Doctor of Philosophy

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 course information
Award granted	Doctor of Philosophy
Deakin course code	A900
Faculty	Faculty of Arts and Education
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Waterfront (Geelong), Warrnambool
Online	Yes
Duration	3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code	006239F Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Waterfront (Geelong), Warrnambool
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 10

Course sub-headings

Course overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a supervised research program where you will make a substantial, original contribution to knowledge in your chosen arts field.

Deakin currently has around 1,600 higher degree by research candidates – intelligent people making the most of our excellent facilities, partnerships, strategic research centres and excellent reputation.

Your research will be conducted under the supervision of a panel, which is chaired by the principal supervisor – a full-time member of staff experienced in research.

You’ll write a thesis of 80 000 -100 000 words, embodying the results of research carried out your field of study. If you’re studying for a PhD in the creative arts, you can submit a thesis comprising creative work and an exegesis of between 25 000 and 50 000 words.

Participation requirements

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Alternative exits

Master of Arts (A800)

Research information

Research areas

Supervision is available in most discipline areas offered by the Faculty. Contact the Higher Degree by Research Officer on Tel 03 9244 5413 or email artsed-hdr@deakin.edu.au for more information.

Research scholarships

Deakin University offers scholarships for study towards higher degrees by research. For further information contact the Research Scholarships Officer, telephone (03) 5227 3492, or fax (03) 5227 1275, or email research-scholarships@deakin.edu.au

Course Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)	Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (DGLO)
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 practice.	1. Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities: appropriate to the level of study related to a discipline or profession. 3. Digital literacy: using technologies to find, use and disseminate information. 6. Self-management: working and learning independently, and taking responsibility for personal actions.
Effectively disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences using highly developed communication skills and work productively within a team of experts in the field. Synthesise, apply and analyse existing and new knowledge in one or more discipline areas to develop new concepts or interpretations through engagement in ethical research, critical reflection, continuous evaluation and demonstration of research skills.	4. Critical thinking: evaluating information using critical and analytical thinking and judgment. 5. Problem solving: creating solutions to authentic (real world and ill-defined) problems. 7. Teamwork: working and learning with others from different disciplines and backgrounds.
Demonstrate autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability, leadership, initiative, resilience and responsibility as an expert and leading practitioner or scholar.	2. Communication: using oral, written and interpersonal communication to inform, motivate and effect change. 8. Global citizenship: engaging ethically and productively in the professional context and with diverse communities and cultures in a global context.

Approved by Faculty Board July 2016

Course rules

To complete the Doctor of Philosophy students must pass 24 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.

A candidate is required to complete a thesis of 80 000-100 000 words, embodying the results of research carried out in the field of study specified at the time of enrolment. Candidates in the arts may submit a thesis comprising creative work and an exegesis of between 25 000 and 50 000 words.

Coursework unit - to be completed by all students

Details available at the following site:

https://www.deakin.edu.au/research/become-a-research-student/phd-xtra

Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.

Contact Student Central