Doctor of Philosophy

• design, plan and execute an original piece of research, based on an expert mastery of appropriate research methodology, research integrity and ethics;
• demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of a substantial and complex body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of work or learning, in one or more fields of study;
• demonstrate substantial knowledge of research principles and methods relevant to the discipline or area of learning;
• demonstrate expert cognitive, technical and creative skills, based on a mastery of theoretical knowledge using intellectual independence, to reflect critically on, synthesise and evaluate theory and its application to undertake systematic investigation to generate significant and original knowledge;
• disseminate research results to peers and the community; and
• as a leading scholar at the frontier of a discipline or disciplines, demonstrate intellectual independence, initiative and adaptability to generate a significant, expert and original contribution to knowledge.

To qualify for admission to the PhD, applicants must have completed:

• Australian master’s research degree, or
• Australian bachelor’s degree with Honours (first- or second-class division A), with a minimum research component of 25%, or
• Australian master’s coursework degree with a minimum overall GPA of 5.5 on a 7-point scale (or equivalent), with a minimum research component of 25%, or
• Australian professional doctoral degree, with a minimum research component of 25%, or
• an overseas qualification comparable to, or higher than, any of the above.

Special consideration for entry into the PhD may be granted if applicants can demonstrate the potential to undertake and complete research-based study at a PhD level.

The following documents will be requested as part of the application process:

• Certified academic transcripts
• Detailed research proposal in a study area related to a previous degree, using the Avondale HDR Research Proposal template
• CV
• Two written academic references, including contact details

Acceptance into the PhD degree is dependent on:

• qualifications and experience
• evidence of being able to communicate effectively at an appropriate academic level
• alignment of the proposed topic to one of Avondale's Research Centres
• quality and feasibility of research proposal
• availability of suitable supervisors
• infrastructure and financial resource availability

Applicants may be invited to an informal meeting (online or on-campus) with the HDR Course Convenor as part of the application process.

Prior to enrolment, applicants are required to disclose any conditions or history that may impact their capacity to successfully complete the PhD degree.

International Applicants

This course is available to international students who meet the Australian government requirements for a student visa (subclass 500) to reside in Australia for the duration of the course.

* These students must study on campus in full-time mode to meet student visa requirements.

* International students in Australia on a student visa cannot enrol in this course by distance mode.

For information regarding visas refer to: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/study.

This course is available online for international students who want to study from their home country.

International students on a visa other than a student visa with no study limitations, may choose to study full-time or part-time in any study mode.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following:

1. Achieving a minimum overall Academic IELTS score of 7.0 with no sub-band below 7.0, or
2. Obtaining a qualification deemed by Avondale to be equivalent to Academic IELTS (and its minimum scores), or
3. Providing documentary evidence of a prior qualification conducted and assessed in English in a recognised country^ and completed within the last two years.

^Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, or the United States of America.

Post Admission Requirements

PhD candidates may need clearances for research conducted in specific contexts during their candidature, such as:

• a Criminal Record Check and/or Working with Children Check if the planned research involves children or vulnerable people.
• Government health department vaccinations from the area in which the research would be conducted.

PhD candidates are required to design, plan and execute a supervised research project that addresses a gap they have identified in their review of relevant literature. The resulting thesis may take the form of a written thesis, a combination of written exegesis and creative performance, or a thesis by publication. Progress is tracked by key milestones that are aligned with course learning outcomes.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate, whether studying full-time or part-time, will enrol in the following units during the degree:

• DPHL71000 Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (the candidate remains enrolled in this unit throughout their research until submission of the thesis)
• DPHL72000 Doctor of Philosophy Thesis – Under Examination.

Course Completion:

• Standard length of candidature: 3 - 3.5 years full time (part-time equivalent years)
• Maximum length of candidature: 4 years full time (part-time equivalent years)