Program Overview

Doctor of Public Safety

The Doctor of Public Safety from Charles Sturt University is designed for individuals working in any field of public safety who wish to make a significant and original contribution to understanding in the context of their professional practice. This course enables students to gain exceptional methodological and research skills, graduating with a distinctive body of knowledge that places them at the forefront of their field.

Key Information

• Study Mode and Sessions: Online, with sessions starting in March and July.
• Duration: Minimum of 4 years, maximum of 8 years.
• Entry Score: To be announced.
• Indicative Fees:
  • International online: Fee-paying overseas, full-time $33,680.00 per annum, part-time $16,840.00 per annum.
• Course Points and Codes: 192 credit points, AQF Level 10.

Why Study with Us?

• Pursue Your Interests: This public safety degree offers the opportunity to conduct in-depth research into an area of particular professional interest.
• Contribute to Your Field: The course emphasizes investigating issues related to public safety operations and developing new ways to meet challenges, with the potential to influence policy and practice.
• Develop Advanced Research Skills: The course cultivates research and writing skills, moving through successive stages with confidence.
• Support from Experts: Academics are international leaders in their fields, providing suitable support throughout the research process.

Career Opportunities

• Senior Roles: The Doctor of Public Safety equips students with critical thinking skills and advanced knowledge to take on senior roles in their chosen field, including emergency and disaster management, public health, humanitarian relief, crisis communication, fire investigation, policing, security, border management, local government, water and electricity provision, non-government organizations, and social services.

What You Will Study

• Essential Set (192 points):
  • Core subjects (64 points):
    • RES701: Critical Issues in Research
    • RES702: Research Methodology for Professional Practice
    • RES703: Comprehensive Literature Review
    • RES704: Research Proposal and Presentation
  • Thesis (128 points):
    • RES705: Doctoral Thesis (full-time)
    • RES706: Doctoral Thesis (part-time)
• Research Areas: Public safety, including emergency and disaster management, public health, humanitarian relief, crisis communication, fire investigation, policing, security, border management, local government, water and electricity services, non-government organizations, and social services. Examples of possible research areas include public health, emergency and disaster management, evacuation and recovery centers, disaster economics, crisis communications, early warning systems, structural and wildfire investigation, volunteering, search and rescue, biosecurity and pandemic response, leadership, management and decision-making, aviation security, humanitarian relief, water and electricity services, psychosocial aspects of recovery, border security and management, and community preparation and recovery.

Costs

• Calculate My Fee: Fees are indicative only, based on full-time study. The actual fee will depend on the choice of subjects, their point value, and whether the course allows for full-time or part-time study.
• Payment Options:
  • Pay all of your student contribution up front direct to the university.
  • Pay part of your student contribution to the university and defer the balance via a HECS-HELP loan through the Australian Government (if eligible).
  • Defer all of your student contribution via a HECS-HELP loan through the Australian Government (if eligible).
• International Student Fees: Charles Sturt University gives a discount on tuition fees to citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada and the United Kingdom.

Scholarships

• Available Scholarships: Over $11 million annually, covering various areas such as academic performance, volunteering, sports achievements, community service, specific courses, on-campus living, and individuals in unique circumstances.

Entry Requirements

• Selection Rank: To be announced.
• Academic Entry Requirements:
  • Master's degree by coursework and research experience; or
  • Master's degree by research; or
  • Equivalent qualification from a recognized Australian tertiary institution; or
  • International qualification deemed equivalent as determined by NOOSR.
• Professional Experience: At least five years of full-time (or equivalent) practice in Public Safety or a cognate area, some of which must be current.
• Language Requirements: Standard English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements apply.

Credit and Pathways

• Credit: If you have completed relevant tertiary study or have work experience related to your course, you may receive credit towards your degree.
• Admission Pathways: Several pathways are available to help you meet the entry requirements if you don't quite meet them at first.

How to Apply

• Application Process: Applying to Charles Sturt University is easy. You can apply via UAC, VTAC, or directly to the university. Recruitment agents are also available to assist with the application process.