Doctor of Philosophy

Overview

The PhD is a research degree leading to a significant contribution to a field of knowledge. Students work with supervisors to complete a substantial research thesis (80,000 - 100,000 words). The PhD is the qualification normally required for academic employment at a university or research institute. Candidates without previous research training deemed sufficient may be required to undertake up to 24 credit points of coursework before they start working on the thesis.

Entry Requirements

To enrol in the PhD, students need a BA (Honours) or equivalent qualification, with Honours Class II, division ii or higher, or MA - Research with a strong performance in the research thesis. Candidates with other qualifications may be required to undertake a coursework subject such as ARTS 901 Master of Arts Research Methods. Students enrolled in the Master of Arts - Research degree may apply for an upgrade to PhD.

All applications must be approved by the Head of Postgraduate Studies (HPS) in the relevant School. Approval depends on the availability of supervision for the proposed thesis topic. Priority is given to topics related to the areas of research strength in the Faculty of Arts:

CAPSTRANS (Centre for Asia Pacific Social Transformation Studies)

Citizens, States and Power

Innovations in Cultural Research

Literature, Identity and Culture

Course Requirements

Students will complete a substantial thesis (80,000 to 100,000 words) reporting on an independent research topic in their field of study. The precise thesis topic will be determined in consultation with supervisors and the HPS.

Each PhD candidate has two supervisors. Before accepting a PhD candidate, the Faculty will ensure that adequate supervision and facilities for the proposed research are available.

Time Limits

A full time candidate will normally complete the PhD in three years. The minimal time in which to complete the degree is four (4) consecutive sessions (not including Summer Sessions) for full time students, the maximum is eight (8) sessions (not including Summer Sessions). Part time students should complete the course in a minimal time of eight (8) sessions and a maximum of sixteen (16) sessions. Under special circumstances, a candidature may be extended beyond the maximum time following a satisfactory review of progress.

Fields of Study

The PhD is offered in the following fields of study:

Aboriginal Studies

Asia-Pacific Studies

Communications

Employment Relations

English Literatures

French

Gender Studies

Global Labour Studies

Global Studies

History

International Relations

Italian

Japanese

Linguistics

Media and Cultural Studies

Philosophy

Politics

Science, Technology and Society

Sociology

Spanish

War and Society

Interdisciplinary topics as negotiated with the relevant Head(s) of Postgraduate Studies are also available for study.

Assessment

On commencement of candidature, candidates and their supervisors complete a Confirmation of Candidature Form that identifies the topic, a plan and timetable for the thesis, resource needs and skills required to complete the project. Students meet regularly with their supervisors to ensure that their progress is in line with the agreed plan. Towards the end of the first year of candidature the student will meet with supervisors and the HPS for a First Year Proposal Review. Students and supervisors must also submit an Annual Progress Report (APR). The APR is the means by which the University assesses the progress of the candidature and decides whether it will continue into the following year. Supervisors who have concerns about a student's progress may also initiate a progress review at other times during the candidature. When the thesis is submitted it is examined by two external supervisors chosen from a list prepared by the supervisors in consultation with the student.

Students are advised to consult the University's Code of Practice - Supervision at the following web address:

www.uow.edu.au/handbook/codesofprac/cop_supervision.html

For further information about the Faculty's areas of research strength, please consult the Faculty's website at www.uow.edu.au/arts/

For more technical information about the degree progress, please consult the website of the University's Office of Research at www.uow.edu.au/research/rsc/

Last reviewed: 27 September, 2007