Doctor of Philosophy - Faculty of Education

CSU’s Doctor of Philosophy through the Faculty of Education can be studied in fields of education, exercise science, human movement or information studies. Students will develop advanced research skills through independent research that contributes to the knowledge base of their discipline.

Why study this course?

CSU’s Doctor of Philosophy consists entirely of completing an individual research program under the supervision of a team (usually two) of appropriately qualified academics with expertise in the candidate’s chosen discipline. Doctoral studies can be pursued through full-time or part-time on campus or by distance education. All distance education students are expected to maintain contact with their supervision team using appropriate technologies

Most candidates are enrolled in Doctor of Philosophy (Education) by Research. This is the traditional form of the program for those candidates who are neophyte researchers. Candidates who are experienced researchers with a significant refereed publication record of doctoral standard may be eligible for the Doctor of Philosophy (Education) by Publication. See Admission Requirements for further information.

Candidates are required to present a seminar on their proposed research, usually within the first year of enrolment (in the first two years for part-time candidates) to confirm their candidature. Following successful confirmation, the candidate will conduct the proposed research and submit the results of their investigation in the form of a thesis that will not exceed 100,000 words. Candidates may also be required to present their work to the academic staff of the Faculty during their candidature.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy program will be well equipped to apply for research and/or academic positions. Knowledge, skills and techniques gained will stand graduates in good stead for other high-level workplace roles and responsibilities.

Residential Schools

The Faculty holds a three-day forum each year for all Doctor of Philosophy candidates and their supervisors. While attendance is not compulsory, the forum provides candidates with the opportunity to meet other candidates and members of the Faculty, and participate in workshops on relevant topics. All candidates attending are required to give a short presentation on their research.

Scholarships

There are a limited number of fee-waiver scholarships for part-time, distance education students. These scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis according to academic track records / potential, capacity to devote the time required to make satisfactory progress, the Faculty's ability to provide supervision by researchers actively researching in the student's area of research interest and closeness of fit with Faculty research concentrations. Applications are made directly to the Faculty, supplying the following documentation.

Further information

More information on the Doctor of Philosophy including scholarships for full-time study can be found here.

Initial contact with the Sub-Dean Graduate Studies within the Faculty of Education is highly advisable. Please phone info.csu on 1800 334 733 or make an online enquiry for the contact details of the appropriate person.

CRICOS code

015501M

Graduation requirements

Over the period of their candidature, candidates must have completed a thesis or portfolio to the satisfaction of the Research Advisory Committee.

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.

Admission requirements

PhD by research

Candidates must have one of the following:

• an appropriate Bachelor degree at Honours Class 1 or Honours Class 2 (Division 1) level together with additional studies, if required, as determined by the Faculty of Education
• an equivalent overseas tertiary qualification, over a minimum of four years (full-time equivalent)
• a Master degree in a relevant discipline at Honours level or a Master research degree in a relevant discipline together with additional studies, if required, as determined by the Faculty of Education
• a coursework Master degree with half the number of subjects completed at an average of Credit or higher and the other half completed at an average of Distinction or higher, provided that the equivalent of three subjects in research methodology have been satisfactorily completed and the candidate has proven writing skills (as may be shown through the completion of an independent research project
• other qualifications acceptable to the Faculty of Education and the Research Advisory Committee.

PhD by publication

An applicant for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy by Publication must meet the requirements specified below. Admission to candidature will be subject to external assessment. A candidate is expected to be an experienced researcher with a significant refereed publication record of doctoral standard.

An applicant for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy by Publication candidature must have one of the following:

• qualified for the award of a Master degree by research at an acceptable level
• an appropriate Bachelor degree with Class 1 or Class 2 (Division 1) Honours from an Australian university
• an equivalent overseas tertiary institution, over a minimum of four years (full-time equivalent)
• has some other appropriate combination of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications (such as relevant graduate diplomas) and research experience which demonstrates to the Board of Graduate Studies that the student is capable of undertaking research at a Doctoral level, may be accepted into the program.

The Research Advisory Committee will base its decision on a proposed candidature on the following evidence:

• the publications (which may include books and non-print materials) that will be included in the submission presented for examination
• any information on the quality and citations of the publications to be included in the submission
• a statement making clear the applicant's contribution to all jointly-authored publications
• a statement from the co-authors of any jointly-authored publications confirming the extent of the applicant's contribution to these publications
• a statement of no more than five pages that:
• • indicates the way in which the work has developed
  • demonstrates the contemporary relevance of each publication
  • makes clear the way in which the publications make an original scholarly contribution to knowledge
  • provides a thematic overview which serves to link the individual publications into an integrated whole
  • confirms the papers have not previously been submitted as part of a degree
• a statement indicating whether or not additional research activity may be required in order to convert the publications to an integrated whole, and if so, an outline of the necessary work
• the names of two persons who are able to provide academic references relevant to the proposed PhD candidature
• the qualifications and experience of the applicant
• the proposed area of research
• an indication of willingness to supervise the proposed research from a supervisor
• certification from the Faculty that:
• • the proposed program of study and research is at a level appropriate to the degree being sought
  • the proposed program falls within an approved University field of research for higher degrees
  • adequate supervision and physical resources are available
  • the applicant has the appropriate background and ability to undertake the proposed course
  • the applicant has given the necessary commitment to work regularly on the approved  program of study and research and maintain regular contact with a supervisor.

Intending applicants should contact the Sub-Dean, Graduate Studies to discuss the proposal before submitting the prescribed application form. In addition, applicants must complete a form describing their area of interest, which should accompany their application. Please phone info.csu on 1800 334 733 or make an online enquiry for the contact details of the appropriate person.

Admission to candidature is subject to approval by the Research Advisory Committee.

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Some candidates may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the program, e.g. SPSS and NVivo for data analysis.

English proficiency

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they

1. have undertaken an academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with an average score of 7.0, and with no score lower than 6.5, within the last 12 months;  or
2. undertaken a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 577 (or computerised TOEFL score of 233), with a Test for Written English Score (where reported) of at least 5.0 or an Internet-based score of 90 with a written score of 24 within the last 12 months; or
3. undertaken other equivalent examinations, as determined by the Board of Graduate Studies;  or
4. completed a university degree where the language of assessment is in English;

The Presiding Officer of the Board of Graduate Studies may, in special circumstances, on behalf of the Board waive the above proficiency requirements after consulting the relevant Dean, Sub-Dean and nominated Supervisor.

NOTE: A Faculty may require a higher standard of proficiency than that specified above for programs deemed to be linguistically demanding.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2; Session 3