Doctor of Philosophy

PhD(Curtin)

Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 4 Years

Introduction

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate should uncover new knowledge either by the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative re-interpretation of known data and established ideas. The doctoral research will use an in-depth understanding of theories and concepts to develop practical solutions for real-world problems. Subject to and in accordance with Curtin's Rule 10: Degree of Doctor by Research, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree shall be awarded for a thesis (as defined in regulations) or a combination of a thesis and coursework in which the coursework component does not exceed one-third of the total doctoral degree program. In all cases the thesis must, in the opinion of the examiners, be a substantial original contribution to the knowledge or understanding of any field and demonstrate the capacity of the candidate to conceive, design and complete independent research.

Course Entry Requirements

Candidates must have graduated with or qualified for the award of the degree of master within the University which requires the completion of a publicly available thesis or research project to an acceptable standard; graduated with or qualified for the award of the degree of bachelor with first class honours or upper second class honours within the University; or (i) graduated with a bachelor degree and completed a postgraduate diploma or its equivalent, or completed a master degree by coursework, with, in both cases, a course-weighted average of not less than seventy percent within the University; and (ii) demonstrated the capacity to undertake significant research; or obtained qualifications from another institution which are recognised by tertiary admission authorities in Australia and which are deemed to be equivalent to, or a satisfactory substitute for, any of the qualifications prescribed above; or enrolled in a research master degree for the equivalent of at least one semester full-time, and shown exceptional ability in conducting the early stages of the research project, which is clearly capable of being extended and converted to doctoral level. This requires the approval of the Faculty Graduate Studies Committee.

Duration and Availability

A candidate may enrol in a Doctor of Philosophy either full-time or part-time. Enrolment shall be continuous with the exception of periods of leave of absence as approved by the Faculty Graduate Studies Committee. The course duration is a minimum period of two years and a maximum period of four years of equivalent full-time study. Research Training Scheme places may be available as well as fee-paying places. The time limits shall be adjusted for approved periods of leave of absence. Registered full-time duration for international onshore students on student visas is four years.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials.

Further Information

For doctoral studies visit http://postgrad.curtin.edu.au/courses/research.cfm and for research graduate studies visit http://research.curtin.edu.au/graduate/index.cfm. Specific Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) course codes and availability information can be obtained from Faculty graduate studies officers (see http://research.curtin.edu.au/graduate/contacts.cfm).

Special Note

Curtin's Rule 10: Degree of Doctor by Research will apply in respect of enrolment, candidacy, the thesis committee and the examination process. For further information please refer to the General Information section of the front of this Handbook. A candidate shall comply with these Rules as are from time to time amended or remade except that, where the University Graduate Studies Committee is of the opinion that any candidate has been or may be adversely affected by a change in the regulations since initial enrolment, the candidate may be permitted to continue under such Rule or Rules in force at any time during the period of candidature and on conditions the Committee may prescribe. Faculties provide facilities and benefits for those studying research courses, including access to suitable computer facilities and office space for on-campus students, financial assistance to attend appropriate intrastate, interstate or overseas conferences and towards associated research costs.

Course Structure				Hrs/Wk	Credit
Majors, Streams or Other Core Components
300501	v.2		Doctoral Thesis