With over fifteen years of experience in climate change, Michelle Lyons has transitioned from public servant to scholar, driven by a passion for advancing the net zero transition. Now a Sir Roland Wilson PhD scholar at the Crawford School and a Climate Change Research Fellow at the Lowy Institute, Chell is preparing to share her insights at the ANU Energy Update 2024.
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What doctoral studies can I undertake at Crawford?
The Australian National University provides HDR students with a vibrant research community and outstanding program support. The Crawford PhD program comprises offerings from three of the School's Departments: the Arndt-Corden Department of Economics (ACDE), the Department of Policy and Governance (POGO) and the Resources, Environment and Development (RE&D) Department, and also from the National Security College (NSC).
The degree equips individuals with the skills needed to research, investigate, and develop new knowledge in applied economics, public policy, public administration, resources, environment and development or national security. Your research will make an original and important contribution to human knowledge, research and development.
Application due dates
Applications are welcomed at any time during the year and, consistent with the practices of top global public policy schools, are assessed for admission by the HDR Admissions Committee throughout the year. Note, however, that deadlines apply if candidates also want to be considered for a research scholarship. In this case, completed applications must be received by ANU as early as possible before the closing dates. Early submission enables more time to vet applications for completeness and improvements prior to the committee’s formal assessment and allows sufficient time for referees to be contacted and to provide their reports.
Completed applications include addressing all questions in the ANU application form and uploading all supporting documentation. Importantly, applications must include written confirmation from a primary supervisor and a second supervisor stating their willingness to supervise the applicant – further details on this requirement can be found within the each of the ACDE, READ, POGO and NSC sections of this site. If an application is incomplete beyond the deadline set by Crawford, then the application is invalid and will not receive an outcome.
As compulsory coursework begins prior to Orientation week in February, Crawford requires successful applicants to enrol in the summer term (first quarter) for semester 1, or before 14 July for semester 2.
Recommendations for course admission and HDR scholarships will be based on evaluation across multiple criteria, including the following:
- Ability (e.g. past and potential academic performance)
- Quality (e.g. proposal)
- Capacity (e.g. fit with supervisors, program and school)
All successful applicants will be required to undertake compulsory coursework. One requirement is CRWF9000 Fostering Public Policy Research (0 units), to be taken in the first year of PhD study.
More information about the admissions criteria and other required compulsory coursework is available through the links below.
Admission requirements
You must have completed an undergraduate or master’s degree in a discipline relevant to your area of proposed research. For undergraduate degrees, your result should be First Class Honours or Second Class Honours (First Division). If you have a master’s degree, rather than an honours degree, you will need to show that it had a research component. If you don’t have a master’s or honours degree you may be able to apply on the basis of professional work experience. You will also need to have academic referees to support your application.
All applicants must meet the University’s English Language Admission Requirements for Students.
One of the most important steps in making an expression of interest and before being approved to submit an online application, is to identify two potential supervisors at Crawford School. Your expression of interest or application will only be successful if there is at least two academics willing to supervise your research project.
Expression of Interest
Candidates interested in undertaking PhD study should send an Expression of Interest (EOI) to two academic staff members at Crawford School who they have identified as possible supervisors for their PhD project. (See individual PhD offerings for specific requirements.)
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Information in your Expression of Interest should include:
- A proposed thesis topic (be as specific as you can) of relevance to your study topic
- A preliminary thesis proposal of not more than 8 pages in length
- The name of two potential supervisors at Crawford School and preferably from the same program and research field, noting that the program convenor may approve variations to this requirement in exceptional circumstances
- Academic transcripts
- A CV including evidence of any work experience
- A sample of your academic writing (published or unpublished)
- A statement on whether your ability to undertake PhD study is dependent on being awarded a scholarship, and
- The time frame you envisage for commencing and completing your PhD study at ANU
Your preliminary thesis proposal should address the following questions:
- What is your broad area of research?
- What are your preliminary research questions?
- What is the relevant literature? (provide a brief review)
- What analytical framework or approach will you take?
- What methods will you use?
- What do you anticipate will be the contribution of your research?
After the potential academic supervisor receives your Expression of Interest, he or she may invite you to a meeting to discuss your proposal.
Once a supervisor has interviewed you and signed off on your proposal, you may then submit an online application. Your application will be assessed within four to six weeks and you will be notified of the outcome. Email cap.hdr@anu.edu.au if you have questions about this process or want feedback on the status of your application’s progress.
Scholarships and Fees
Costs associated with your study at ANU will depend on several things, including your study program and whether you are a domestic or international student. Find out more about costs and fees associated with studying at ANU.
Please see details about ANU Research Central Scholarships for which fully completed applications must be received by the due dates.
Energising the transition: Sarah Boddington’s research at the ANU Energy Update 2024
With a background in international development and a focus on the social dimensions of energy and climate transitions, Sarah’s research plays a crucial role in shaping climate policy and promoting lower carbon practices in Australia.
Conrad Buffier shapes future climate policy at a global student challenge
Conrad Buffier, a PhD scholar from the Crawford School, recently embarked on a journey as a participant in the 2024 Raisina-IE Global Student Challenge. It is a prestigious challenge that is aimed to engage future leaders in global governance discussions with the 2024 theme “The International Climate Change Regime”.
Crawford PhD candidate explores solutions for flood insurance in Peru
Jose Cobian Alvarez, a PhD candidate at Crawford’s Arndt-Corden Department of Economics, embarked on a research project in the picturesque valley of Nicolas de Pierola, nestled within the district of Chosica, Lima.