Monash University: University handbooks: Postgraduate handbook: Units indexed by faculty
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Doctor of Philosophy

Course code: 0029 + Course abbreviation: PhD

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Berwick; Caulfield; Clayton, Gippsland; Malaysia; Peninsula)
Off-campus (Berwick; Caulfield; Clayton; Gippsland; Malaysia; Peninsula)

Course description

All students will be required to write a major thesis and may be required initially to enrol in a masters degree and take coursework as prescribed by the department. Where a student’s level of research preparation is considered inadequate, additional coursework may be prescribed. All coursework requirements must be completed before transfer of candidature from masters to PhD occurs. In some circumstances, students enrolled in the PhD program may be required to undertake some additional coursework.

Entry requirements

A bachelors degree requiring at least four years of full-time study, and which normally includes a research component in the fourth year, leading to an honours degree class I or class IIA level, or
A course leading to a masters preliminary qualification at a level rated as equivalent to an honours class I or IIA degree, or
A masters degree that entails work, normally including a significant research component, at least equivalent to an honours degree (a ‘significant research component’ in a masters degree will vary from discipline to discipline). It is normally expected that a grade of HIIA has been obtained for the research thesis or project. Where ungraded, examiners' reports will be taken into account, or
Qualifications which, in the opinion of the committee, are deemed equivalent.

Duration

A full-time candidate shall normally submit a thesis for examination not less than 24 months and not more than 48 months after admission to candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. For part-time students, the minimum period of candidature is 48 months and the maximum period 96 months.

Enrolment mode

The degree may be undertaken by part-time or full-time enrolment. Research may also be pursued by external mode, in accordance with guidelines governing PhD external candidature. An annual period of attendance/residency shall be 15 days.

Fees

Domestic students

Australian students and permanent residents who receive a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place will be exempted from the payment of unit fees.

International students

International students will be required to pay full fees. However, students will be eligible to apply for a scholarship to cover fees, such as an International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) or a Monash International Research Scholarship (MIPRS).

Course structure

On the recommendation of the head of the department concerned, the PhD and Scholarships Committee will appoint a member of the university staff to supervise the work of each candidate.

Under certain conditions, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy may be taken in one of the departments of the faculty on a part-time basis. These conditions are as follows:

Students are required to undertake the equivalent of six months of full-time study during the first 48 months of candidature. The period need not be continuous but is usually completed in blocks of not less than one month.
Students must maintain regular contact with their supervisors.
Students must be able to devote two full days per week, or an acceptable alternative period, to pursuing their PhD studies. At least one of these days must be a weekday (Monday to Friday).
Students are required to attend graduate seminars organised by the department in which they are enrolled. They are expected to participate regularly in the seminar series and to give at least two seminars during the period of candidature.

Contact details

Applicants for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy should refer to the website at www.research.buseco.edu.au for an application form.

Preliminary inquiries to discuss the area of specialisation should be directed to the higher degree by research coordinator of the appropriate department.

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