Doctor of Philosophy

Course code: 0047 + Course abbreviation: PhDMed + 8 semesters full-time, 16 semesters part-time

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Caulfield; Clayton; Gippsland; Peninsula; or relevant off-site location)

Off-campus (Caulfield; Clayton; Gippsland; Peninsula)

Course description

A candidate for PhD is required to carry out a prescribed program of research for a specified period under the direct supervision of a member of the academic staff. The supervisor, in consultation with the candidate, is responsible for developing the research program to be followed by the candidate, and for reporting at regular intervals on the candidate’s progress.

The PhD is a research degree which requires a candidate to submit a thesis. A candidate may include published work which is directly relevant to the argument of the thesis, provided such work has been written during the period of candidature. Candidates may not present in, or in support of, a thesis any work which the candidate has presented for any other degree or diploma at this university, or any other institution, except with the permission of the Research Graduate School Committee.

Candidature rules

Duration of candidature

The total permissible period of candidature is four years full-time, or its equivalent in part-time candidature up to a maximum of eight years part-time, after which the candidature will lapse. The minimum period of candidature is 24 months (48 months part-time). This may be reduced to 12 months (24 months part-time) in very exceptional circumstances. Candidates are encouraged to complete their theses as quickly as possible.

Time available for study

Full-time candidates must be able to devote the equivalent of a minimum of four days a week to the pursuit of their research project; all part-time candidates must devote at least two full days a week, or equivalent, to their studies. In the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, part-time candidates in laboratory disciplines must undertake their two days of study during normal working hours/week days. For those part-time students in non-laboratory disciplines, at least one of their study days must be a week day.

Employment restrictions

Candidates enrolled full-time are permitted to undertake a strictly limited amount of paid employment throughout the year, being no more than 15 hours of work in any one week. However, up to a maximum of six hours only of this employment may be undertaken between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm, Mondays to Fridays.

Entry requirements

The minimum qualifications for admission to PhD candidature are:

(1) 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 at first or upper-second class level, or

(2) a course leading to a masters preliminary qualification at a level rated by the relevant department and faculty as equivalent to a first or upper-second class honours degree, or

(3) a masters degree that entailed work, including a significant research component, at least equivalent to (1) above, or

(4) a medical degree (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MB BS) or equivalent) together with research experience. The Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSc) degree (awarded at a satisfactory level, equivalent to honours IIA or above) is recognised as providing such experience. In other cases, documentary evidence of research experience or its equivalent (eg first part of a relevant fellowship) would normally be required.

Under exceptional circumstances, the Research Graduate School Committee may accept candidates with a degree of a lower grade than honours 2A if they have demonstrated an ability to undertake research at PhD level by, for example, producing evidence of quality work that can be reported on by a referee, or by adducing relevant professional experience at a high level.

Contact details

Dr Jennifer Scott, Manager Research Degrees Office, telephone: +61 3 9905 4313; email: research.degrees@med.monash.edu.au or visit www.mrgs.monash.edu.au/

Course coordinator

Associate Professor Igor Wendt

Doctor of Psychology programs

Three Doctor of Psychology (DPsych) programs - the DPsych in Clinical Psychology, the DPsych in Clinical Neuropsychology, and the DPsych in Organisational Psychology - are offered on-campus by the School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine.

Each DPsych is a research degree consisting of a combination of research, coursework and supervised practical experience. All DPsych programs are administered by the Research Graduate School Committee under the rules and regulations applying to doctoral degrees unless stipulated otherwise by the committee.

Entry requirements

Applicants for the DPsych must have completed an approved bachelors degree with honours (first or upper second) in psychology or equivalent. In addition to their academic record, students are selected on the basis of their personal suitability for clinical or organisational psychology with such factors as referees’ reports and presentation at a selection interview considered. Students selected for the DPsych whose academic records show deficiencies in research methods, statistics, human development, personality theory, abnormal psychology and/or psychological assessment are required to undertake a course of readings prior to the start of the program.

Enrolment into the DPsych will be contingent upon the applicant submitting a brief research proposal and arrangements put in place for supervision of the research project, and approval of the Research Graduate School Committee. Enrolment will be probationary for the first 18 months with firm admission to the program granted at the end of 18 months if performance in all components is satisfactory.

The course takes place at a number of different venues. Students should therefore be prepared for some travelling between venues.

Course structure

Each of the degrees is based on a 48-week study year, and comprises three components: thesis (70 per cent), coursework (20 per cent) and supervised placements (10 per cent).

The first two years are taken on a full-time basis. Students wishing to complete the DPsych in three-and-a-half years can take the final 18 months on a full-time basis; those who opt to complete the final 18 months on a half-time basis will need a total of five years to complete the program. Half-time paid internships may be offered to selected students who wish to study half-time while gaining supervised experience.

Thesis

The thesis is expected to provide a significant contribution to knowledge and/or practice in the relevant field of specialisation and to demonstrate the capacity of the student to carry out independent research. The word length of the thesis is approximately 60,000 to 70,000 words.

Coursework

Refer to the individual DPsych course entries for details.

Practicum placements

Students will complete a minimum of three practicum placements (125 days) in a variety of settings.

Assessment

The thesis is marked by two external examiners. Coursework is assessed using the Monash University system of grades. Participation in seminars and practical sessions is taken into consideration in the assessment process. Performance in practicum placements are assessed as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory, with supervisors providing detailed reports on students’ progress.

Students should note that satisfactory performance in all three components is necessary throughout the course and that progression is always contingent upon satisfactory completion of previous requirements. In addition, an assessment of personal suitability to undertake or continue work as a clinical psychologist will be made prior to each practicum. Students who fail the meet the required standards in the first year will be required to leave the program. Students may seek admission to, or transfer to, other programs of study.

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