Admission Criteria Expand Applicants accepted into the program must have either: completed a four-year Bachelor degree with a minimum weighted average of 78%, or, completed a Master degree with a minimum weighted average of 78%, or a qualification and professional experience considered to be equivalent. To be considered for a PhD at the Cairnmillar Institute, candidates are required to submit an application through the Apply Now page, with certified or original scanned copies of the following documentation: Most recent academic transcripts. A current curriculum vitae. A 1-2-page personal statement outlining why they wish to undertake a PhD. A research plan of 800-1200 words, proposing what they would like to research and what their study design and research questions would be. Endorsement from a prospective supervisor. Three referee reports. Proof of residency/citizenship (e.g. passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate) and where relevant, evidence of Band 6.5 English Language proficiency (if required).
Career Opportunites Expand Graduates may apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in their current workplace. Successful completion can see graduates enter a career in academia, research in an industry setting, private research consultancy.
Course Duration and Structure Expand The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) course has been designed to be completed as either a full- time course or part-time course. The structure for each is indicated below with the inclusion of a non-credit marking thesis extension period. A full-time student will normally complete within 6 to 8 semesters or enrolment (3 – 4 years). A part-time student will normally complete within 12 to 16 semesters (6 – 8 years) PhD students enrol in the same Thesis unit each semester until a minimum of 300 credit points have been completed. All units are formally completed at the end of the thesis assessment process. PHD950 PhD Thesis Full-Time PHD925 PhD Thesis Part-Time PHD901 Research Methods and Statistical Training 1 PHD902 Research Methods and Statistical Training 2 PhDX PhD Thesis Marking Extension
Graduate Learning Outcomes Expand Candidates who satisfactorily complete the Doctor of Philosophy will have achieved the abilities to: Demonstrate advanced understanding of a substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of their field of study, including knowledge that constitutes an original substantial contribution, and to reflect critically on and evaluate that knowledge to synthesise new and original advances. Design, conduct, analyse, and communicate a complex investigation of original research for external examination against international standards, using established research methodologies. Generate original knowledge and understanding that makes a substantial contribution to the discipline, and disseminate and promote new insight to other scholars and the broader community Demonstrate adaptability, autonomy, leadership, authoritative judgement, initiative, resilience and responsibility as an expert and leading scholar. The Institute provides a variety of opportunities in addition to the supervised research program, to facilitate a candidate’s acquisition of these attributes.
Professional Recognition Expand The Doctor of Philosophy is a highly regarded Degree that attests to the holder’s expertise in a specific area of study. Their general research skills are well developed to suit a number of professional positions and specific research methodology acquired across the duration of their degree particularly valuable.
Recognition of Prior Learning Expand Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit for successful completion of equivalent higher education units.