Doctor of Philosophy
Course code L61
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About this Course
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an opportunity to pursue a topic you're passionate about at the highest academic level.
A PhD is an independent, supervised research project that develops the candidate’s capacity to conduct highquality, original research and is assessed on the submission of a thesis or a creative work with an accompanying exegesis, and includes an oral examination.
This course may be undertaken in any School within ECU, provided there are supervisors available in your proposed research area, and the resources and facilities required to complete your proposed project are accessible. Prospective candidates are encouraged to explore the School research webpages to learn more about ECU’s areas of research focus and expertise.
ECU encourages interdisciplinary research that may span two or more disciplines to address complex global challenges. As a PhD candidate, you will be expected to develop and complete a project that makes an original contribution to knowledge and can be completed in three years fulltime.
You may submit your thesis any time after a minimum of two years of fulltime study, and the maximum course duration for a PhD is four years fulltime. A PhD is a significant undertaking, and if enrolled fulltime you are expected to commit at least 35 hours per week to your research.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 10 Doctoral Degree Award.
Course code
L61Entry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Admissions
Fees
The Australian Government's Research Training Program provides tuition fee offsets for domestic students who are enrolled in Higher Degree by Research courses.
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| City Campus | FT PT | FT PT |
| Joondalup | FT PT | FT PT |
| South West | FT PT | FT PT |
| Sri Lanka | ||
| Online | FT PT | FT PT |
Location & Timetable
This course requires attendance at more than one campus or location. The course also has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.
About this Course
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an opportunity to pursue a topic you're passionate about at the highest academic level.
A PhD is an independent, supervised research project that develops the candidate’s capacity to conduct highquality, original research and is assessed on the submission of a thesis or a creative work with an accompanying exegesis, and includes an oral examination.
This course may be undertaken in any School within ECU, provided there are supervisors available in your proposed research area, and the resources and facilities required to complete your proposed project are accessible. Prospective candidates are encouraged to explore the School research webpages to learn more about ECU’s areas of research focus and expertise.
ECU encourages interdisciplinary research that may span two or more disciplines to address complex global challenges. As a PhD candidate, you will be expected to develop and complete a project that makes an original contribution to knowledge and can be completed in three years fulltime.
You may submit your thesis any time after a minimum of two years of fulltime study, and the maximum course duration for a PhD is four years fulltime. A PhD is a significant undertaking, and if enrolled fulltime you are expected to commit at least 35 hours per week to your research.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 10 Doctoral Degree Award.
Course code
L61CRICOS code
085257EEntry requirements
ECU admission and English language requirements apply.
See Course Entry for further information.
Fees
International students - estimated 1st year indicative fee AUD $42,450
See Fees and Scholarships for further information.
Availability & Campus
| Location | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| City Campus | FT | FT |
| Joondalup | FT | FT |
| South West | FT | FT |
| Sri Lanka | ||
| Online | FT PT | FT PT |
Location & Timetable
This course requires attendance at more than one campus or location. The course also has a modified timetable. See Course Notes.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
All applicants are required to have the equivalent of 6 months full time research (which must involve a research output which includes the conception and design of the project, and analysis and interpretation of findings) if applying with a Masters qualification other than a Master by Research.
Applicants seeking online study will be required to provide additional information to support their application, as not all projects nor disciplines are suited to online study.
Special entry may be considered for applications to the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) who will be required to attend an audition and/or interview.For more information, including guidelines for specific disciplines, please see our Interviews, folios and auditions web page.
Academic admission requirements (Band 11) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Masters Degree (Research); or
- Bachelor Honours Degree (First or Upper Second class); or
- Demonstrated capacity to undertake original PhD-level research.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
English Language Requirements for Nursing and Midwifery:
International students (other than those students schooled in a recognised country as defined by APHRA at http://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Standards/English-language-skills.aspx) are required to provide any English language test approved by AHPRA with a score equivalent to an IELTS Academic overall minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 7.0). Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement or we may require additional information to confirm that requirements have been satisfied.
Course Entry
Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.
-
The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.
All applicants are required to have the equivalent of 6 months full time research (which must involve a research output which includes the conception and design of the project, and analysis and interpretation of findings) if applying with a Masters qualification other than a Master by Research.
Applicants seeking online study will be required to provide additional information to support their application, as not all projects nor disciplines are suited to online study.
Special entry may be considered for applications to the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) who will be required to attend an audition and/or interview.For more information, including guidelines for specific disciplines, please see our Interviews, folios and auditions web page.
Academic admission requirements (Band 11) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- Masters Degree (Research); or
- Bachelor Honours Degree (First or Upper Second class); or
- Demonstrated capacity to undertake original PhD-level research.
-
English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:
- IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
- Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
- Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
- Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
- Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.
English Language Requirements for Nursing and Midwifery:
International students (other than those students schooled in a recognised country as defined by APHRA at http://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Standards/English-language-skills.aspx) are required to provide any English language test approved by AHPRA with a score equivalent to an IELTS Academic overall minimum score of 7.0 (no individual band less than 7.0). Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement or we may require additional information to confirm that requirements have been satisfied.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time , City Campus, Joondalup, South West or Online
Semester 1: Study part-time , City Campus, Joondalup, South West or Online
Semester 2: Study full-time , City Campus, Joondalup, South West or Online
Semester 2: Study part-time at City Campus, Joondalup, South West or Online
Course Structure
Students are required to continue re-enrolling in the relevant discipline-specific thesis unit of their study until the thesis is submitted for examination.
For candidates commencing from 2018 the examination process will consist of both a written and oral component.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| AGR7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies) | |
| ART7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Creative Arts) | |
| COM7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Management and Commerce) | |
| ERT7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Engineering and Related Technologies) | |
| ETN7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Education) | |
| HLT7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Health) | |
| INF7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Information Technology) | |
| NAT7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Natural and Physical Sciences) | |
| SCL7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Society and Culture) |
^ Core Option
L61|5
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookPhD Unit Sets you can study in this course
- Biology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Communication, Media Studies and Journalism
- Computer Science
- Counselling
- Criminology
- Cyber Security
- Design
- Education
- Engineering - Chemical
- Engineering - Civil
- Engineering - Computer Systems
- Engineering - Electrical and Electronic
- Engineering - Environmental
- Engineering - Materials
- Engineering - Mechanical and Mechatronics
- Engineering - Petroleum
- Environmental Studies
- Exercise and Sports Science
- Law
- Mathematics
- Medical Science
- Nursing and Midwifery
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Occupational Therapy
- Paramedical Science
- Performing Arts
- Physics
- Politics and Government
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Security Science
- Social Science
- Speech Pathology
- Visual Arts and Design
- Writing
Course notes
Important course notes
-
Some research-related professional development activities and events are held at specific campus locations.
-
Students are expected to meet regularly with their supervisors.
Course learning outcomes
- Exercise authoritative judgement and autonomy to lead collaborative and culturally respectful research practice, upholding research integrity standards in complex and evolving contexts, including the responsible use of appropriate digital and emerging technologies.
- Independently evaluate, synthesise, and reflect on literature, evidence, and theory to develop a systematic and critical understanding of substantial and complex knowledge at the frontier of the discipline, and to identify opportunities to extend, challenge, or redefine existing understandings.
- Integrate comprehensive discipline knowledge with the development, adaptation, and application of advanced research principles and methodologies to design and execute research that makes a substantial and original contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice.
- Disseminate and promote research insights and advancements to diverse audiences using authoritative, cogent, culturally responsive and discipline appropriate communication strategies.
Course Details
Semester availability
Semester 1: Study full-time at City Campus, Joondalup, South West or Online
Semester 1: Study part-time Online
Semester 2: Study full-time at City Campus, Joondalup, South West or Online
Semester 2: Study part-time Online
Course Structure
Students are required to continue re-enrolling in the relevant discipline-specific thesis unit of their study until the thesis is submitted for examination.
For candidates commencing from 2018 the examination process will consist of both a written and oral component.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| AGR7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies) | |
| ART7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Creative Arts) | |
| COM7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Management and Commerce) | |
| ERT7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Engineering and Related Technologies) | |
| ETN7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Education) | |
| HLT7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Health) | |
| INF7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Information Technology) | |
| NAT7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Natural and Physical Sciences) | |
| SCL7200 ^ | Doctor of Philosophy Thesis (Society and Culture) |
^ Core Option
L61|5
For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.
Student handbookPhD Unit Sets you can study in this course
- Biology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Communication, Media Studies and Journalism
- Computer Science
- Counselling
- Criminology
- Cyber Security
- Design
- Education
- Engineering - Chemical
- Engineering - Civil
- Engineering - Computer Systems
- Engineering - Electrical and Electronic
- Engineering - Environmental
- Engineering - Materials
- Engineering - Mechanical and Mechatronics
- Engineering - Petroleum
- Environmental Studies
- Exercise and Sports Science
- Law
- Mathematics
- Medical Science
- Nursing and Midwifery
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Occupational Therapy
- Paramedical Science
- Performing Arts
- Physics
- Politics and Government
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Security Science
- Social Science
- Speech Pathology
- Visual Arts and Design
- Writing
Course notes
Important course notes
-
Some research-related professional development activities and events are held at specific campus locations.
-
Students are expected to meet regularly with their supervisors.
Course learning outcomes
- Exercise authoritative judgement and autonomy to lead collaborative and culturally respectful research practice, upholding research integrity standards in complex and evolving contexts, including the responsible use of appropriate digital and emerging technologies.
- Independently evaluate, synthesise, and reflect on literature, evidence, and theory to develop a systematic and critical understanding of substantial and complex knowledge at the frontier of the discipline, and to identify opportunities to extend, challenge, or redefine existing understandings.
- Integrate comprehensive discipline knowledge with the development, adaptation, and application of advanced research principles and methodologies to design and execute research that makes a substantial and original contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice.
- Disseminate and promote research insights and advancements to diverse audiences using authoritative, cogent, culturally responsive and discipline appropriate communication strategies.
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
If you're a domestic student enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research program, you won't be required to pay tuition fees. The Australian Government provides domestic students with tuition fee offsets under the Research Training Program (RTP) for up to 4 years full-time (or equivalent) for Doctoral studies.
Note
The RTP covers your tuition fees only. You will still be required to pay all other non-tuition fees applicable to your course, such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee. Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
Throughout your PhD, you will be supported to develop advanced research and professional capabilities, including project design and execution; problem identification and solving; critical thinking and analysis; data management; the application of appropriate research methods and methodologies; teamwork, negotiation and networking; advanced technical skills in your discipline; and the ability to communicate research effectively to diverse audiences. With the majority of PhD graduates now pursuing careers beyond academia, the research training and transferable skills developed through a PhD prepare graduates for a wide range of roles across sectors. These include management and consulting, commercial research and development, research management, entrepreneurship, public policy, government, finance, technical and professional services, biotechnology, education, and project coordination and management.
Similar courses to consider
- Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)
- Master of Science by Research
- Master of Computing and Security by Research
- Master of Education by Research
Students interested in completing a Masters By Research in Education should consider the Master of Education. - Master of Arts (Performing Arts)
Students interested in completing a Masters By Research in the Performing Arts disciplines should consider the Master of Arts (Performing Arts).
Fees and Scholarships
Fees
- AUD $42,450 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee 1
Note
1 The 'estimated 1st year indicative fee' is provided as a guide only, and has been calculated based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. At ECU, you pay for each individual unit you enrol in, not an overall course fee, so the total cost of your course will vary, depending on what units you choose. An indicative fee will be provided with your course offer, however you can use our Course Fee Calculator to estimate the actual amount you'll need to pay. ECU fees are adjusted annually.
Some units require the payment of a fee for incidental goods or services required to complete those units. For more information and the full list of incidental fees for courses and units, visit What are Incidental Fees.
Scholarships
ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.
Find a scholarshipCareer Opportunities
Throughout your PhD, you will be supported to develop advanced research and professional capabilities, including project design and execution; problem identification and solving; critical thinking and analysis; data management; the application of appropriate research methods and methodologies; teamwork, negotiation and networking; advanced technical skills in your discipline; and the ability to communicate research effectively to diverse audiences. With the majority of PhD graduates now pursuing careers beyond academia, the research training and transferable skills developed through a PhD prepare graduates for a wide range of roles across sectors. These include management and consulting, commercial research and development, research management, entrepreneurship, public policy, government, finance, technical and professional services, biotechnology, education, and project coordination and management.
Similar courses to consider
- Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)
- Master of Science by Research
- Master of Computing and Security by Research
- Master of Education by Research
Students interested in completing a Masters By Research in Education should consider the Master of Education. - Master of Arts (Performing Arts)
Students interested in completing a Masters By Research in the Performing Arts disciplines should consider the Master of Arts (Performing Arts).
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Discover what it's like to study at ECU
Hear from students, graduates, academics and industry professionals as they share their experiences and insights.
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View our facilities
Explore your options
Explore your options through the following media
Discover what it's like to study at ECU
Hear from students, graduates, academics and industry professionals as they share their experiences and insights.
Facilities
View our facilities
Explore your options
Explore your options through the following media
Student stories
-
Studying classical guitar at WAAPA is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences
I began my studies as a timid girl with much to learn, but found quickly that being surrounded by passionate staff and students every day created an excellent environment for learning and developing my craft. All of the classes helped to further my development as a musician, however for me, the highlight was my individual tuition, workshop classes, and frequent performance opportunities as they really helped me to grow in confidence and gain experience as a performer.
-
I definitely recommend conducting an industry-based PhD at ECU.
Conducting my PhD in Sports Science with ECU and the West Coast Eagles has allowed me to create great networks at the university and within the industry. ECU has a fantastic group of staff supporting postgraduate students with up skilling sessions, webinars, and extra advice sessions to ensure students receive the help they need.
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Quick guide to uni-speak
-
-
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national regulator of qualifications in the Australian education and training system. The AQF defines the essential characteristics, including the required learning outcomes, of the different types of qualifications issued across the higher education systems in Australia.
-
ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, the primary criterion for entry into most undergraduate university courses in Australia. The ATAR is a percentile score which denotes a student's ranking relative to their state-wide peers upon completion of their secondary education.
-
CRICOS is the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. A CRICOS code is allocated to education institutions (like ECU) who are approved to recruit, enrol and deliver education to overseas students. Courses with a CRICOS code are available to international students who meet the entry requirements.
-
A major, or unit set, is your chosen area of in-depth study in an undergraduate course. It usually involves 8 units of study, or one-third of the units in a 3-year degree. Talk to your Student Information Office if you need help choosing a major subject.
-
Minors include between 4 and 6 study units in a specific discipline. Not all courses require you to complete a minor. Your minor subject doesn't appear on your printed degree (parchment), but is part of your academic transcript.
-
If you're enrolled in 3 or more units in a semester this is considered full-time study. To complete most 3-year degrees studying full-time you'll need to complete 4 units per semester, i.e. 24 units over 3 years.
-
-
-
If a course is available to study part-time you can generally expect it to take twice as long to complete as it would in full-time mode. Part-time students are enrolled in 1 or 2 units maximum per semester.
Note: International students who hold a student visa can only choose the full-time study option for our courses. This is to ensure the course is completed within the duration of the student visa.
-
Most courses start in Semester 1 each year, usually in the last week of February. Some courses can be started in Semester 2 (we call this mid-year). There's a week of Orientation before each semester to help you get used to uni life.
-
A lot of our courses start in Semester 2 each year, usually in the last week of July. We call this mid-year. There's a week of Orientation beforehand to help you get used to uni life.
-
We use a points system to make it easier for you to understand your study progress. Most Bachelors degree study units are allocated 15 credit points. If you're studying a 3-year full-time degree you'll need to successfully complete 360 credit points - that's 24 units x 15 points per unit.
-
These are compulsory units you have to successfully complete as part of your course.
-
An elective is a unit you choose to study that counts towards your course requirements, but isn't compulsory. For some courses we recommend elective units. In some situations, a course coordinator may approve an elective unit as a replacement for a compulsory one.
-
Do you have any questions about the Doctor of Philosophy?
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Course Entry
There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.
Fees & Scholarships
Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.
Applying
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
ECU Experience
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