Doctor of Philosophy

The candidate is expected to conduct independent research of high originality and quality; independently conceive of, design, conduct and complete a research project; develop a critical knowledge and understanding of the research area and methodological approaches; and communicate convincingly with relevant audiences.
The duration of a full-time PhD course is based entirely on the presentation of a major thesis to the satisfaction of the University’s Higher Degrees Committee.

A candidate must have completed at least four years (or equivalent) with a minimum average of 70% of tertiary education in a relevant discipline at a high level of achievement, and must have been approved for the award of the degree(s) in that discipline.

A high level of achievement is defined as the equivalent of a four year Swinburne Honours degree that includes a significant research component in the fourth year, leading to an Honours degree class 1n (average grade between 80-100) or Class 2Ab (average grade between 70-79) level.

Four years of tertiary studies can be demonstrated by the completion of any of the combinations of qualification below, at the required standard of achievement:

a four year degree, or
a three year degree and a Masters by
Research, or
a three year degree and an Honours year, or
a three year degree and a Masters by Coursework that includes a research component with a duration of at least one semester full time (or part time equivalent)

IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT - 79 (with a reading band no less than 18 and writing band no less than 20)