Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (by research)

  Institution: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (by research)

Programme Description

As a doctoral research degree candidate, you will uncover new knowledge either by the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative reinterpretation of known data and established ideas. Your research will use an in-depth understanding of theories and concepts to develop practical solutions for real-world problems.

A higher degree by research differs from other postgraduate degrees in that at least two-thirds of the study program must involve research. Although some coursework units may be required, the main part of your work will be in the form of a thesis written under the guidance of a supervisor and associate supervisor(s). Your thesis must, in the opinion of the examiners, be a substantial original contribution to the knowledge or understanding of any field through the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative reinterpretation of known data and established ideas. It must also demonstrate your capacity to conceive, design and complete independent research.

Throughout your studies, our faculties will provide you with access to equipment and resources to support your research, and financial assistance to attend appropriate local and international conferences.

Entry requirements – Doctor of Philosophy and other doctoral research degrees

Curtin offers several doctoral research degrees, including the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Doctoral research degree candidates should uncover new knowledge either by the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative re-interpretation of known data and established ideas.

The thesis research will be a program which is practically oriented and useful in developing an effective understanding, providing for the application of solutions to real world problems.

Subject to and in accordance with Curtin’s Rule 10: Degree of doctor by Research, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree shall be awarded for a thesis as defined in the Rules or a combination of a thesis and coursework in which the coursework component does not exceed one-third of the total doctoral degree program. In all cases the thesis must in the opinion of the examiners be a substantial original contribution to the knowledge or understanding of any field of study and demonstrate the capacity of the candidate to conceive, design and carry to completion independent research.

For admission to a doctoral degree program an applicant normally shall have studied for a minimum of four years in a tertiary institution and satisfied the Faculty Graduate Studies Committee that at least one of the following entry requirements has been met:

• Graduated with or qualified for the award of the degree of master within the University which requires the completion of a publicly available thesis or research project to an acceptable standard;
  or
• Graduated with or qualified for the award of the degree of bachelor with first class honours or upper second class honours within the University;
  or
• (i) Graduated with a bachelor degree and completed a postgraduate diploma or its equivalent, or completed a master degree by coursework, with, in both cases, a course-weighted average of not less than 70 per cent within the University; and
  (ii) Demonstrated the capacity to undertake significant research;
  or
• in exceptional circumstances:
  (i) graduated with or qualified for the award of the degree of Bachelor;
  (ii) has substantial:
  i. relevant peer-reviewed publications or conference papers, or exhibitions; and/or
  ii. research experience; and
  (iii) demonstrated the capacity to undertake significant research;
  or
• Obtained qualifications from another institution which are recognised by tertiary admission authorities in Australia and which are deemed to be equivalent to, or a satisfactory substitute for, any of the qualifications prescribed above;
  or
• Enrolled in a research master degree for the equivalent of at least one semester full-time, and shown exceptional ability in the conduct of the early stages of the research project which is clearly capable of being extended and converted to doctoral level. Conversion of enrolment from master to a doctoral program requires the approval of the Faculty Graduate Studies Committee.

General requirements

As an applicant you will need to demonstrate that:

1. You have studied for a minimum of four years in a tertiary institution;
2. You meet the eligibility criteria of the Faculty Graduate Studies Committee for the enrolling area in which you propose to study. The Committee will expect you to satisfy at least one of the criteria given in the Rule 10: Degree of Doctor by Research and Rule 11: Degree of Master by Research, Section 3;
3. You and your proposed supervisor have confirmed with the Head of your Enrolling Area that the enrolling area can provide the necessary supervision and facilities required to support your research;
4. You have reached an appropriate level of proficiency in the English language to complete your research. Applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds must either provide evidence of previous tertiary studies conducted in English, or have received test scores on the listed tests in excess of the minimum standards outlined in the International Office’s English Entry Requirements by English Language Test [.pdf – 225 kB].
   At the discretion of the Head of Enrolling Area, you may be required to complete a bridging course in English as a condition of enrolment (see Rule 10: Degree of Doctor by Research and Rule 11: Degree of Master by Research, Section 5(b)(v)). For further information, view information on the English Language Centre site.

At this time, you should also enquire about the facilities which will be made available to you, such as accommodation, access to a telephone, computer, other equipment necessary for your research, after hours access to facilities and so on. See the document outlining essential facilities for higher degree by research students (on-campus [.pdf – 41 kB]or off-campus [.pdf – 42 kB]).

Distance education candidates undertaking research away from campus should also enquire about the means by which they will be maintaining contact with their supervisor(s) and the University, which is likely to include obtaining an email account and establishing electronic access. Be sure to discuss with the enrolling area any other special equipment or facility needs that you may require whilst undertaking your research.

Source : Curtin University