Doctor of Philosophy

Course code: 0047/4000 ~ Course abbreviation: PhDMed ~ 8 semesters full-time, 16 semesters part-time ~ Managing faculty: Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Caulfield; Clayton; Gippsland; Peninsula; or approved off-site locations)

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

Course description

The PhD in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences may be undertaken in the areas of research offered by the faculty. The candidate will be required to conduct 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.

Course objectives

Students who have completed the course will demonstrate a thorough understanding of relevant research techniques in their field through a review of the relevant literature. They will demonstrate their ability, under supervision to apply relevant research techniques to their chosen field of study. Students will be able to present high-quality written work suitable for publication in appropriate scholarly journals, and be able to critically evaluate both their own and others' written work in their chosen field. Students will also be able to: 1. identify and define research questions; 2. identify the appropriate research methods to address the research questions; 3. demonstrate mastery of their chosen research methodology/methodologies; 4. demonstrate theoretical knowledge at doctoral level in their chosen field of research; 5. communicate their research findings in a format appropriate to their academic discipline; 6. write up their research into a high quality thesis; and 7. contribute new information or new ways of understanding information in the field of research.

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.

Course structure

Course requirements

Students submit a thesis of approximately 100,000 words.

Contact details

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

Course coordinator

Associate Professor Igor Wendt