Key facts
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
2026 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
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.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for graduate researchers 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
$37,000 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($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
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.
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. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
