Key facts
Locations
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.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- A900
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 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
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.
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.
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
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)
Subject adjustment
Regional adjustments
Elite Athlete program
Access and equitySpecial entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Recognition of prior learning
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$38,400 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
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.
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
Alternate exits
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 |
|---|---|
| 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
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
