Doctor of Philosophy

Research various theories surrounding political, social and contemporary issues and make a substantial contribution to knowledge in your field.

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Key facts

Duration

3 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Locations

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

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

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.

Your research will be conducted under the supervision of a panel, which is chaired by the principal supervisor – a full-time member of staff experienced in research.

You’ll write a thesis of 80 000 -100 000 words, embodying the results of research carried out your field of study. If you’re studying for a PhD in the creative arts, you can submit a thesis comprising creative work and an exegesis of between 25 000 and 50 000 words.

Award granted: Doctor of Philosophy
Year: 2025 course information
Deakin code: A900
CRICOS code?: 006239F Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Waterfront (Geelong), Warrnambool
Level: Higher Degree Research
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition: The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 10

Course structure

To complete the Doctor of Philosophy you must pass 24 credit points. This includes:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period

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

A candidate is required to complete a thesis of 80 000-100 000 words, embodying the results of research carried out in the field of study specified at the time of enrolment. Candidates in the arts may submit a thesis comprising creative work and an exegesis of between 25 000 and 50 000 words.

Coursework unit - to be completed by all students

Details available at the following site:

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

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

Trimester 1 - March

Start date: March
Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Warrnambool
- Online

Trimester 2 - July

Start date: July
Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Warrnambool
- Online

Trimester 3 - November

Start date: November
Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Warrnambool
- Online

HDR applications now open
Applications for research degrees without scholarship may be made at any time. Commencement of research degrees is not confined to Deakin's trimesters.

Course duration

You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.

Participation requirements

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Entry requirements

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.

Academic requirements

To be considered for selection into a Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) degree, you are required to have completed either:

a research project in a related area including a thesis which is equivalent to at least 25% of a year's full-time study at Level 8 or 9 of the Australian Qualifications Framework with achievement of a grade for the project equivalent to a Deakin grade of 70% or equivalent
a masters degree (research) in a related area

English language proficiency requirements

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 6.5) or equivalent
other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

Admissions information

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

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Get all the information you need to successfully apply for a Deakin research degree or PhD, including key dates, entry requirements, supporting documents and finding a research supervisor. We’re here to support you through the process.

Learn how to apply

Research Information

Supervision is available in most discipline areas offered by the Faculty. Contact the Higher Degree by Research Officer on Tel 03 9244 5413 or email deakin-hdr-as@deakin.edu.au for more information.

Deakin University offers scholarships for study towards higher degrees by research. For further information contact the Research Scholarships Officer, telephone (03) 5227 3492, or fax (03) 5227 1275, or email research-scholarships@deakin.edu.au

Pathways

Alternative exits

Master of Arts (A800)

Contact information

Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
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Course learning outcomes

Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

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 July 2016