Doctor of Philosophy By Research

The Doctor of Philosophy (By Research) is a supervised research degree designed to develop a systematic and critical understanding of complex fields, with specialised research skills. It is aligned with Australian Qualifications Framework Level 10 criteria and focuses on producing significant and original research outcomes culminating in a thesis for independent examination by external expert examiners.

Research can be pursued full-time or part-time. Full-time study has a minimum duration of two years and a maximum duration of four years of equivalent full-time study. Part-time study has a minimum duration of four years and a maximum duration of eight years of equivalent full-time study, with time limits adjusted for approved leave of absence. International onshore students on student visas must enrol as full-time students.

To be eligible for admission to a Doctor by Philosophy (By Research) program, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Graduated with or qualified for the award of the degree of Bachelor with First Class Honours or Upper Second Class Honours* (CGPA≥ 3.5) in the field or related fields within Curtin University which includes the completion of a supervised research dissertation project carrying the equivalent credit of at least 25 percent of an annual full-time load; *Candidate having Upper Second-Class Honours can be considered for a direct Doctoral entry upon demonstration of research competencies as verified and deemed by the Academic Board at Curtin Malaysia)
• Graduated with or qualified for the award of the degree of Master of Philosophy or Master of Research in the field or related fields within Curtin University which includes the completion of a publically available thesis
• Graduated with or qualified for the award of the degree Master by Coursework in the field or related fields within Curtin University, and the completion of a research dissertation project carrying the equivalent credit of at least 25 percent of an annual full-time load and which has been awarded an assessed result at or above distinction level
• Graduated with or qualified for the award of the degree Master by Coursework at or above distinction level in the field or related fields within Curtin University, and the completion of substantive and relevant research experience which can be evidenced in at least one of the following forms: (1) substantial scholarly papers as sole or primary author, appearing in recognised academic journals or in volumes published by recognised academic publishers; (2) published research reports prepared for industry, government or business, which adhere to the broad conventions of academic publishing and which identify the applicant as sole or primary author; (3) a portfolio of creative work with a published critical discussion of that work, which demonstrates the applicant’s development of a scholarly approach to creative work as research investigation, for which the application is identified as sole or primary author
• Obtained qualifications from another institution which are recognised by tertiary admission authorities in Australia and which are deemed to be equivalent to any of the above four criteria.
• Candidates without a qualification in the related fields or relevant working experience must undergo appropriate prerequisite courses determined by the University.