• 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, applicants must have completed:

• an Australian Master's by research or a Master's by coursework degree, including a major self-directed research component, or
• an Australian professional doctoral degree, including a major self-directed research component, 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 doctoral level.

In addition, applicants must:

• complete a brief research proposal (max. 1000 words) outlining the proposed research topic the candidate intends to pursue, and
• provide a sample of a major written assignment or mini-thesis from a previously completed degree, or a sample of other professional writing (e.g. a report).

Acceptance into the PhD degree is dependent on:

• qualifications and experience
• ability to communicate verbally and in writing
• quality and feasibility of research proposal
• availability of appropriate supervision
• availability of Avondale's infrastructure and financial resources.

Applicants are invited to an informal meeting (online or on-campus) with the Director of Higher Degree Research during 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 to reside in Australia for the duration of the course. It is also available online for international students residing outside Australia. For information regarding visas refer to https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/study.

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.

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:

• Minimum length of candidature: 2 years full time (part-time equivalent years)
• Timely length of candidature: 3 years full time (part-time equivalent years)
• Maximum length of candidature: 4 years full time (part-time equivalent years)

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