Doctor of Philosophy (Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences)

The Doctor of Philosophy aims to provide expert level skills in conducting research with full autonomy, independence and accountability. Students will undertake a course of supervised independent research that produces a substantial and original contribution to the research field. The course facilitates the development of expert level research, analytical, critical and communication skills that can be applied beyond the doctoral project. Graduates with this degree are expected to be able to independently initiate and lead the generation of new knowledge, including the design and execution of research projects, within the context of their chosen profession.

Doctor of Philosophy

Basis of Approval for Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy

The Research Committee shall base its decision on admission to a proposed Doctor of Philosophy candidature upon the following evidence, that:

• the proposed program of study and research is at a level appropriate to the degree being sought
  the proposed area of research falls within an approved University field of research for admission to a higher degree by research
• the proposed supervisors are sufficiently expert in the area of research, and have the time and commitment to be able to provide appropriate supervision, and that adequate physical resources are available
• the applicant has the appropriate background and ability to undertake the proposed course (refer also to Entry Qualifications, below);
  and
• the applicant has given the necessary commitment to work regularly on the approved program of study and research and maintain regular contact with the supervisor(s).

Entry Qualifications for Doctor of Philosophy Degree

The entry qualifications required for admission to a Doctor of Philosophy program are:

• qualified for the award of a Master by Research at an acceptable level;
  or
• an appropriate Bachelor degree with class 1 or class 2(i) honours from another Australian university or an equivalent overseas tertiary institution, taken over a minimum of four years (full-time equivalent);
  or
• qualified for entry into a Charles Sturt University Master by Research program and duly enrolled and shown exceptional ability in the conduct of a research project which is clearly capable of being extended to a doctoral level;
  or
• qualified for the award of a coursework Master's degree with a research component. It is normally expected that a grade equivalent to the appropriate class of Honours will have been obtained;
  or
• some other appropriate combination of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications (such as relevant graduate diplomas) and research experience that demonstrate capacity to undertake research at a Doctoral level.

Doctor of Philosophy by Prior Publication

Basis of Approval for Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy by Prior Publication

The Research Committee shall base its decision on admission to a proposed Doctor of Philosophy by Prior Publication candidature upon the evidence required for admission to a Doctor of Philosophy and in addition the following evidence:

• the publications (which may include books and non-print materials) that will be included in the submission presented for examination
• any information on the quality and citations of the publications to be included in the submission
• a statement making clear the applicant's contribution to all jointly-authored publications
• a statement from the co-authors of any jointly-authored publications confirming the extent of the applicant's contribution to these publications
• a statement of no more than five pages that:
  • indicates the way in which the work has developed
  • demonstrates the contemporary relevance of each publication
  • makes clear the way in which the publications make an original scholarly contribution to knowledge
    provides a thematic overview which serves to link the individual publications into an integrated whole
    confirms the papers have not previously been submitted as part of a degree
  • a statement indicating whether or not additional research activity may be required in order to convert the publications to an integrated whole, and if so, an outline of the necessary work
  • the names of two persons who are able to provide academic references relevant to the proposed PhD candidature.

The application for the Doctor of Philosophy by Prior Publication will be subject to external assessment.

Entry Qualifications for Doctor of Philosophy by Prior Publication Degree

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

An applicant who has already been awarded a PhD will not be admitted into the Doctor of Philosophy by Prior Publication.

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