Research Degrees
Search for Higher Degrees by Research
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a higher degree by research course in which a student, under academic supervision, conducts independent and specialised research, disseminating the results of this research in either a written dissertation, portfolio of published works or creative work with an exegesis.
The maximum duration of the PhD course is 4 years full-time equivalent enrolment. Students have a target date for thesis submission of 3 years (36 months).
Course Structure
The course incorporates 12 credit points of coursework to be completed over the first year of candidature (full-time). This coursework element is designed to provide a practical, solid grounding for new students as to the requirements of completing a PhD and ensure that they have all the requisite skills to undertake the realisation of their research proposal.
Admission requirements
There are two entry pathways into the PhD – standard and accelerated entry.
Students entering the course on accelerated entry are granted advanced standing for the coursework component of the PhD and commence directly into the thesis component.
For standard entry, the Faculty will determine an applicant's eligibility for entry based upon evidence provided which would include:
a. evidence of advanced knowledge in an area relevant to the PhD topic:
b. a minimum of four years study at Australian degree level in a relevant area (e.g. four year bachelor degree or bachelor degree plus coursework masters);
c. evidence of the capability to undertake complex thinking and problem solving: and
d. evidence of significant aptitude for research.
The Faculty will determine an applicant's eligibility for entry with advanced standing for the 12 credit point coursework component (accelerated entry) based upon evidence provided which would include:
e. a degree of bachelor with first or upper second class honours awarded by an Australian university or other recognised higher education institution and evidence of research training and aptitude for research: or
f. an award or the completion of work that has first or upper second class honours equivalence (as set out in the Admission to Higher Degree by Research Courses Policy) and evidence of significant research ability and professional performance.
Plus all students will:
g. meet the University's minimum English proficiency requirements for entry into higher degree by research courses;
h. satisfy any requirements for admission to the relevant specialisation approved by Academic Board (e.g. some specialisations require higher IELTS scores; and
i. satisfy any additional requirements specified for admission of the particular applicant, consistent with University policy.
For more information on the admission requirements see the HDR Admissions Policy
Professional Doctorate Degrees
Professional doctorate courses combine research, coursework and in some cases professional work/industry experience. While they are research-based, professional doctorates focus on the improvement of professional practice. Professional doctorates are available in the areas of business administration, public administration, information sciences and legal science.
Professional Doctorates available in the Faculty of Business, Government and Law (BGL):
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
- Doctorate in Legal Science (SJD)
For more information on the Professional Doctorates in the BGL and the different between a PhD and Professional Doctorate, click here
Professional Doctorates in the Faculty of Education (EDC):
Master by Research
Most faculties offer master-by-research programs. These courses have the same underlying principles of a PhD program, however the length of the thesis submitted for examination will be less than for a PhD. The masters by research can be completed as a stand-alone program or be used as a pathway to a PhD program.
For entry into the Masters Degree Course applicants are required to have a bachelor degree with first or upper second class honours; or a three year bachelor degree with above average performance; or a four year bachelor degree in the appropriate field of study; or a bachelor degree with H2B or H3 in the appropriate field of study.