PhD in Anthropology
The PhD is a 2-4 year full-time equivalent research degree. Although a PhD can theoretically be done in two years, the long fieldwork component of an anthropology PhD and other requirements specific to the discipline, such as language-learning, means that it is unusual for the degree to take less than four years. Candidates enrol in a time-based research unit to undertake and complete a research thesis. Students pursue a research project involving ethnographic methodologies under the supervision of one or more staff members who have expertise in the area of research.
PhD research produced in the Department of Anthropology have achieved very high standards, including two recently submitted theses (by Jennifer Deger and Rosemary Wiss) that have received the Vice Chancellor's Commendation for research excellence and offers of publication from respected academic publishing houses.
The research
In anthropology, a PhD almost always involves the student engaging in extended field research (usually 1-2 years). Fieldwork may be conducted overseas or "at home" depending on the nature of the project.
In addition to the research project, students are expected to take part in two seminar units, generally before they embark upon their fieldwork. These are a methodology unit (ANTH894) and one theory unit (ANTH895). Students are also expected to attend the departmental colloquia, and to present their own research in this forum.
The thesis
The only assessable piece of work in the PhD program is the thesis. PhD theses should be between 80-100,000 and must represent an original contribution to knowledge.
Non-traditional theses, such as those incorporating video or other media, may also be possible. See, the list of current anthropology theses for postgraduate research work being undertaken within the Department.
There is recognition of excellence through the award of a Vice-Chancellor’s Commendation.
Theses are marked by three examiners who are authorities in the field of the research. The examiners must be external to the Department of Anthropology at Macquarie.
Enquiries
Anthropology postgraduate Research Convenor, Assoc. Professor Christopher Lyttleton: (+61 2 9850 7783)
Links
For further information, see the University’s Higher Degree Research Unit.
Also see the Division of Society, Culture, Media and Philosophy’s information page for research students.