Doctor of Philosophy
2023 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2023 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong), Warrnambool |
| Online | Yes |
| Duration | 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| CRICOS course code | 018831B Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong), Warrnambool |
| Deakin course code | H950 |
| Approval status | This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework. |
| 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
- Indicative student workload
- Professional recognition
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Pathways
- Research information
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Other learning experiences
- Research and research-related study
Course overview
Make a significant contribution to one of many areas within health and psychology by undertaking PhD research.
You can commence research in the areas of clinical; health and forensic psychology; social and mental health; adolescent health; risk behaviours; body image and disordered eating; drugs and alcohol; eye-witness testimony; treatment of offenders; human sexuality; reproductive health; healthy ageing and depression among older people; cognitive neurosciences and neurodevelopmental disorders; quality of life; relationships; human factors such as auditory and visual perception; and organisational psychology in health care settings.
Deakin currently has around 1600 higher degree by research candidates – intelligent people making the most of our excellent facilities, partnerships, strategic research centres and excellent reputation.
Indicative student workload
A fulltime student is expected to commit 36 hours a week to their PhD program. A student is entitled to 20 working days annual leave from candidature on approval by their Principal Supervisor. (Part-time is half the commitment.)
Professional recognition
This course is Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited.
Note: This will not lead to Registration as a Psychologist or Area of Practice endorsement.
Note: This course is currently accredited as at the date of publishing.
Participation requirements
The minimum requirement is the completion of a research methods unit such as HPS907 / HPS911, which may require assignments/exams, and the thesis. The unit is assessed as per all other units at Deakin University and the thesis is submitted to the University and it is assessed by three examiners.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a National Police Record Check, a Working with Children Check or other check. Refer the relevant unit guide.
Pathways
Students may transfer from a Research Masters to PhD. Some students who do not have enough research in their degree or lower grades may commence with a Research Masters, and then at confirmation they may transfer to a PhD (subject to recommendation of the panel and high-quality work).
Research information
The Faculty of Health provides a range of higher degree by research programs at masters and doctorate level, including professional doctorates in the discipline of psychology.
The Faculty has affiliation with six of the University Strategic Research Centres, which work with national and international partners in health communities, business, industry and government to bring about evidence-based practical, equitable health outcomes globally, nationally and in local communities. The Centres are engaged in research programs related to patient care, patient safety, health services, mental health, psychiatric disorders, molecular medicine, immunology, neurosciences, public health research and evaluation, population health, human nutrition, physical activity and health, and social determinants of health and wellbeing.
To review details of the Strategic Research Centres and the research we are undertaking click here.
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. | Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities: appropriate to the level of study related to a discipline or profession. Digital literacy: using technologies to find, use and disseminate information. 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. | Critical thinking: evaluating information using critical and analytical thinking and judgment. Problem solving: creating solutions to authentic (real world and ill-defined) problems. 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. | Communication: using oral, written and interpersonal communication to inform, motivate and effect change. Global citizenship: engaging ethically and productively in the professional context and with diverse communities and cultures in a global context. |
Course rules
A Doctor of Philosophy is awarded for a substantial, original contribution to knowledge achieved in three years of full-time study (or six years of part-time study).
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Students complete a pre-confirmation at five months, confirmation at nine months and second year progress presentation during their second year (third or fourth year for part-time students). Student are required to complete a research methods unit in the first year, preferably before their confirmation.
Work experience
Students can complete a work placement in their final year but this is optional and also depends on availability.
Other course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Further information
Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.
- Contact Student Central
Other learning experiences
Students can complete additional training units via the PhD extra program.
Research and research-related study
Students are required to complete one research methods units.