Doctor of Philosophy

2020 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2020 course information
Award granted	Doctor of Philosophy
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong), Warrnambool
Cloud Campus	Yes
Duration	3 years full time or part time equivalent
CRICOS course code	006249D Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong), Warrnambool
Deakin course code	M900
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.
Cloud (online) candidature may be available in certain circumstances, subject to approval. Students will normally be required to be on-campus while completing their research methods coursework.

Course sub-headings

• Course overview
• Participation requirements
• Mandatory student checks
• Research information
• Course Learning Outcomes
• Other learning experiences
• Research and research-related study

Course overview

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

This degree may be undertaken in Deakin Business School or Deakin Law School. An expert member of the academic staff will be appointed as your principal supervisor. As well as your thesis, you’ll also be required to complete a number of coursework units and meet certain attendance requirements.

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.

Participation requirements

Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.

Mandatory student checks

Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.

Research information

If you have any questions please contact the Faculty Research Services Team

Research Administration Group
bl-phd@deakin.edu.au

Research information

Research Scholarships

Deakin University offers scholarships for study towards research doctoral degrees in all faculties. Information is available from:
University Scholarships Officer
Tel 03 5227 3492
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 14 July 2016

Other course information

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by a variety of issues, including delays in data collection and topic variations.

Useful Links

More information on PhD Xtra:

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

More information on research training coursework for M900:

https://www.deakin.edu.au/students/research/course-content/research-training-coursework-units

 

Further information

Manager, Research
Tel 03 5227 2442
research-buslaw@deakin.edu.au

Other learning experiences

PhD students are strongly encouraged to utilise the Individual Learning Plan (ILP), an online tool that allows students to plan, document and demonstrate the full range of knowledge and skills acquired during candidature. The training components available in the ILP catalogue encompass all training activities that may be undertaken during candidature, with provision to add external training activities and record placements.

Some examples of training components include:

• research skills workshops
• advanced training in methods
• equipment training certification
• laboratory inductions
• OH&S training.

Research and research-related study

Research is the defining characteristic of the PhD and comprises at least two thirds of the degree. Although coursework units are required, the main product of the PhD is in the form of a thesis written under the guidance of a supervisor and associate supervisor(s).