Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2025
Campus
Hobart, Launceston
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
Inland sand dunes occur in Tasmania, contributing to distinctive landscapes in the Central Highlands World Heritage area. Understanding of inland dunes is limited to basic description, with some chronology associated with past climates. Inland dunes likely differ from aeolian systems that commonly occur on the coast, which are well studied. This inductive research investigates alpine dune geomorphology, sedimentology and morphology to assess the ways in which alpine dune formation conforms to or varies from coastal dune formation. The research will include landform surveying, sediment analysis and spatial changes over the last several decades. Research will investigate topographic and spatial trends, sediment texture, grainsize and mineralogy, to reveal vulnerability to external pertubations. Uniqueness will be analysed to contribute to conservation priorities. Results will contribute to global understanding of inland aeolian alpine dunes, with implications for climate change histories and resilience of these unique systems.
Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
- Applications are open to Domestic/ International/ Onshore applicants
- Applications are open to applications from physical geography discipline background only
- English language score must be above minimum entry requirements for this project
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Applications are open to applicants with a background in quantitative geomorphology, spatial sciences, or physical geography
- Applicants must already have been awarded a First Class Honours degree or hold equivalent qualifications or relevant and substantial research experience in an appropriate sector
- International applicants will need at least one publication in a good quality international peer-reviewed journal to be competitive for a scholarship
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Surveying, spatial science and GIS capability
- Evidence of ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Excellent communication skills, high level of proficiency in English
- Ability to undertake field work in remote locations
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact A/Prof Joanna Ellison to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 June 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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