Doctor of Philosophy

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 course information
Award granted	Doctor of Philosophy
Deakin course code	H950
Faculty	Faculty of Health
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
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

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 full-time 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.

Review details of research we are undertaking and the Strategic Research Centre.

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

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.

Note:

A Doctor of Philosophy is awarded for a substantial, original contribution to knowledge achieved in 3 years of full-time study (or 6 years of part-time study).

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.

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

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.