Doctor of Philosophy

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Key facts

English language requirements

IELTS overall score of 7 (with no band score less than 6.5) or equivalent

Duration

3-4 years full time

Campuses

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

This is a supervised research program taken by thesis or folio. The research of each candidate is conducted under the supervision of a full-time member of the academic staff. Candidates are required to participate in an oral colloquium about one third of the way through candidature in which the proposed research is defended and are required to then ultimately submit a thesis embodying the results of their research.

Award granted: Doctor of Philosophy
Year: 2023 course information
Deakin code: E900
CRICOS code?: 006244J Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (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.

Campuses by intake

Campus availability varies per trimester. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Read more to learn where this course will be offered throughout the year.

Trimester 1 - March

Start date: March
Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Warrnambool
- Cloud Campus

Trimester 2 - July

Start date: July
Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Warrnambool
- Cloud Campus

Trimester 3 - November

Start date: November
Available at:
Dependent on availability of supervisors.

HDR applications now open
Applications for research degrees without scholarship may be made at any time. Commencement of research degrees is not confined to Deakin's trimesters.

Additional course information

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Participation requirements

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.

Entry requirements

Entry information

Applicants must have demonstrated evidence of a high standard of research ability. This is normally an Honours year to H2A (70%+) 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.

Experienced and qualified professionals in education who hold a bachelor degree with good honours (H2A), (equivalency can be met by undertaking a coursework masters degree in education with a research component) or other approved qualifications may apply to undertake the PhD program. All enrolled candidates are required to participate in a Faculty Online Seminar Program.

IELTS / English language requirements

Please note that English language requirements exist for entry to this course and you will be required to meet the English language level requirement that is applicable in the year of your commencement of studies.

It is the students’ responsibility to ensure that she/he has the required IELTS score to register with any external accredited courses. (more details)

Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories. To be eligible for admission to this program, applicants must meet the course requirements.

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

Fees and scholarships

Fee information

Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place

$32,600 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.

The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning.

One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.

You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.

Learn more about tuition fees.

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

Higher Degrees by Research

Higher degree by research applicants must apply via the online applicant portal. You will be required to attach a number of certified supporting documents, in addition to your research proposal and referee reports.

For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.

Apply through HDR

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)
Demonstrate systematic and critical understanding in one or more specialist fields or discipline areas by planning and generating a substantial and original contribution that advances scholarship or professional practice.	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.
Effectively disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences using highly developed communication skills and work productively within a team of experts in the field. Synthesise, apply and analyse existing and new knowledge in one or more discipline areas to develop new concepts or interpretations through engagement in ethical research, critical reflection, continuous evaluation and demonstration of research skills.	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.
Demonstrate autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability, leadership, initiative, resilience and responsibility as an expert and leading practitioner or scholar.	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.