Key facts
Duration
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
Course overview
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.
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
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
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:
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Intakes by location
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.
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.
Useful Links
More information on PhD Xtra
Mandatory student checks
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.
Participation requirements
Units in this course may have participation requirements.
Inclusive learning support
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.
Entry requirements
Your academic history, work and life experience, and individual circumstances will be considered. Meeting the minimum academic and English language requirements does not guarantee admission, but alternative pathways may be available.
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)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Fees and scholarships
Please refer to Research Scholarships and Fees for more information.
Scholarship options
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.
Research information
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
Pathways
Alternate exits
- Master of Commerce (Research) (M800)
- Master of Laws - Major Thesis (M810)
Career outcomes
Completing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Deakin prepares you to become a thought leader and make a distinct, original contribution to knowledge in your chosen field. Graduates pursue careers where their expertise drives innovation, shapes strategy, and influences decision-making across industries and academia.
- Typical roles for PhD graduates include:
- Research and Development (R&D) Manager
- Academic, e.g., Lecturer, Postdoctoral Fellow
- Policy Analyst
- Consultant
- Industry Specialist
- Entrepreneur
Your PhD equips you with a range of transferable skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management that are highly valued across diverse career paths.
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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*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.
