Postgraduate - Course1322 - Doctor of Philosophy

Candidature in a Doctor of Philosophy involves the independent investigation of a research problem that has been formulated by the candidate. It is expected that the research undertaken will make a significant contribution to the discipline in which the candidate is enrolled. Doctoral candidates are supported by a minimum of two supervisors throughout their candidature.

Candidates are required to complete a compulsory program of coursework and/or training. These discipline-specific programs are designed to impart skills and knowledge that will assist candidates to conduct their research.

Successful completion of the program will signify that the holder has completed a course of postgraduate training in research under proper academic supervision and has submitted a thesis that the examiners have declared to be a significant contribution to knowledge and which demonstrates the candidate's capacity to carry out independent research.

Candidature rules

For all candidature rules and other important information for PhD candidates refer to the Handbook for Doctoral DegreesHandbook for Doctoral Degrees (http://www.monash.edu.au/migr/research-degrees/handbook/content/).

This course consists of:

• a research and thesis component
• a coursework study and training program.

Admission to programs for external candidates will be considered on an individual basis.

• Art, design and architecture HDR program

Candidates must, in consultation with and under the direct supervision of a member/s of the academic staff:

(a.) carry out a program of research on an agreed topic approved by the department/centre of enrolment in the candidate's chosen discipline for a specified period, including attending and/or presenting at seminars and other related activities as indicated by the relevant department/centre

(b.) complete one of the following options:

(i.) By studio research

• Students develop a studio research project, with individual supervision, resulting in a body of work examined by exhibition. The material includes a written exegesis (critical explanation of the body of work) of about 30,000 words and a photographic record of the student's visual or creative work.
• The final examination is usually an exhibition of visual work accompanied by the written exegesis. The works in the exhibition will not only be new but will also result in a doctoral-level contribution that has substantial cultural significance.

(ii.) By thesis

• Students develop a written proposal that outlines their proposed project, places the research within the context of the scholarly literature and outlines the proposed methodology.
• Students submit for assessment a thesis of not more than 100,000 words on the program of research which meets the requirements of the examiners.

(c.) satisfactorily complete the program of coursework study and training as outlined under 'Areas of study'.

Candidates must pass all coursework units. If a candidate fails to achieve the required grade for a unit they can repeat the entire unit once in a later semester. Candidates who fail to pass the repeat attempt of the unit will be subject to a termination process under the Candidature Progress Management RegulationsCandidature Progress Management Regulations (http://www.monash.edu.au/legal/legislation/research-graduate-school-committee-regulations/candidature-progress-management-regulations.pdf) (refer also to the Candidature Progress Management policypolicy (http://www.policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/research/mrgs/candidature-progress-management-policy.html) and proceduresprocedures (http://www.policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/research/mrgs/termination-of-candidature-procedures.html)).

Doctor of Philosophy