Information for research students

Courses Offered

• Master of Commerce (MCom)
• Master of Laws (LLM)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A masters by research degree is awarded for an original contribution to knowledge achieved in up to two years of full-time candidature (or two to four years of part-time candidature). Usually a thesis of not more than 50,000 words is submitted.

Doctoral degrees are awarded for a substantial original contribution to knowledge achieved in two to four years of full-time (or four to eight years part-time) candidature. Usually a thesis of not more than 100,000 words is submitted.

In the case of both masters by research and PhD degrees, the program may include some coursework designed to strengthen your research skills and assist in managing your research project, usually in the first year, but the focus of the degree is on research.

Admission

Admission to Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidature is normally granted on the basis of a bachelor's degree with honours or a master's degree with a substantial research component. It is expected that a candidate for a doctoral program will have achieved the standard of at least second class honours (upper division), and that a candidate for a master's degree will have achieved the standard of second class honours. Other qualifications and experience may be considered for entry if the HDR Committee accepts them as equivalent to those above. Where entry is sought based on alternative qualifications, a key requirement is that there has been independent research leading to a thesis or equivalent publications. The HDR Committee looks for evidence of research potential and demonstrated ability to produce a significant report - two qualities which will be essential for successful candidature.

Application forms and dates (Australian citizens and permanent residents)

Scholarships

English Language Requirements

Where your first language is not English, you will need to provide documentary evidence of English proficiency such as the following, completed no more than two years preceding the date of enrolment at Deakin:

• IELTS (Academic) score of 7 with no band score lower than 6.5
• TOEFL Paper-Based-Test score of 600 (Writing: 5) or better
• TOEFL Internet-Based-Test score of 100 (Writing: 24) or better
• Satisfactory completion of at least two academic years of full-time study in a university degree program where English is the language of instruction and assessment

International students should visit the Future international students website or email Deakin International for information on applications, fees and scholarships.

Research Skills and Support

All research students should participate in the Higher Degrees by Research induction sessions and workshop series. Participants need to register to ensure they are informed about upcoming events and changes to scheduled events, via the Research Events Registration website (password authentication required). Presentations from many of the HDR workshops are available to download.

The School of Management and Marketing has designed research modules for students which are available to assist you.

Deakin University Library website has a Research Support page and Research Skills modules on a range of topics.

The Division of Student Life has an academic skills section in its web site with a range of guides and links to relevant information including:

• editing;
• critical analysis;
• referencing; and
• presentations.

Notes on Publishing your Research have been developed to guide you in identifying the best research journals in which to seek publication.

Professor Gus Geursen's Power Point presentation on The Treatment of Complex Literatures for Research [367KB Powerpoint], presented at Faculty of Business and Law seminars in October 2005 contains many useful tips.

Presentations on research methodology may be downloaded here:

• Dr Darryl Coulthard - It Ain't What You Do, It's The Way That You Do It... [24KB Powerpoint]
• Associate Professor Monica Keneley - Business History Frameworks and Their Applications [163KB PDF]
• Professor Zahirul Hoque - Triangulation - What is it, when to use it and how to use it? [106KB Powerpoint]
• Ms Emma Sherry - PhD Research Method [36KB Powerpoint]

Notes on preparing a poster presentation for a colloquium or conference may be downloaded here: How to Prepare a Poster [28KB DOC]

Presentations by Professor Ruth Rentschler may be downloaded here:

The Concluding Chapter [127KB PDF]

Effective Presentations [3.4MB PDF]

IT Support

Deakin eSolutions Top Tech Tips for HDR Students.