Doctor of Philosophy
2025 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2025 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Deakin course code | M900 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Business and Law |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong), Warrnambool |
| Online | Yes |
| Duration | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| CRICOS course code | 006249D 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 |
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
- Alternative exits
- Research information
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Other learning experiences
- Research and research-related study
Course overview
Make a substantial, original contribution to knowledge in your chosen field with the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), a supervised research program at Deakin.
This degree may be undertaken in the Deakin Business School or Deakin Law School and expert members of the academic staff will be appointed as your principal and associate supervisors. As well as your written thesis, you will be required to complete several coursework units and meet certain attendance requirements.
Deakin currently has around 1,600 higher degrees by research (HDR) candidates – passionate individuals making the most of our innovative facilities, partnerships, strategic research centres and world-class 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. More information available at Disability support services.
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.
Alternative exits
| Master of Commerce (M800) | |
| Master of Laws - Major Thesis (M810) |
Research information
Supervision is available in the following discipline areas offered by the Faculty: Accounting, Marketing, Management, Information Systems/Business Analytics, Economics, Finance, and Law.
More information on research training coursework for M900:
https://www.deakin.edu.au/students/research/course-content/research-training-coursework-units
If you have any questions, please contact the Faculty Research Services Team
Research Administration Group
bl-phd@deakin.edu.au
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) |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
Course rules
You will be required to complete a 12-month probation period, which culminates in a Confirmation of Candidature at the 12-month mark. Only once your candidature is confirmed, can you proceed with your thesis project. Candidature is for a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 4 years.
What is confirmation? | Students (deakin.edu.au)
Compulsory coursework
Students are required to complete research training units in accordance with their field of study. Details for Faculty of Business and Law PhD students:
https://www.deakin.edu.au/students/research/course-content/research-training-coursework-units
Course duration
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
More information on research training coursework for M900
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
PhD candidates are strongly encouraged to utilise the Individual Learning Plan (ILP), an online tool that allows you 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
- 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).