Key facts
Duration
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’ll 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.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Year
2023 course information
- Deakin code
- A900
- CRICOS code?
- 006239F Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Waterfront (Geelong), Warrnambool
- Level
- Higher Degree Research
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 10.
Course structure
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
Students must also complete
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
Additional course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
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
Entry information
Applicants must have demonstrated evidence of a high standard of research ability. This is normally an Honours year to H2A (70%+) standard, a research master degree, or a coursework master degree with a substantial thesis. However, other evidence of research ability may be considered and could include a thesis as part of an international undergraduate degree; relevant refereed publications; research awards; or research experience.
For more information please visit the Deakin Research - Higher Degrees by Research page.
Applicants should hold either a bachelor degree with first class honours (H2A) or a masters by research degree in a field of study related to the subject of the proposed research, or other qualifications/research publications approved as equivalent.
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
Apply now
Higher degree by research applicants must apply via the online applicant portal. You will be required to attach a number of certified supporting documents, in addition to your research proposal and referee reports.
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
Research Information
Supervision is available in most discipline areas offered by the Faculty. Contact the Higher Degree by Research Officer on Tel 03 9244 5258 or email artsed-hdr@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
Entry pathways
Alternative exits
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 Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Mon–Thurs, 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–5pm
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
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 (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. |
Approved by Faculty Board July 2016
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