Online Philosophy Degree :: Accredited Universities

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a program of supervised research and study that may be undertaken in a range of possible fields. Your research will lead to the submission of a thesis, which makes a significant original contribution to knowledge. This contribution can be in the form of new knowledge or of significant and original adaptation, application and interpretation of existing knowledge. The program is governed by the Program Rules for the Degree of Doctor Philosophy, which provides details regarding all aspects of admission, progression, submission and examination of the thesis.

Entry Requirements

You may be considered for admission to candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy if you:

Have been awarded a masters degree either by research or with a substantial element of research work within it, from a university or any other approved institution; or

Have qualified for the award of a bachelors degree in an appropriate discipline with first-class or second-class honours conferred by a university or any other approved institution; or

Hold qualifications from an institution of tertiary education, which are deemed to be equivalent to either of the two points listed above.

Other Fees

Overseas examination fees

Textbooks

Student Services and Amenities Fee (Max. $281/year)

Incidental unit costs

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The Doctor of Philosophy through the Faculty of Arts offers graduates who have an excellent academic record and proven research skills the opportunity to conduct research at a level that is going to contribute to the knowledge base of their discipline.

In the Faculty of Arts the areas in which research can be conducted include Australian history, Australian literature, communication and culture, drama, fine arts, justice studies and police studies, professional and applied ethics, psychology, sociology, rural social studies, social work, social welfare and social policy and theology.

The program consists entirely of completing an individual research program under supervision. Students are required to develop a research proposal, carry out the research and write a thesis. Students are also required to make presentations of their work at on campus colloquia. Offshore students are required to visit the appropriate campus at least twice during their candidature in order to meet with their supervisor(s) and to present their research.

Entry Requirements

An applicant to the Doctor of Philosophy degree must hold:

An Honours degree (minimum Class 2 (Division 1) in a related field

or

A Master degree with Honours, or equivalent, in a related field

or

Have demonstrated in scholarship or professional performance potential to undertake research at the doctoral level. (In such cases the applicant must supply a justification for entry to the doctoral program and supporting evidence).

Other Fees

Overseas examination fees ($100/course)

Textbooks

Student Services and Amenities Fee (Max. $281/year)

Incidental unit costs

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The primary aim of our Doctoral program is to produce graduates capable of successfully completing research which results in a significant and original contribution to knowledge. We offer high level, supervised, research training which fosters the development of independent research skills and scholarly analysis.

Why do this course?

In choosing the Doctor of Philosophy through the Faculty of Business, students are admitted to a dynamic, academic community of scholars within the Faculty who are dedicated researchers in a variety of disciplinary and inter-disciplinary areas of research. The degree gives you the opportunity to make an original and significant contribution to knowledge in your discipline area. It also allows you to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the scholarly debate relevant to your chosen field, and a capacity for both critical analysis of, and constructive contribution to, that debate.

The design and delivery of the course offers students study flexibility; flexibility of study location, either on campus or distance education using online resources and tools, as well as a choice of either part-time or full-time study. The Doctor of Philosophy has a minimum full-time duration of three years and applications for admission are considered at any time throughout the year.

To qualify for the award, candidates will be required to submit a thesis embodying the results of their research.

Students with a significant body of published research may also be eligible for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy by publication, enabling them to gain formal recognition for their existing research and published material.

Graduates will have demonstrated the capacity to:

design and implement at a high level of originality and quality, either an original research project(s) of significance to a discipline or cross-disciplinary field

present a substantial and intellectually coherent thesis or dissertation for submission to external examination against international standards.

Entry Requirements

Doctor of Philosophy by research

To qualify for candidature for the Doctor of Philosophy, applicants should have either:

qualified for the award of a Master by research at an acceptable level; or

hold an appropriate bachelor degree with Class 1 or Class 2 (Division 1) Honours from an Australian university, taken over a minimum of four years (full-time equivalent), or an award accepted by the Board of Graduate Studies as equivalent, and/or have demonstrated in study and/or professional performance potential to undertake research at a Doctoral level.

Doctor of Philosophy by publication

Applicants should be experienced researchers with a significant refereed publication record of Doctoral standard.

They should hold one of the following:

a Master degree by research

an appropriate bachelor degree with Class 1 or Class 2 (Division 1) Honours from an Australian university or international equivalent, undertaken over a minimum of four years

other appropriate combination of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, such as graduate diplomas, and research experience demonstrating to the Board of Graduate Studies that the candidate is capable of undertaking research at Doctoral level.

Other Fees

Overseas examination fees ($100/course)

Textbooks

Student Services and Amenities Fee (Max. $281/year)

Incidental unit costs

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CSU’s Doctor of Philosophy through the Faculty of Education can be studied in fields of education, exercise science, human movement or information studies. Students will develop advanced research skills through independent research that contributes to the knowledge base of their discipline.

Why study this course?

CSU’s Doctor of Philosophy consists entirely of completing an individual research program under the supervision of a team (usually two) of appropriately qualified academics with expertise in the candidate’s chosen discipline. Doctoral studies can be pursued through full-time or part-time on campus or by distance education. All distance education students are expected to maintain contact with their supervision team using appropriate technologies

Most candidates are enrolled in Doctor of Philosophy (Education) by Research. This is the traditional form of the program for those candidates who are neophyte researchers. Candidates who are experienced researchers with a significant refereed publication record of doctoral standard may be eligible for the Doctor of Philosophy (Education) by Publication. See Admission Requirements for further information.

Candidates are required to present a seminar on their proposed research, usually within the first year of enrolment (in the first two years for part-time candidates) to confirm their candidature. Following successful confirmation, the candidate will conduct the proposed research and submit the results of their investigation in the form of a thesis that will not exceed 100,000 words. Candidates may also be required to present their work to the academic staff of the Faculty during their candidature.

Entry Requirements

PhD by research

Candidates must have one of the following:

an appropriate Bachelor degree at Honours Class 1 or Honours Class 2 (Division 1) level together with additional studies, if required, as determined by the Faculty of Education

an equivalent overseas tertiary qualification, over a minimum of four years (full-time equivalent)

a Master degree in a relevant discipline at Honours level or a Master research degree in a relevant discipline together with additional studies, if required, as determined by the Faculty of Education

a coursework Master degree with half the number of subjects completed at an average of Credit or higher and the other half completed at an average of Distinction or higher, provided that the equivalent of three subjects in research methodology have been satisfactorily completed and the candidate has proven writing skills (as may be shown through the completion of an independent research project

other qualifications acceptable to the Faculty of Education and the Research Advisory Committee.

PhD by publication

An applicant for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy by Publication must meet the requirements specified below. Admission to candidature will be subject to external assessment. A candidate is expected to be an experienced researcher with a significant refereed publication record of doctoral standard.

An applicant for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy by Publication candidature must have one of the following:

qualified for the award of a Master degree by research at an acceptable level

an appropriate Bachelor degree with Class 1 or Class 2 (Division 1) Honours from an Australian university

an equivalent overseas tertiary institution, over a minimum of four years (full-time equivalent)

has some other appropriate combination of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications (such as relevant graduate diplomas) and research experience which demonstrates to the Board of Graduate Studies that the student is capable of undertaking research at a Doctoral level, may be accepted into the program.

Other Fees

Overseas examination fees ($100/course)

Textbooks

Student Services and Amenities Fee (Max. $281/year)

Incidental unit costs

Show Less

The Doctor of Philosophy aims to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for the conduct of individual research at a level that will make a distinct contribution to the knowledge base of the sciences.

Entry Requirements

An applicant for the Doctor of Philosophy degree shall have:

qualified for the award of a Master degree with Honours, or equivalent, in the sciences or a related field; or

an appropriate Bachelor degree with Class 1 or Class 2 Division 1 Honours from an Australian university or an equivalent overseas tertiary institution, taken over a minimum of four years (full-time equivalent) in the sciences or a related field

Applicants must have already completed appropriate research methods subjects and show evidence of research experience in the health sciences. Applicants who do not meet these criteria should contact the Sub-Dean, Graduate Studies for advice.

Doctor of Philosophy by Publication

An applicant for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy by Publication shall meet the requirements below. Admission is subject to external assessment, and a candidate is expected to be an experienced researcher with a significant refereed publication record of doctoral standard.

An applicant for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy by Publication shall have:

qualified for the award of a Master degree by research at an acceptable level; or

an appropriate Bachelor degree with Class 1 or Class 2 Division 1 Honours from an Australian university or an equivalent overseas tertiary institution, taken over a minimum of four years (full-time equivalent);

some other combination of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications (such as relevant graduate diplomas) and research experience that demonstrates to the Research Advisory Committee that the candidate is capable of undertaking research at Doctoral level.

A Doctor of Philosophy by Publication candidate is required to demonstrate the originality and significance of the publications (which may include books and non-print materials) that clearly make an original scholarly contribution to knowledge, for admission to the program.

Applications are considered by the University in light of availability of places and resources, including facilities and supervision.

Other Fees

Overseas examination fees ($100/course)

Textbooks

Student Services and Amenities Fee (Max. $281/year)

Incidental unit costs

Show Less