#15 in the world for business administration
Top 150 worldwide for law
#1 Victorian university for facilities and resources
Why choose Deakin
Make a substantial, original contribution to knowledge in your chosen field with the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), a supervised research degree offered by Deakin. You will work closely with expert academic supervisors who will guide your research journey, while also completing research training coursework units.
Deakin is recognised for its research impact and innovation, providing an inspiring environment supported by dedicated resources and a vibrant community of scholars. Our collaborative and interdisciplinary approach enables you to tackle complex, real-world challenges and expand your expertise.
This degree may be undertaken in the Deakin Business School or Deakin Law School, and expert members of the academic staff will be appointed as your principal and associate supervisors. As well as your written thesis, you will be required to successfully complete several coursework units.
Deakin currently has around 1,600 graduate researchers – passionate individuals making the most of our innovative facilities, partnerships, strategic research centres and world-class reputation.
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Expert supervision and research training
Be supervised by leading researchers who will challenge your thinking in a rigorous and supportive research environment, complemented by research training coursework that builds your skills to succeed.
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Business research disciplines
Pursue research across accounting, economics, finance, business analytics, management and marketing, exploring topics including responsible business, digital transformation, capital markets and entrepreneurship.
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Law research disciplines
Tackle contemporary legal challenges across areas including health law, law and technology, law and vulnerability, public law and taxation.
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Researcher Development Academy
Tailored development opportunities throughout your research degree help you strengthen your research practice, grow your networks and build the skills to advance your career while completing your PhD.
Connected to industry
Engaging with industry during your PhD or masters by research ensures your research is relevant, future‑focused and positioned to create impact. Develop the skills your future employers need with industry-embedded projects, co‑supervision arrangements, access to partner facilities and opportunities to translate research into practice.
FAQs
Deakin is ranked #1 in Victoria for student support, with resources designed to take you from orientation through to thesis submission. You'll have a personalised online candidature profile to track milestones and manage your progress, backed by dedicated supervision. The Researcher Development Academy runs workshops covering research practice, writing, milestones and research communication. You can also build experience beyond your thesis through study trips, research fieldwork, fellowships, industry mentorship and programs like the National Industry PhD Program. Deakin's Three Minute Thesis (3MT) and Reel Research program gives you the chance to develop your research communication skills throughout your degree.
As a Deakin graduate researcher, you'll have access to world-class facilities across our campuses. Deakin is ranked #1 among Victorian universities for facilities, with advanced labs, specialised equipment and collaborative spaces available to researchers. Highlights include the Genesis Simulator, the only university-based system of its kind worldwide, Australia's first high-G CYCLONE Centrifuge, the AquaFI Lab and the Deakin Volume Screen. Our research precincts, including the Geelong Future Economy Precinct with its Hydrogen Hub and ManuFutures facility and the ITSH Precinct, put you alongside industry partners and cutting-edge infrastructure.
Applying for a research degree at Deakin involves a few key steps. First, review the entry requirements section on the course page. Next, find a supervisor in your field and review key dates and scholarship deadlines. You'll then need to prepare your supporting documents, including a research proposal. When you're ready, create a ResearchPoint profile and apply online through the Deakin Application Portal.
Finding the right supervisor is one of the most important steps in starting a research degree. Deakin's Find a Research Supervisor tool lets you search by research area, faculty or keyword to identify academics whose expertise aligns with your proposed project. Browse their profiles to learn about current projects and research interests, then reach out to introduce yourself and discuss your ideas. You'll need to confirm a supervisor's availability and willingness to support you before submitting your application.
If you're an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent visa holder, you won't pay tuition fees for a research degree at Deakin. Domestic candidates are automatically covered by the RTP Fee Offset scholarship, which covers your tuition in full. You may also be eligible for an RTP or DUPR scholarship, which can include a tax-exempt stipend, relocation allowances and other support.
A research proposal is a required part of your application for a research degree at Deakin. It helps us assess whether we have the supervisory expertise to support your project. Your proposal should cover your research direction, aims and objectives, your approach and scope, and how your work will contribute to knowledge in the field. The expected length varies from 300 to 2,000 words depending on the faculty. Find out how to prepare a compelling research proposal.
Yes, part-time study is available for many research degrees at Deakin, making it possible to balance your candidacy with work or other commitments. For example, a masters by research that takes two years full-time can be completed part-time over four years. Check the duration details on the course page to confirm.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
Course structure
To complete the Doctor of Philosophy, you must pass 24 credit points.
You will be required to complete a 12-month probation period, which culminates in a Confirmation of Candidature at the 12-month mark. Only once your candidature is confirmed, can you proceed with your thesis project. Candidature is for a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 4 years.
What is confirmation? | Students (deakin.edu.au)
Compulsory coursework
Students are required to complete research training units in accordance with their field of study. Details for Faculty of Business and Law PhD students:
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
What to expect while studying
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.
More information on PhD Xtra
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
Units in this course may have participation requirements.
Supervision is available in the following discipline areas offered by the Faculty: Accounting, Marketing, Management, Information Systems and Business Analytics, Economics, Finance, and Law.
If you have any questions, please contact the Researcher Development Academy (RDA): deakin-hdr-cc@deakin.edu.au
Deakin University offers scholarships for study towards doctoral degrees in all faculties. Information is available from:
Deakin HDR Admissions and Scholarships - deakin-hdr-as@deakin.edu.au
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
You can apply for a research degree without a scholarship at any time, with commencement not limited to Deakin’s trimester dates.
Online candidature may be available in certain circumstances, subject to approval. Students will normally be required to be on-campus while completing their research methods coursework.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
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- Award granted
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- M900
- Level
- Higher Degree Research
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 10
Fees
Please refer to Research Scholarships and Fees for more information.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Apply now
Higher Degrees by Research
Deakin invites applications from exceptional candidates for its PhD program in business and law. For information on the application process, including how to prepare an expression of interest, visit the How to apply webpage.
Alternate exits
- Master of Commerce (Research) (M800)
- Master of Laws - Major Thesis (M810)