Doctor of Philosophy

Course Description

The PhD is a research degree that makes 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 are advised to enrol in the Master of Philosophy or the PhD(Integrated).

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements, English requirements and credit transfer information are available from Course Finder.

Research Areas

Students can choose to study in different research areas.

 Asia Pacific Studies

Australian Studies

History

Communications

Cultural Studies

Digital Communication

English Language and Linguistics

Employment Relations

English Literatures

Ethics

French

Gender Studies

Global Labour Studies

Global Studies History

Indigenous Studies

International Studies

Japanese

Media and Communication

Philosophy

Politics

Postcolonial Studies

Science and Technology Studies

Social Change and Development

Sociology

Spanish 

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

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.

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.

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.

Other Information

Students are advised to consult the University's Code of Practice - Supervision. 

For further information about the Faculty's areas of research strength, please consult the Faculty's website.

For more technical information about the degree progress, please consult the website of the University's Office of Research.

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: lha-enquiries@uow.edu.au