Doctor of Philosophy

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2026 course information
Award granted	Doctor of Philosophy
Deakin course code	M900
Course Credit Points	24
Course version	1
Faculty	Faculty of Business and Law
Course Information	For students who commenced from 1994 onwards
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong), Warrnambool, Online
Duration	3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS code	006249D Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong), Warrnambool
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 10
Supplementary Information	Online candidature may be available in certain circumstances, subject to approval. Students will normally be required to be on-campus while completing their research methods coursework.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Make a substantial, original contribution to knowledge in your chosen field with the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), a supervised research degree offered by Deakin. You will work closely with expert academic supervisors who will guide your research journey, while also completing research training coursework units.

Deakin is recognised for its research impact and innovation, providing an inspiring environment supported by dedicated resources and a vibrant community of scholars. Our collaborative and interdisciplinary approach enables you to tackle complex, real-world challenges and expand your expertise.

This degree may be undertaken in the Deakin Business School or Deakin Law School, and expert members of the academic staff will be appointed as your principal and associate supervisors. As well as your written thesis, you will be required to successfully complete several coursework units.

Deakin currently has around 1,600 graduate researchers – passionate individuals making the most of our innovative facilities, partnerships, strategic research centres and world-class reputation.

Career opportunities

Completing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Deakin prepares you to become a thought leader and make a distinct, original contribution to knowledge in your chosen field. Graduates pursue careers where their expertise drives innovation, shapes strategy, and influences decision-making across industries and academia.

Typical roles for PhD graduates include:
Research and Development (R&D) Manager
Academic, e.g., Lecturer, Postdoctoral Fellow
Policy Analyst
Consultant
Industry Specialist
Entrepreneur

Your PhD equips you with a range of transferable skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management that are highly valued across diverse career paths.

Participation requirements

Units in this course may have participation requirements.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for graduate researchers with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Mandatory student checks

Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.

Alternative exits

Master of Commerce (M800)
Master of Laws - Major Thesis (M810)

Research information

Supervision is available in the following discipline areas offered by the Faculty: Accounting, Marketing, Management, Information Systems and Business Analytics, Economics, Finance, and Law.

If you have any questions, please contact the Researcher Development Academy (RDA): deakin-hdr-cc@deakin.edu.au

Research Scholarships

Deakin University offers scholarships for study towards doctoral degrees in all faculties. Information is available from:
Deakin HDR Admissions and Scholarships - deakin-hdr-as@deakin.edu.au

Course Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes	Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate systematic and critical understanding in one or more specialist fields or discipline areas by planning and generating a substantial and original contribution that advances scholarship or professional practice.	1. Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities: appropriate to the level of study related to a discipline or profession. 3. Digital literacy: using technologies to find, use and disseminate information. 6. Self-management: working and learning independently and taking responsibility for personal actions.
Effectively disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences using highly developed communication skills and work productively within a team of experts in the field. Synthesise, apply and analyse existing and new knowledge in one or more discipline areas to develop new concepts or interpretations through engagement in ethical research, critical reflection, continuous evaluation and demonstration of research skills.	4. Critical thinking: evaluating information using critical and analytical thinking and judgment. 5. Problem solving: creating solutions to authentic (real world and ill-defined) problems. 7. Teamwork: working and learning with others from different disciplines and backgrounds.
Demonstrate autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability, leadership, initiative, resilience and responsibility as an expert and leading practitioner or scholar.	2. Communication: using oral, written and interpersonal communication to inform, motivate and effect change. 8. Global citizenship: engaging ethically and productively in the professional context and with diverse communities and cultures in a global context.

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate systematic and critical understanding in one or more specialist fields or discipline areas by planning and generating a substantial and original contribution that advances scholarship or professional practice.

1. Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities: appropriate to the level of study related to a discipline or profession.

3. Digital literacy: using technologies to find, use and disseminate information.

6. Self-management: working and learning independently and taking responsibility for personal actions.

Effectively disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences using highly developed communication skills and work productively within a team of experts in the field.

Synthesise, apply and analyse existing and new knowledge in one or more discipline areas to develop new concepts or interpretations through engagement in ethical research, critical reflection, continuous evaluation and demonstration of research skills.

4. Critical thinking: evaluating information using critical and analytical thinking and judgment.

5. Problem solving: creating solutions to authentic (real world and ill-defined) problems.

7. Teamwork: working and learning with others from different disciplines and backgrounds.

Demonstrate autonomy, authoritative judgement, adaptability, leadership, initiative, resilience and responsibility as an expert and leading practitioner or scholar.

2. Communication: using oral, written and interpersonal communication to inform, motivate and effect change.

8. Global citizenship: engaging ethically and productively in the professional context and with diverse communities and cultures in a global context.

Course rules

You will be required to complete a 12-month probation period, which culminates in a Confirmation of Candidature at the 12-month mark. Only once your candidature is confirmed, you can proceed with your thesis project. Candidature is for a minimum of two (2) years and a maximum of four (4) years.

What is confirmation? | Students (deakin.edu.au)

Compulsory coursework

Graduate Researchers are required to complete research training units in accordance with their field of study. Details for Faculty of Business and Law PhDs research training coursework units.

Useful Links

More information on PhD Xtra

Course duration

You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.

Other learning experiences

Graduate Researchers are strongly encouraged to utilise the Individual Learning Plan (ILP), an online tool that allows you to plan, document and demonstrate the full range of knowledge and skills acquired during your candidature. The training components available in the ILP catalogue encompass all activities that may be undertaken during candidature, with provision to add external training activities and record internships.

Some examples of training components include:

research skills workshops
advanced training in methods
OH&S training.

Research and research-related study

Undertaking a research project is the defining characteristic of the PhD program and comprises at least two thirds of the degree. Although coursework units are required, the main product of the PhD is in the form of a thesis written undertaken with the guidance of a principal supervisor and associate supervisor(s).

Further information

Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.

Contact Student Central