Course Curriculum

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is structured to allow candidates to remain fully engaged in their research throughout the course of their study. Regardless of whether they are enrolled full-time or part-time, all candidates complete the same core units designed to support their thesis work. The primary unit, DPHL71000 Doctor of Philosophy Thesis, represents the central component of the program. Candidates remain enrolled in this unit for the duration of their candidature while conducting their research, engaging with their supervisors, and progressively developing their thesis. Once the thesis has been submitted, students transition to the DPHL72000 Doctor of Philosophy Thesis – Under Examination unit, which formally covers the examination and assessment phase of the doctoral work.The course has a clear timeline to guide students in the completion of their research. The minimum length of candidature is two years of full-time study (or the part-time equivalent), which is the shortest possible period in which a candidate could realistically complete their research and produce a thesis of sufficient depth and originality. However, the expected length of candidature is three years of full-time study, as this allows sufficient time for candidates to carry out detailed research, attend training, and refine their writing under supervision. The maximum period permitted for completion is four years of full-time study (or the part-time equivalent), giving flexibility for candidates who may face personal, professional, or research-related challenges.This structure ensures that every candidate remains focused on producing an original thesis of 80,000 to 100,000 words (or an approved equivalent) while benefiting from a flexible timeframe that accommodates different paces of research progress. It balances academic rigour with practical considerations, providing both support and accountability to help candidates succeed in completing a significant contribution to knowledge in their field.