is designed to enable students to conduct independent, original research in astrophysics, covering computational, theoretical, and observational astronomy. Research areas span the entire electromagnetic spectrum and include cosmology, galaxy evolution, stellar astrophysics, and more. Students benefit from access to world-class facilities, including supercomputing resources and the world’s largest optical telescopes