Entry pathways to Higher Degrees
Entry to a research degree at Deakin is based on a demonstrated capacity to undertake significant research in the proposed field. This means that you should have completed (a) advanced coursework in a relevant field of study; (b) initial research training in appropriate methods; and (c) a research project resulting in a written report or comparable output.
Research ability may be demonstrated in a variety of ways:
- An Australian Honours degree (an undergraduate degree plus an additional year of supervised research). To apply for a research masters degree, the minimum standard for the Honours year is 60% (or Honours 2B), and to apply for a PhD, the minimum standard for the Honours year is 70% (or Honours 2A).
- A research Masters' degree with at least 2/3 of the degree comprising a thesis.
- A coursework Masters' degree or graduate diploma which includes a research project or thesis of 10,000 to 20,000 words to 70%+ standard, and research methodology units.
- Comparable qualifications from international universities including a research project or thesis of 10,000 to 20,000 words to 70%+ standard.
- Relevant postgraduate research experience.
- One or more independently peer-reviewed journal articles, publications, or conference papers.
- Professional reporting or prior learning.
- Research related awards or prizes.
- Other evidence of research ability.
You must provide demonstrated evidence of such achievements, which have been independently assessed. You should also include details on the nature of your research ability, such as the length and content of the program or research, with particular attention to the standard of any research component.
If the evidence includes publications or reports with several authors, you should describe the contribution you have made to the paper. An interview may be requested to discuss this and other matters. The University will assess each case on its merits.
It is also possible to be admitted on the basis of research demonstrated by prior publications and to use these as the basis for a written thesis.
Note: Unfortunately it is not possible to comment on qualifications or publications without full documentation and transcripts, submitted as part of an application. Also, please note that any decision about the standard of research ability is made by the University, not by individual faculty members.
