Doctor of Philosophy

2024 Deakin University Handbook

Year

2024 course information

Award granted Doctor of Philosophy
Deakin course codeH910
Faculty

Faculty of Health

CampusOffered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Waterfront (Geelong)
OnlineYes
Duration3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code018830C Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Waterfront (Geelong)
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 an important public health field by undertaking PhD research.

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

Public health research in nutrition includes: measurement and evaluation of food sources; nutritional assessment; exercise and behaviour; sports nutrition; physiology and metabolism; diet and disease with particular interest in cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes and osteoporosis.

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

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.

To review details of the Strategic Research Centres and the research we are undertaking click here.

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

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

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

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.

Other course information

Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.