Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science

The Graduate Coordinator for Atmospheric Science is Professor Michael Reeder.

A Ph.D. in atmospheric science is offered, and is awarded for a thesis which contributes significantly to the knowledge or understanding of Atmospheric Science, and demonstrates the student's capacity to carry out independent research. The Ph.D. program aims to equip students with a comprehensive and world-class graduate education in atmospheric science.

Students usually commence their studies in late February although they may enrol at any time during the year. The maximum period of candidature is five years' full-time or its equivalent in part-time candidature up to a maximum of eight years.

Although a Ph.D. is principally a research degree, all students are required to take two graduate-level lecture courses and a synoptic laboratory. This provides the foundation for their research, and ensures that students graduate from the program with a broad background in atmospheric science. The graduate-level courses are the same as these offered in the M.Sc.

Ph.D. candidates may be offered joint supervision with supervisor from the Bureau of Meteorology or CSIRO Atmospheric Research, and under this arrangement the range of research fields is greatly extended. (For more information about enrolling in a higher degree see http://www.mrgs.monash.edu.au/) In addition a range of specialist courses and seminars supports the graduate program.

Applicants should have at least an upper second-class honours degree in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering or the equivalent. Candidates who have not completed an honours degree may be permitted to enrol at Monash for honours or for the M.Sc. Preliminary before entering the Ph.D. program.

Monash Graduate Scholarships and Australian Postgraduate Awards are open to competition by all residents of Australia and New Zealand citizens who have completed or are about to complete a first degree in mathematics, physics, earth sciences or one of the engineering disciplines. Overseas student (except those from New Zealand) are normally required to pay full tuition fees, but can apply for Overseas Postgraduate Research Scholarships, which will cover the tuition fees. (For more information on fees, see http://www.monash.edu.au/study/fees/). Applicants awarded an OPRS are automatically awarded an MGS to cover their living expenses. Scholarships are awarded once per year and completed application forms must be lodged by 31 October. (For more information on these scholarships see http://www.mrgs.monash.edu.au/scholarships/index.html#research)

For some overseas applicants, financial support is available through the AusAid program, applications for which must be made through the nearest Australian Embassy. Awardees have their academic fees, health insurance and travel to and from Australia paid, receive a relocation allowance and fortnightly stipend, and are entitled to tutorial assistance. More information can be found at http://www.ausaid.gov.au/.