Doctor of Philosophy | 2017

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy provides the opportunity to pursue in-depth research. Candidates are expected to develop a research thesis that leads to an original and significant contribution to knowledge in a particular field.

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements and English requirements are available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Doctor of Philosophy, will be able to:

1. Demonstrate expert, specialised cognitive technical and research skills in a disciplinary area within social sciences to independently and systematically generate original knowledge and understanding to make a substantial scholarly contribution to an area in social sciences.
2. Critically reflect on, synthesise and evaluate a substantial and complex body of knowledge at the frontier of a disciplinary area in social sciences.
3. Communicate research findings, explaining and critiquing theoretical propositions, methodologies, results and conclusions to peers and to the community.
4. Apply detailed knowledge of research, research integrity, ethics and the rights and safety of others, to plan and execute original research with intellectual independence and with full autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability and responsibility for personal outputs.  

Course Structure

Study at the Doctoral level is by advanced research thesis and the requirements for the degree are not defined by a total credit point value, but by successful completion of the advanced research thesis. The normal full-time study pattern requires enrolment in 48 credit points of subjects per year in accordance with the table below, for a minimum of 4 years. Part-time study is also available in most cases.

Potential candidates should discuss their research plan with the Postgraduate Research Coordinator of the relevant School, at which time the supervision arrangements of the School will be outlined.

Rules and procedures for Doctoral degrees by Thesis are listed in the Course Rules. Doctoral candidates are urged to be familiar with the Code of Practice - Supervision and General Course Rules governing Thesis and Research Degrees, including the regulations regarding preparation and submission of the thesis.  

 Major Study Areas

The research of the Faculty is conducted through several major research centres and also under the broad areas of the School of Education, School of Health and Society, Department of Human Geography and Sustainable Communities and the School of Psychology.
You should discuss a broad plan for your research topic with the Head of Postgraduate Studies in the school related to your academic interests, or with your potential supervisor. The Head of Postgraduate Studies will be able to help you locate a supervisor if you do not have one in mind.

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Other Information 

Further information is available at:
Course Finder (Education)
Course Finder (Health and Society)
Course Finder (Human Geography)
Course Finder (Psychology)
Head of Postgraduate Studies
Email: ssc@uow.edu.au