Doctor of Philosophy

Swinburne University of Technology

About

The Doctor of Philosophy is part of a combined set of programs that offer students a pathway into a higher degree by research from an undergraduate degree.

As a Doctor of Philosophy candidate you will undertake supervised research with the aim of making a significant and original contribution to a discipline or profession.

Candidates undertake research, which may be pure, exploratory, applied, experimental and/or creative.

They must submit a written research thesis, or a written research thesis including associated papers, of between 70,000 and 100,000 words.

Structure

The Doctor of Philosophy program has the objective of producing graduates with the capacity to conduct research independently at a high level of originality and quality. Graduates will demonstrate a capacity to design, conduct and report sustained and original research. While the research is conducted under a supervisor, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to work independently. As a Doctor of Philosophy candidate, you will undertake supervised research with the aim of making a significant and original contribution to a discipline or profession. Candidates undertake research, which may be pure, exploratory, applied, experimental and/or creative, and are required to submit a written research thesis or a written research thesis including associated papers. The examinable outcome will normally be equivalent to 70,000 to 100,000 words. Where the examinable outcome takes the form of a thesis, it is acknowledged that thesis length can vary according to the nature of the work and the discipline. The Doctor of Philosophy (DR-INTDES) program is part of a combined set of programs that offer students a pathway into a higher degree by research from an undergraduate degree. Prior to undertaking the Doctor of Philosophy (DR-INTDES), s tudents must complete a Bachelor of Research (Honours) (BH-INTDES) and Master of Research (MR-INTDES).

To qualify for the award of Doctor of Philosophy, candidates are required to complete the following:

  • PhD thesis (70,000 to 100,000 word thesis or equivalent)
research training sessions

Entry requirements

To be eligible for admission into the Doctor of Philosophy (DR-INTDES), an applicant must have successfully completed:

  • Master of Research (MR-INTDES) at Swinburne with a minimum H2A average (70% or higher)
  • Confirmation of Candidature Review
DES Bachelor of Research (Honours) DES Master of Research DES

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the PhD, graduates will be able to:

1. Demonstrate systematic and critical understanding in one or more specialist fields or discipline areas by planning and generating a substantial and original contribution that advances scholarship or professional practice2. Effectively disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences using highly developed communication skills and work productively within a team of experts in the field3. Demonstrate autonomy, authoritative judgment, adaptability, leadership, initiative, resilience and responsibility of an expert and leading practitioner or scholar.

Institution