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Australian Catholic University (ACU)

  • 12% international / 88% domestic

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

  • Doctorate (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded for high-level research and, as such, it is expected that candidates will make a contribution to knowledge in their chosen field. A PhD may be undertaken by three different means: Traditional PhD: A PhD candidate's work is assessed on the basis of a c.

Key details

Degree Type
Doctorate (PhD)
Duration
12 months full-time
Course Code
097176G

About this course

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded for high-level research and, as such, it is expected that candidates will make a contribution to knowledge in their chosen field. A PhD may be undertaken by three different means:

  1. Traditional PhD:
    A PhD candidate's work is assessed on the basis of a c. 100,000 word thesis.
  2. PhD by Publication:
    A PhD candidate's work is assessed on the basis of the submission of a thesis (c. 50,000 words) containing a number of papers written up as journal articles.
  3. PhD by Creative Project:
    A PhD candidate's work is assessed on the basis of a thesis and a project, including but not limited to: a durable record of performance, exhibition of visual arts, writing, design, film, multimedia, CD, DVD, software program or other creative works.

Further detailed information regarding requirements for the submission of a PhD may be located in the Guidelines on the Preparation and Presentation of a Higher Degree Research Thesis for Examination.

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is available in all Faculties of the University and is awarded without classification on the basis of examination of a major thesis. The requirements for the degree shall be completed by submission of a thesis which demonstrates that the candidate has made a substantial contribution to learning and appreciates and understands the relationship of the candidate's own investigations to a wider field of knowledge.

Entry requirements

A candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy must comply with the Higher Degree Research Regulations.

An applicant for admission to candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy must have completed one of the following:

  1. an appropriate undergraduate degree with Honours at a minimum level of Second Class Division A (Distinction average) or equivalent; or
  2. a master's degree with appropriate research training in a relevant field; or
  3. an equivalent qualification and/or demonstrated research experience, with evidence of capacity to undertake independent research work (eg an authored publication).

Meeting the eligibility requirements for admission is not in itself a guarantee of admission. The candidate's potential to undertake research, the quality and feasibility of the research proposal, the availability of appropriate supervision and the referee's reports will all be taken into consideration. Please refer to Regulation 5.2.

*Disclaimer: The Course entry requirements above are for 2021 Admission.

Study locations

Sydney

Ballarat

North Sydney

Canberra

Strathfield

Melbourne

Brisbane