This call invites prospective PhD applicants to develop and propose an original research project aligned with the discipline’s research strengths and supervision expertise.

We welcome applications from highly motivated candidates with strong academic preparation and a clear interest in contributing to the discipline’s areas of research focus. Applicants should demonstrate the capacity to undertake independent research and develop a well-conceived PhD project.

IMPORTANT: Do not use the “Submit an Expression of Interest” button on this page. To be considered, you must submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) using the School EOI form (click here to access the form).

The academic staff listed below represent the supervision available in Isalmic Studies within the Asia Institute. Applicants should review the academic expertise and consider how their proposed project aligns with the research interests of potential supervisors.

Prof Abdullah Saeed

Prof Saeed specialises in Qur’anic hermeneutics and modern Islamic thought, with a particular focus on human rights, political thought, and interreligious relations.

Research areas: Qur’anic hermeneutics, human rights, political thought and interreligious relations

A/Prof Kamal

A/Prof Kamal is an expert in Islamic philosophy with a particular focus on the works of the Iranian scholar Mulla Sadra. He also has expertise in Sufism and the intersection of Eastern and Western thought. With regard to the latter, he has expertise in the philosophical works of Martin Heidegger.

Research areas: Sufism, Islamic philosophy, Eastern and Western Existentialism

Dr David Tittensor

Dr Tittensor is an expert on transnational Muslim movements with a particular focus on the Turkish case of the Gülen Movement. He also works on the Islam and aid/development, and on Muslim diasporas/minority affairs.

Research areas: Transnational Muslim movements, diasporas, religion and politics, religion and aid, and Turkish politics and society.

Dr Rachel Woodlock

Dr Rachel Woodlock is an expert in Muslim minority affairs with a focus on social inclusion and Islamophobia. She also has expertise on the issues of Islam and gender, Islamic feminism, and the Baha’i religion.

Research area: Muslim minority affairs, Islamophobia, gender and Islam

HOW TO APPLY

Before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Applicants should review the research areas and supervision expertise listed above and consider how their proposed project aligns with the discipline’s areas of expertise. You do not need to contact a potential supervisor before submitting an EOI.

You should alsoensure you meet the entry requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) [click here to view the Handbook]. Competitive applicants typically demonstrate excellent academic achievement in a relevant master’s or honours degree (or equivalent), usually placeing in the upper range of the grading scale at their institution, together with strong performance in a substantial independent research project (e.g. thesis).

IMPORTANT - how to submit your EOI

To be considered you must submit your expression of interest using the School EOI form:

→ Submit your Expression of Interest (School EOI form) - click here to access the form

Do not use the page “Submit Expression of Interest” button. Applications submitted via the page button will not be considered.

Deadlines
EOI must be submitted by

30 June - International applicants
30 August - Domestic applicants

To complete the School EOI form [click here to open], you will be asked to provide:

a research proposal
a curriculum vitae (CV) - use this template [click here to open]
academic transcripts for all tertiary study
evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable)
the names of two potential supervisors aligned with your project

What happens next
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a Zoom interview with potential supervisors within approximately two weeks of the closing date.

Applicants who receive supervisor support may be invited to submit a formal application to the Doctor of Philosophy – Arts (DR-PHILART).

Submission of an EOI does not guarantee admission or scholarship selection.

Further information about the application process is available here: https://arts.unimelb.edu.au/study/graduate-research [click here to open]

A/Prof

Muhammad Kamal

Associate Professor in Islamic Studies

Asia Institute

A/Prof

Muhammad Kamal

Contact Muhammad

Division

Faculty of Arts

Primary Interest

Eastern and Western existentialism

A/Prof

Muhammad Kamal

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Muhammad's Short Profile

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