Swinburne University of Technology - Melbourne Australia
Future Students - Courses
Course Description:
Graduates who hold a bachelor degree with a first class honours or a master degree and who have shown a high standard of academic achievement in that course may be admitted to candidature for Doctor of Philosophy. The higher degree programs currently available require the presentation of a major thesis based on original research, investigation or development work. The Faculty of Business and Enterprise has a strong commitment to research in entrepreneurship, management and associated business disciplines (see a list of key disciplines below). There are currently many PhD theses in progress including research into the commercialisation of Australian research, government policy on the development and performance of small manufacturing businesses, factors influencing strategic alliances in high-tech industries and evaluating the value of training investment. There are also a small number of students undertaking master degrees by research.
Aims & Objectives:
The PhD degree provides training and education with the objective of producing graduates with the capacity to conduct research independently at a high level of originality and quality. The student ought to be capable, by the end of his/her candidature, of conceiving, designing and carrying to completion a research program without supervision. The PhD candidate should uncover new knowledge either by the discovery of facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative re-interpretation of known data and established ideas.
Course Structure:
Each candidate undertakes an individual research project under the supervision of two supervisors. Attendance at a Research Methodology course is also required for candidates who have not completed a research master/ honours program. To be assessed for a Doctor of Philosophy, a thesis of up to 100,000 words that makes an original contribution to knowledge must be submitted for examination. The candidate’s research program must be such as to ensure the likelihood of completion of a thesis within the specified time (four years equivalent full-time). Candidates normally undertake the research at Swinburne for the appropriate duration and must be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Faculty of Business and Enterprise Research Committee and the Higher Degrees Committee that they are able to meet with their supervisors in person to discuss progress at least once every calendar month, or have made satisfactory arrangements for discussion to occur by other means (e.g. via email). All candidates are expected to demonstrate satisfactory progress on an annual basis. To be assessed for a Doctor of Philosophy, candidates must present a major thesis based on original research, investigation or development work carried out under Swinburne staff supervision either at Swinburne or externally. Please note that due to government regulatory requirements, international students holding student visas must enrol in the full-time program.
Career Opportunities:
This PhD degree is designed to provide training and education to produce graduates with the capacity to conduct independent, advanced research. On completion, the student should be capable of conducting a complex research program without supervision.
Entry Requirements:
An appropriate bachelor degree with first class honours from a recognised tertiary institution or a master degree with a research component. Prior degrees do not have to be in business or related areas as other relevant activities, including work experience, will be taken into account in assessing applications. If applicants do not have a business related degree, the other activities must provide a background in the area in which they wish to undertake their research.Overseas candidates must hold a master or honours degree, deemed by NOOSR to be equivalent to an Australian master or honours degree.
Course Fees:
$A20,000 per year (Fee waivers are available in some circumstances)
Application Procedure:
Applicants should initially consult with a preferred supervisor, (please see listing on the Faculty of Business and Enterprise website) or with Professor Louise Kloot, Associate Dean Research, Faculty of Business and Enterprise to discuss their proposed research direction and to determine that appropriate resources and facilities are available for the supervision of the proposed research. Applicants will need to work with a supervisor to develop a brief research proposal before submitting an application. Applications without agreed supervisors will not be considered. Telelphone: (03) 9214 8605 to discuss proposed research direction and to determine whether appropriate resources and facilities are available for the supervison of the proposed research. Application forms can be obtained through the Swinburne Research website and can be submitted at any time of the year. Completed application forms can be mailed to: Ms Anne Cain Mail No H 95 Swinburne University of Technology PO Box 218 Hawthorn 3122 Victoria Australia Application forms will then be referred to the Faculty of Business and Enterprise Research Committee. Subsequently, applications are referred to the Higher Degrees Committee for final approval. Formal enrolment in the program takes place soon after.
Further information:
Faculty of Business and Enterprise Ms Anne Cain Research Administration Coordinator Tel: + 61 3 9214 8605 Fax: + 61 3 9819 2117 Professor Louise Kloot Associate Dean (Research) Tel: +61 3 9214 8605 Fax: +61 3 9819 2117 Email: FBEresearch@swin.edu.au
