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  1. FAQs

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Explore FAQ Course Guide Apply Now Professional Development

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the Cairnmillar Institute (the Institute) means that the holder has undertaken a substantial piece of original research. The research has been conducted and reported by the holder via the thesis, under academic supervision and in a research environment for a prescribed period. Examiners have also declared the thesis to be a significant and original contribution to knowledge, demonstrating the student’s capacity to carry out independent research.

A PhD candidate must be an enrolled student of the Institute and is required to carry out a prescribed program of research for a specified period under the guidance of at least two supervisors. The candidate, under the guidance of the supervisor(s), is responsible for developing the research program to be followed.

The PhD thesis demonstrates authority in the candidate's field and shows evidence of command of knowledge in relevant fields. It shows that the candidate has a thorough grasp of the appropriate methodological techniques used, and an awareness of their limitations.

The thesis makes a distinct contribution to knowledge. Its contribution to knowledge rests on originality of approach and / or interpretation of the findings and, in some cases, the discovery of new facts. The thesis demonstrates an ability to communicate research findings effectively in the professional arena and in an international context. It is a careful, rigorous and sustained piece of work demonstrating that a research 'apprenticeship' is complete, and the holder is admitted to the community of scholars in the discipline. All candidates for the degree will be examined on the basis of their thesis, which is examined by at least two external examiners.

Location: Hawthorn East Intake: Anytime (2022)
Delivery: Full Time and Part Time Fees: Fee information can be found here
Duration: 3-4 Years Full Time or 6-8 Years Part Time FEE-Help: Yes - if unsponsored and self-funded
Application Type: Domestic only Course Code: RS101

What does this course offer you?

  • High quality teaching and learning experiences with mentors who are experienced and well-published researchers.
  • Access to a wide range of expertise from across the Institute.
  • Opportunity to develop and strengthen your research abilities for future career opportunities in academia, industry, and policy.
  • Training in advanced statistical design and research methodology.
  • Full-time or part-time study options.
  • Competitive unit prices.
  • FEE-HELP available.

What more does Cairnmillar offer?

We are committed to making your experience at Cairnmillar one that continues to assist you beyond your degree. We aim to provide you with skills beyond what you will gain through the units of study, including:

  • Free leadership training and peer mentoring programs.
  • Professional development opportunities for a reduced price.
  • An inspiring colloquium program.
  • Academic writing and study skills support.
  • Career advice and mentoring. 
  • Friendly staff with an open-door approach. 
  • A supportive environment and a close community of students.
  • Modern and attractive learning facilities and classrooms.

Admission Criteria

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Applicants accepted into the program must have either:

  1. completed a four-year Bachelor degree with a minimum weighted average of 78%, or,
  2. completed a Master degree with a minimum weighted average of 78%, or
  3. 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).

Published: 24th February, 2021

Updated: 24th December, 2021

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Career Opportunites

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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.

Published: 24th February, 2021

Updated: 24th December, 2021

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Course Duration and Structure

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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

Published: 24th February, 2021

Updated: 24th December, 2021

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Graduate Learning Outcomes

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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.

Published: 24th February, 2021

Updated: 24th December, 2021

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Professional Recognition

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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.

Published: 24th February, 2021

Updated: 24th December, 2021

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Recognition of Prior Learning

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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit for successful completion of equivalent higher education units. 

Published: 24th February, 2021

Updated: 24th December, 2021

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The Cairnmillar Institute acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land throughout Victoria. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and the Aboriginal Elders of other communities.