Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy is a 24-unit program that requires the successful examination of the student's thesis or research outcomes, work-based research project/s, and professional learning.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• Investigate a substantial, complex, and relevant area of research with specialized research skills that enable them to advance their discipline.
• Critically evaluate relevant research literature, theoretical propositions, methodologies, and findings to design and conduct original research.
• Cogently present, verbally and in writing, research findings that include propositions, creative works, insights, and conclusions to their peers and professional community.
• Independently and systematically apply specialized technical and research skills to plan and execute a research project, undertake research ethically according to the discipline standards, and generate new knowledge and original insights that make a contribution to their discipline.
• Apply principles of integrity, research ethics, judgment, adaptability, and responsibility in ways appropriate to an expert in their discipline.

Admission Requirements

Eligibility for admission to this program is based on applicants meeting all advertised eligibility requirements or satisfying the requirements of an approved non-standard admission pathway. The University of Southern Queensland accepts a range of qualifications to determine eligibility for admission, including:

• Australian senior secondary qualifications (such as the QCE or HSC)
• Overseas senior secondary qualifications (such as GCE-A Levels)
• Prior tertiary studies
• Prior TAFE/VET studies
• Work experience
• Completed enabling programs

English Language Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University's English Language requirement.

Recognition of Prior Learning for Credit

If you have prior work or other life experience or have studied previously, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL) for credit. Credit can help reduce your tuition fees, study load, and the time it takes to complete your degree.

Program Rules

The Doctor of Philosophy comprises a minimum of 16 units, although students would normally complete 24 units, with the option to extend to 32 units if needed. Students will be enrolled in either part-time or full-time courses from the date of admission through to the date that they submit their thesis for examination, or alternatively be on approved leave.

Assessment

A student is admitted to this program as a provisional candidate until successful completion of the Confirmation of Candidature process. The Confirmation of Candidature consists of two components:

1. A written document
2. An oral presentation to a review panel leading to a recommendation on Confirmation of Candidature Student progress will be monitored by compulsory Progress Reports. The final assessment in the PhD program is the submission of a PhD thesis that will be examined as per the Higher Degree Research (HDR) examination schedule.

Program Requirements

All PhD students must successfully complete appropriate courses and complete the Confirmation of Candidature process. Finally, a PhD thesis must be submitted for examination. All PhD students are required to submit a thesis for examination, which will be examined by suitably qualified examiners as per the Higher Degree Research (HDR) examination schedule.

Program Structure

The PhD program includes various specializations, such as:

• PhD Creative Arts
• PhD Communication and Media Studies
• PhD Performing Arts
• PhD Language and Literature
• PhD Law
• PhD Psychology
• PhD Studies in Human Society
• PhD Business and Management
• PhD Education
• PhD Health
• PhD Human Movement
• PhD Nursing
• PhD Medical Studies
• PhD Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies
• PhD Environmental Studies
• PhD Land, Parks and Wildlife Management
• PhD Agricultural Science
• PhD Biomedical Engineering
• PhD Aerospace Engineering
• PhD Communications Technology
• PhD Electrical Engineering
• PhD Surveying
• PhD Mechanical Engineering
• PhD Materials Engineering
• PhD Manufacturing Engineering
• PhD Information Systems
• PhD Computer Science
• PhD Natural and Physical Sciences
• PhD Biological Science
• PhD Earth Sciences
• PhD Chemical Sciences
• PhD Astronomy
• PhD Physics
• PhD Mathematical Sciences
• PhD Civil Engineering

Course Offer Guide

The Course Offer Guide provides a clear overview of course availability, delivery mode, and campus offerings.

Program Level

The program level is Research.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level

The AQF level is Level 10 - Doctoral Degree.

Duration - Full-Time (Years)

The duration of the program is 4 years.

Max Time to Complete (Years)

The maximum time to complete the program is 4 years.

Location(s) of Offer

The program is offered in Ipswich, Toowoomba, Online, and Springfield.

Study Period

The study period is Research.

Start

The program can be started in Research 6, Research 1, Research 5, Research 8, Research 4, Research 7, Research 2, and Research 3.

Program Deferment

This program is not able to be deferred.

Quota

Places in this program are not limited by quota.

Fees

The program is available for international fee-paying and domestic fee-paying students.