Doctor of Philosophy
2027 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2027 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Deakin course code | A900 |
| Course credit points | 24 |
| Course version | 2 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts and Education |
| Course information | For students who commenced from 1994 onwards |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Waterfront (Geelong), Warrnambool, Online |
| Duration | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| CRICOS 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
- Participation requirements
- Alternative exits
- Research information
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
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 deakin-hdr-as@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 |
|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Demonstrate autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability, leadership, initiative, resilience and responsibility as an expert and leading practitioner or scholar. |
Approved by Faculty Board July 2016
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
Course rules
To complete the Doctor of Philosophy you must pass 24 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
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
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.