Key facts
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
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 field.
This degree may be undertaken in the Deakin Business School or Deakin Law School. Expert members of the academic staff will be appointed as your principal and associate supervisors. As well as your written thesis, you’ll be required to complete several coursework units and meet certain attendance requirements.
Deakin currently has around 1,600 higher degree by research (HDR) candidates – passionate individuals making the most of our innovative facilities, partnerships, strategic research centres and world-class reputation.
For more information, please see: https://blogs.deakin.edu.au/business-and-law-phd/
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Year
2023 course information
- Deakin code
- M900
- CRICOS code?
- 006249D Burwood (Melbourne), 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
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 project. Candidature is for a minimum of two years and a maximum of four 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:
https://www.deakin.edu.au/students/research/course-content/research-training-coursework-units
Intakes by location
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.
Additional course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by a variety of issues, including delays in data collection and topic variations.
Useful Links
More information on PhD Xtra:
https://www.deakin.edu.au/research/become-a-research-student/phd-xtra
More information on research training coursework for M900:
https://www.deakin.edu.au/students/research/course-content/research-training-coursework-units
https://blogs.deakin.edu.au/business-and-law-phd/
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 that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
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 (80%+) 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.
Entry to Higher Degree by Research candidature is normally granted on the basis of a bachelor's degree with honours (that is, a four-year degree where the final year includes advanced studies in the discipline, research methodology training and a research thesis) or a master's degree with a substantial research component, in a field of study related to the subject of the proposed research. It is expected that a candidate for a doctoral program will have achieved the standard of at least first-class honours (upper division), and that a candidate for a master's degree will have achieved the standard of second-class honours. Other qualifications and experience may be considered for entry if the Higher Degrees by Research Committee accepts them as equivalent to those above. Where entry is sought based on alternative qualifications, a key requirement is that there has been some research activity leading to a thesis or equivalent publications. The HDR Committee looks for evidence of research potential and demonstrated ability to produce a significant report - two qualities which will be essential for successful candidature.
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
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
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/Business Analytics, Economics, Finance, and Law.
More information on research training coursework for M900:
https://www.deakin.edu.au/students/research/course-content/research-training-coursework-units
If you have any questions, please contact the Faculty Research Services Team
Research Administration Group
bl-phd@deakin.edu.au
Deakin University offers scholarships for study towards research doctoral degrees in all faculties. Information is available from:
University Scholarships Officer
Tel 03 5227 3492
research-scholarships@deakin.edu.au
Entry pathways
Alternative exits
- Master of Commerce (M800)
- Master of Laws - Major Thesis (M810)
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.
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| 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 14 July 2016