Doctor of Philosophy (Industry)

The PhD (Industry) is specifically designed to cater for professionals with existing industry experience and who wish to undertake a research degree. The course will prepare you to bring high-level research analysis and critical thinking skills to bear on your existing or future leadership and/or management roles.

Over a standard duration of four years, the course offers a supportive entry into research, enabling you to become familiar with the language, techniques and expectations of research before embarking on your own PhD-level project. The course structure includes high-quality coursework, research coursework and research dissertation (project and thesis) elements, in a unique and flexible combination that can be tailored to you.

Your first year will commence with research foundation studies, enabling you to rapidly acquire a working knowledge and understanding of the language and expectations of research. You will tailor your learning to suit your current employment context or area of research interest while working with a supervisor to begin shaping your research topic into a research project. To ensure that supervision resources are available for you to complete your research project, candidates are encouraged to view CQU's research strengths and research projects to provide you with an understanding of the University's research focus. 

Upon completion of your preparatory research coursework, you will enrol in RSCH20001 and begin to build a detailed research design of your proposed research project. You will be guided through the steps required in the construction of a research proposal. Four assessments will scaffold you through the process of writing Section A of the Confirmation of Candidature portfolio submission. 

Upon final approval of the Confirmation of Candidature milestone, you will have the flexibility to complete either advanced coursework units or an industry placement, as well as research and thesis/dissertation activities. Coursework units can be selected from an approved list of postgraduate units from across the University, offering a valuable opportunity to gain knowledge to support your research project or to expand your skill set and enhance your career. Alternatively, you may wish to complete an industry placement experience to apply your transferable research skills, add value to the organisation and strengthen your professional networks.  

The PhD (Industry) also offers a strong model of student support, including cohort-style supervisory teams, guidance and instruction from academic staff in research coursework; the provision of generous access to resources to directly support your research project and conference activity; and study support, training, events and research culture through the School of Graduate Research.

The Graduate Certificate in Research will be used as an exit award for candidates who do not reach the required level of academic performance to continue with doctoral-level study (Distinction Level GPA).

RESEARCH IMPACT
CQUniversity's research focus and engaged research agenda are already making positive impacts on individuals, communities and industries across the world. In the coming years, this impact will continue to grow, expanding into new focus areas and transforming the way we think about current challenges. The University's research impact is apparent in improved industry processes, regional and economic development, business improvement, productivity and innovation, social advancement and equity and healthier communities.

ENGAGED RESEARCH
CQUniversity's research agenda is built around deep engagement with communities, industries and government. The focus is firmly placed on delivering research that is especially relevant to the Northern Australia region. To deliver great research that is meaningful and relevant, researchers work directly with stakeholders to identify challenges and deliver solutions. End users are involved throughout our research projects. This approach ensures CQUniversity's research delivers direct benefits and long-lasting impact.

RESEARCH CENTRES AND INSTITUTES
CQUniversity has two research institutes – The Appleton Institute and the Institute for Future Farming Systems – and seven research centres including The Centre of Indigenous Health Equity Research, Centre for Intelligent

Systems, Centre for Railway Engineering, Centre for Research in Equity and Advancement of Teaching and Education, Centre for Regional Economies and Supply Chains, Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research and the Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre.

RESEARCH STRENGTHS

Our focus has been to emphasise research with relevance to the region, involving aspects of regional development, growth in resource industries, environmental management, issues associated with quality health care in rural and regional communities, and education delivery specifically through the use of modern technology.

Discover our research strengths at CQU.

The qualifications for admission as a candidate will be set out in the PhD (Industry) Course Rules Policy and Procedure.

Entry to the PhD (Industry) will require a coursework masters degree combined with a three or four-year bachelor-level qualification or equivalent in a field relevant to the proposed research study topic, plus a minimum of three years experience in a relevant professional setting.

In considering the admissions criteria, the University will have regard to the recency of the applicant’s formal qualifications and/or professional experience.

The University may also seek additional information from applicants regarding relevant workplace experience, research publications, or other items that can clearly demonstrate research and content-based expertise.

International applicants are also required to meet the University’s English language requirements.

If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers. This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.

The Doctor of Philosophy by Portfolio provides graduates with an internationally recognised degree through the Australian Qualifications Framework. As a graduate you will be able to secure professional roles in academia, research centres, institutes and institutions, or in broader business and industry.

⁺estimated annual tuition fee for a full-time study load

Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Scholarships and financial aid available if eligible

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• Apply online
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