Doctor of Philosophy
2025 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2025 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Deakin course code | H960 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Warrnambool |
| Online | Yes |
| Duration | 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| CRICOS course code | 061693E Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (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
- Indicative student workload
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Research information
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Work experience
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Undertake research into the molecular basis of health and disease under the supervision of an academic staff member in the School of Medicine.
Research spans basic gene discovery and molecular analysis, through functional genomics and pre-clinical development to the testing of new therapeutics, underpinned by powerful and relevant experimental platforms.
Key areas of research strength are: immunity, infectious diseases, developmental biology, molecular physiology, musculoskeletal biology, psychiatric disorders, haematology, cancer, metabolic disease, structural biology and nanomedicine.
PhD research is also available with the School of Medicine in the areas of rural and regional general practice; health and wellbeing, health service evaluation, public health and chronic disease management.
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
Not applicable
Career opportunities
Clinical epidemiology, public health, medical ethics, medical professionalism, health service management, quality assurance, risk prevention, medical education
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).
Work experience
Career Pathway Placements (internships) with industry partners, are offered as an elective, to all domestic and international HDR students. The timing of a proposed placement should be discussed with the supervisory team, and approved by the School HDR Coordinator.
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
Fees and charges
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.