Doctor of Philosophy (Classics) (CRICOS course code 000880G) is a Doctoral Degree delivered by The University of Newcastle (UoN) over 4 years. This research-intensive program allows students to conduct original research in classical studies, including ancient Greek and Roman history, literature, and philosophy. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider CRICOS 00109J), it meets Australian Government standards for international students. HeadStart Academy provides this detailed overview to help you understand the costs, entry requirements, and delivery locations for this PhD program in Classics. Whether you're exploring doctoral studies in society and culture or specifically interested in UoN, this page compiles essential data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026). Always verify current fees and admission criteria directly with the university.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
Doctor of Philosophy (Classics) (CRICOS course code 000880G) is a Doctoral Degree (AQF Level 10) delivered by The University of Newcastle (UoN) over 4 years (208 weeks). The program falls under the field of education 0903 - Studies in Human Society, specifically 090300 - Studies in Human Society, n.f.d. This means it encompasses advanced research in societal structures, historical contexts, and cultural studies with a focus on classical antiquity. As a doctoral-level qualification, students are expected to produce a substantial thesis that contributes new knowledge to the field. The course is taught in English and is a single qualification with no dual degree or work component. All data is sourced from the CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice.
While specific syllabi are determined by The University of Newcastle (UoN), doctoral candidates in Classics typically engage in independent research under the supervision of academic staff. The field of Studies in Human Society (0903) covers disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, archaeology, and history. A PhD in Classics would involve deep investigation into ancient civilizations, textual analysis, and theoretical frameworks. Graduates develop advanced skills in critical thinking, research methodology, academic writing, and project management. This level of study (AQF Level 10) is the highest academic qualification and prepares graduates for careers in academia, research institutions, cultural heritage organisations, and policy roles. Note that this is a research degree; coursework components, if any, are minimal and designed to support the thesis.
According to the CRICOS register, the Doctor of Philosophy (Classics) is a 4-year program equivalent to 208 weeks of full-time study. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification — it does not lead to a dual award or include foundation studies. The course has no mandatory work component. Students are expected to dedicate themselves to research and thesis preparation throughout the program. The University of Newcastle (UoN) may offer flexible study arrangements, but international students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions.
The indicative tuition fee for the entire Doctor of Philosophy (Classics) program is A$166,212, based on the CRICOS register data. Non-tuition fees are estimated at A$1,608, bringing the estimated total to A$167,820. Please note: these fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. Living costs in Newcastle and the Central Coast are generally lower than in Sydney, but you should budget for accommodation, food, and transport. For example, weekly rent near Callaghan campus ranges from A$200–A$350. Always confirm current fees on The University of Newcastle's website (www.newcastle.edu.au) as fees are set by the institution and subject to change. HeadStart Academy provides indicative fees from the CRICOS register only.
Entry into a Doctoral Degree typically requires a master's degree or a bachelor's degree with honours (AQF Level 8 or equivalent). For Doctor of Philosophy (Classics) at UoN, you will need to demonstrate research capability through prior studies or a research proposal. English language proficiency is required — the CRICOS register indicates IELTS 6.5–7.0 overall (or equivalent). Some candidates may need to complete a pathway program if their prior qualifications do not meet the entry standard. Contact The University of Newcastle (UoN) for precise entry requirements, including prerequisite subjects and application deadlines. HeadStart Academy does not make admission decisions; this is general guidance only.
This course has no work component. It does not include a mandatory internship, placement, or industry project. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. These work rights are subject to visa conditions. The lack of a work component means you can focus entirely on your research, but also that you will need to arrange any part-time work independently.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Classics) is delivered at two UoN campuses: Callaghan (Newcastle, NSW) and Ourimbah (Central Coast, NSW). The Callaghan campus is the main campus, located about 12km from Newcastle CBD, with good public transport via buses. Ourimbah campus is on the Central Coast, about 50km south of Newcastle, and serves the Ourimbah/Wyong area. Both campuses offer research facilities and supervision. Newcastle is a regional city with a student population of over 30,000 across multiple institutions. The Central Coast is more residential with limited student accommodation. Indicate weekly living costs: Newcastle ~A$350–500; Central Coast ~A$300–450. ESOS Act protections apply to both locations.
To study this course as an international student, you need a Student visa (Subclass 500). You must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, show financial capacity for tuition, living costs (at least A$21,041/year for a single student), and OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover). OSHC is mandatory for the duration of your stay. The Department of Home Affairs also requires you to maintain enrolment and satisfactory course progress. Student visa work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited in scheduled breaks. Dependents can accompany you under certain conditions. This is not immigration advice; consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow these three steps to apply for Doctor of Philosophy (Classics) at The University of Newcastle (UoN):
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Doctoral Degree) and field (Studies in Human Society). Confirm that The University of Newcastle (CRICOS 00109J) offers this course (CRICOS 000880G).
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Check UoN's website for application deadlines, required documents (transcripts, research proposal, English test scores), and any prerequisite subjects. Submit your application online or through a registered education agent.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, UoN will issue a CoE. Use this CoE to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you meet GTE, financial, and OSHC requirements. Visa applications can take weeks; apply early.
Choosing between Callaghan and Ourimbah depends on your lifestyle. Newcastle is a bustling regional city with a diverse student community, beaches, and nightlife. Living costs are moderate but lower than Sydney. The University of Newcastle is well-connected by public transport from the city. Ourimbah offers a quieter environment, closer to natural attractions like the Central Coast beaches. However, student amenities are more limited. Consider your research supervision needs — both campuses have supervisors, but you should confirm which location suits your project. Over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offer 26,433 courses across Australia; UoN is one of the top regional universities. ESOS protections ensure your rights as an international student.
Explore more CRICOS-registered doctoral courses on HeadStart Academy or visit The University of Newcastle's website to apply.
Doctor of Philosophy (Classics) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Newcastle (UoN). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.